By Betty Boop is an iconic cartoon character of the 1930s, known for her signature voice, memorable catchphrases, and Jazz Age charm. With more than 90 theatrical cartoons, comic strips, merchandise, and film appearances to her name, Betty and her cartoon friends have delighted audiences for generations. The latest incarnation of the beloved character is BOOP! The Musical, currently playing at the Fabulous Fox Theatre.
In the musical, Betty happily exists in her black-and-white cartoon world, filming shorts for the enjoyment of audiences everywhere. However, when questioned about who she truly is, she realizes that a little soul-searching may be in order. With the help of one of Grampy’s inventions, she teleports herself into the modern world, a place filled with color and pop culture references she doesn’t understand. As she meets new friends, Betty embarks on a journey to find herself.
The musical’s success rests largely on the talent of its titular star, Aliya Grace. With impressive dance moves, powerhouse vocals, and her charming recreation of Betty’s signature speaking voice, Grace brings the character to life with a warmth and heart that elevates her beyond a mere caricature. She particularly shines in the show-stopping number “Something to Shout About.” Dan Mason is a delight to watch as Grampy, while Ashley Calderon brings youthful energy and a powerful voice to her role as Trisha, a new friend Betty makes in the real world. As Dwayne, Trisha’s brother, Mason Ballard brings Jazz Age swagger and smooth vocals to the stage, particularly in “I Speak Jazz.”
The musical is a glitzy celebration of the Jazz Age and the golden age of talkies and cartoons. Fans of Betty Boop and other classic animated characters will delight in the nostalgia and easter egg-filled references throughout the production. The show is packed with energetic, impressive song-and-dance numbers, beginning with the opening, “A Little Versatility,” which sets a high bar for the rest of the evening. The music and choreography artfully blends the jazz and big Broadway production numbers of the past with contemporary influences, including hip-hop and modern musical theater. It is in these numbers that the production truly shines. The impressive choreography pays homage to the grand musical shows of the 1930s and ’40s. The set design effortlessly brings Betty’s cartoon world to life, delightfully transitioning between black-and-white and vibrant color. The costumes, light design and staging further enhance the visual appeal, adding to the magic unfolding onstage.
Unfortunately, beyond the glitz and glamour of the musical numbers, the plot is rather thin. It almost feels as though the two acts were conceived with entirely different ideas in mind. The first act focuses on Betty’s arrival in a new world as she begins to discover who she truly is. The second act, however, seems unsure of how to answer that question. Suddenly, what began as only a lighthearted comedy introduces themes of women’s rights, pay equity, and wealth inequality. Yet these important issues are largely confined to a single musical number, while many of Betty’s conversations and revelations about them apparently take place offstage. The result is a disconnect between the significance of these topics and their hasty, ultimately unsatisfying resolution. These themes could have been woven throughout the musical, giving Betty’s journey greater depth and meaning. Instead, her resolution feels rushed and seemingly contradicts the very lessons she has just learned. Perhaps this simplistic storytelling is intended to evoke the cartoon shorts of the golden age, but modern audiences are more than capable of embracing a musical that artfully balances comedy with meaningful social commentary.
BOOP! The Musical delivers high-energy music and dazzling choreography that are a joy to watch, even if the story itself lacks depth. Audiences should go in expecting a celebration of a beloved cartoon character and the nostalgia she inspires. With that in mind, the production still offers an entertaining and enjoyable evening at the theater.
Photo credit: Matthew Murphy