BroadwayRadio – This Week on Broadway for December 7, 2025: Jasmine Amy Rogers

Podcast: BroadwayRadio
Host: James Marino
Panelists: Peter Floyd, Michael Portantier
Special Guest: Jasmine Amy Rogers
Release Date: December 7, 2025

Episode Overview

This week, BroadwayRadio welcomes Jasmine Amy Rogers as a special guest, fresh off her star turn as Betty Boop and currently starring in "The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee." The episode dives deep into Jasmine’s unique Broadway journey, her early inspirations in Texas, her breakout year, and a thoughtful look at her future projects. The hosts also offer lively reviews of notable current productions, including "It's a Wonderful Life" at Irish Rep, "The Queen of Versailles," and more.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Jasmine Amy Rogers: From Houston to Broadway Star

• Breakout Success: Jasmine discusses her rapid rise, from workshopping "Betty Boop" in 2020–2021, transitioning from a supporting role (Trisha) to starring as Betty, and the profound excitement and support from her family when the show hit Broadway.
  • "It changed my life in the most unbelievable way. I can't—not believe it, still." — Jasmine (11:55)
• Versatility Onstage: Panelists praise her transformative acting, noting her seamless shift from Betty Boop to the role of Olive in "Spelling Bee."
  • "You fooled me completely… When an actress can do that, that's really an achievement.” — Peter Floyd (12:29)
  • "I had the same exact experience… She's really good." — Michael Portantier (12:43)
• Choosing "Spelling Bee": Jasmine wanted to show her versatility with a role "completely different from Betty" and relished being in such a brilliant, heartfelt show (13:01).
• Role Preparation and Character Insight:
  • Olive is the heart of "Spelling Bee." Her kindness, resilience, and layered emotional life bring depth to the show’s comedy.
  • "It's a really surprising, brilliant show… Olive's heroism is that she still chooses to be kind." — Jasmine (17:46)
• Audience Interaction: The improvisational and participatory style of "Spelling Bee" brings unexpected joy and comedy, especially when children or adults join the stage.
  • "We make them do all these silly things… It's the most joyful thing I've ever done on stage." — Jasmine (20:12)

2. Jasmine’s Artistic Roots and Early Inspirations

• Texas Beginnings:
  • Raised in Houston, she credits local arts programs and parental encouragement for driving her ambition.
  • "Texas really breeds great art… I constantly am meeting talented people from there. Maybe it's work ethic." — Jasmine (15:27)
• High School Roles:
  • From the Witch in "Into the Woods" (her ‘Jimmy’ Award-winning role) to quirky turns in "Zombie Prom" and "Noises Off."
  • "That’s where a lot of my Betty character may have started… creating this goofy, sweet girl." — Jasmine (16:45)
• Parental Support and Success:
  • Peter notes a direct correlation between parental support and later artistic achievement—a sentiment Jasmine’s story exemplifies. (16:04)

3. Industry Experiences and Star Encounters

• The Jimmy Awards, Manhattan School of Music, and First Broadway Trips:
  • First Broadway show was "Phantom of the Opera"—a life-changing experience underscored by school-organized theater trips.
  • "I remember crying during Masquerade, thinking, I want to sing like that." — Jasmine (24:14)
• Working With Notables:
  • Jasmine recounts her awe at working alongside stars like Lilli Cooper and Faith Prince, the latter of whom became a major mentor and friend.
  • "I can’t believe I get to work with her… Faith Prince has become like family." — Jasmine (26:10, 26:58)
  • "You have to see this show for Jasmine Amy Rogers!" — Faith Prince (relayed by Michael, 26:41)

4. Career Support System

• Her Team:
  • Grateful for agents, her music team at Melody Place Records, publicists, friends and family, especially citing a lineage of strong women.
  • "I've been lucky that my life has brought incredible people around me… these successes come from the people who have lifted me up." — Jasmine (23:45)

5. Looking Ahead: Future Projects

• Upcoming in 2026:
  • "Oklahoma!" at Carnegie Hall (Ado Annie), directed by Shuler Hensley (27:43)
  • Headlining at JTF Atlanta Junior Theater Festival.
  • City Center Encores: "The Wild Party" (LaChiusa version).
  • "It's already setting up to be an incredible year." — Jasmine (28:00)

Other Panel Highlights & Reviews

Notable Quotes and Moments

On Len Cariou and "An Evening With…" (07:16–08:36)

• Michael Portantier excitedly discusses plans to interview Len Cariou and reunite with Broadway colleagues Leroy Reams and Penny Fuller.

"It's a Wonderful Life" at Irish Rep (30:17–39:42)

• Peter and Michael are both charmed by this radio-play adaptation—surprised by its effective storytelling, lively performances, and musical additions.
  • "It was really a delight and I’m very glad I saw it for awards consideration." — Peter (34:34)
  • "The adaptation was just absolutely lovely… and Ali Ewoldt was wonderful as Mrs. Bailey." — Michael (34:36)

"The Queen of Versailles" – Sherry Renee Scott’s Standby Performance (40:00–44:50)

• Michael describes Scott's turn as "fantastic," praising her for layering subtext and nuance into the role, and offering critical thoughts on how the show could be stronger with different editing.

"Gotta Dance" at York Theatre (45:43–48:00)

• Peter enjoys the show for its surprise and nostalgia, especially for fans who long for more robust Broadway choreography.

"Porgy and Bess" at the Met (48:37–53:44)

• Michael, glowing about the production and new cast, calls it a "masterwork" and urges everyone to catch it, praising judicious edits and standout performances.

"A Christmas Carol" at Perelman Performing Arts Center (54:07–57:11)

• Peter highlights Nancy Opel's infectious enthusiasm and acknowledges creative twists in the adaptation.
  • "You are going to see scenes… that, at least to me, were new. It’s really quite good." — Peter

"World of Tomorrow" at The Shed (57:46–66:38)

• Michael praises Kelly’s flawless New York accent and Tom Hanks’s warm, earnest stage presence. Notes some flaws in direction but commends the writing and acting overall.

Notable Quotes (with Timestamps & Attribution)

• "It changed my life in the most unbelievable way. I can't—I can't believe it still."
  — Jasmine Amy Rogers on starring in "Betty Boop" (11:55)

• "That I was impressed… but didn’t recognize you in this other show. When an actress can do that, that’s really an achievement."
  — Peter Floyd to Jasmine (12:29)

• "It is the most joyful thing that I have ever gotten to do onstage."
  — Jasmine on performing in "Spelling Bee" (20:12)

• "I've been so lucky that my life has brought really incredible people around me."
  — Jasmine, about her team (23:45)

• "Texas really breeds great art... Maybe it's just the work ethic."
  — Jasmine on growing up in Houston (15:27)

• "You can’t do any better than this… It’s very ornate. There are literally 300 lanterns hanging from the ceiling."
  — Peter, reviewing "A Christmas Carol" (56:10)

Key Timestamps for Reference

• 02:16 – Jasmine’s opening musical performance
• 10:19 – Jasmine Amy Rogers joins the conversation
• 11:11 – Jasmine reflects on her journey to "Betty Boop"
• 13:01 – Discussing her decision to do "Spelling Bee"
• 14:05 – Jasmine’s roots in Houston and the Jimmy Awards
• 15:27 – Texas as a creative incubator
• 17:46 – Diving into the character of Olive Ostrovsky
• 20:12 – The joys and challenges of audience participation in "Spelling Bee"
• 21:21 – Jasmine’s history with Betty Boop and theme parks
• 23:45 – On her supportive team, agents, and family
• 24:14 – First Broadway show experience
• 26:10 + 26:58 – Starstruck by working with Lilli Cooper and Faith Prince
• 27:43 – Upcoming 2026 projects
• 30:17 – Reviews segment begins: "It’s a Wonderful Life"
• 40:00 – Sherry Renee Scott in "The Queen of Versailles"
• 45:43 – Review of "Gotta Dance"
• 48:37 – Portrayal of "Porgy & Bess" at the Met

Summary Takeaways

• Jasmine Amy Rogers’s path to Broadway stardom is marked by grit, versatility, and a deep sense of gratitude—for her roles, opportunities, and the people behind her.
• Her transition from Betty Boop to Olive Ostrovsky underlines a commitment to broadening perceptions of her talent.
• The panel’s reviews and conversation reflect the camaraderie and incisive analysis that BroadwayRadio listeners expect, spotlighting both the artistic highlights and the real-world undersides of New York theater.
• The episode is filled with admiration for the resilience of live theater, the unsung heroes behind every performance, and the magical unpredictability of a Broadway journey.

Musical Moment

• Opener & Closer: "Something to Shout About" (Jasmine Amy Rogers from "Boop")
  • Links available in the show notes

For full musical numbers, show links, and more info, visit the episode’s show notes page at BroadwayRadio.com.