Podcast Summary: MickeyJoTheatre Episode on "Boop! The Musical"

Introduction

In the April 28, 2025 release of the MickeyJoTheatre podcast, host Mickey-Jo delves into a comprehensive review of the Broadway production "Boop! The Musical," which premiered at the Broadhurst Theatre. As a prominent voice in theatre criticism with a substantial YouTube following, Mickey-Jo offers an in-depth analysis, balancing both commendations and criticisms to provide listeners with a nuanced perspective on the latest Broadway offerings.

Overview of "Boop! The Musical"

"Boop! The Musical" centers around the iconic character Betty Boop, transitioning her from her classic black-and-white animation origins into a contemporary Broadway setting. The musical follows Betty's journey as she seeks fulfillment beyond her self-contained universe, leading her to the human world via a device created by her scientifically gifted grandfather.

Story and Narrative Critique

Mickey-Jo expresses concerns regarding the musical's narrative strength, highlighting that "a musical ought to have, at the bare minimum, two things, a great story and great songs" (00:00). He argues that while the foundational concept of Betty Boop as a beloved character is solid, the execution falters in delivering a compelling storyline. The protagonist's quest for meaning in the real world mirrors themes seen in recent films like the Barbie movie, leading to inevitable comparisons that Mickey-Jo finds somewhat unoriginal.

A significant point of contention is the lack of depth in addressing Betty's transition from a purely aesthetic symbol to a character with meaningful agency. Mickey-Jo critiques the superficial handling of Betty's struggle with her identity and societal perceptions, noting, "Betty doesn't actually get to make the choice to go back to her own world" ([transcript time not provided]). This, he believes, undermines the emotional stakes of the narrative, leaving the audience disengaged from Betty's journey.

Visual and Design Elements Praise

Despite his reservations about the story, Mickey-Jo lauds several aspects of the production's design and visual appeal:

• Direction and Choreography: Directed and choreographed by Jerry Mitchell, the musical boasts "rich visuals" and "engaging and exciting" staging that prevent the production from feeling sluggish despite its narrative shortcomings (09:30).

• Scenic and Costume Design: The scenic design by David Rockwell and costumes by Greg Barnes receive high praise for their stunning and striking aesthetics. Mickey-Jo is particularly impressed with the wig design by Sabana Majeed, noting, "creating her hair, which defies gravity and physics" showcases exceptional craftsmanship (20:45).

• Projection and Puppet Design: Finn Ross's projection design effectively complements the transition between Betty's black-and-white world and the vibrant human realm. Additionally, the marionette work by Philip Huber, who controls Betty's dog Pudgy, is highlighted as "legitimately scene-stealing" and deserving of accolades (15:10).

Performances Review

Mickey-Jo offers a balanced critique of the cast's performances, with standout praise for certain actors:

• Jasmine Amy Rogers (Betty Boop): Described as "sensational" and "a star making role," Rogers delivers a heartfelt and nuanced portrayal of Betty Boop. Her performance, characterized by emotional vulnerability and vocal prowess, elevates the character beyond mere caricature (30:20). Mickey-Jo is moved by Rogers' ability to infuse humanity into Betty, stating, "she spends so much of the show with a tear in her eye" and commending her for making Betty both endearing and relatable.

• Philip Huber (Pudgy the Dog): The puppeteer behind Pudgy receives exceptional praise for bringing the animated dog to life with "so much character" and "dexterity". Mickey-Jo humorously suggests, "I would unironically give him a Tony Award nomination" for his impressive work (25:00).

• Supporting Cast: Stephen DeRosa as Grampy and Faith Prince as Valentina are noted for their exaggerated and whimsical portrayals, though Mickey-Jo feels that Prince's role lacks substantial purpose within the narrative. Similarly, Eric Bergen and Ainsley Mellon are acknowledged for their talents, with Mellon’s character development deemed somewhat convoluted (35:45; 38:10).

• Angelica Hale: Making her Broadway debut, 17-year-old Hale is highlighted as a "brilliant young actress" with a distinctive vocal tone, though her character’s role is critiqued for lack of clarity and depth (40:00).

Musical Score and Lyrics

The musical’s score, composed by Grammy-winning David Foster in collaboration with lyricist Susan Birkenhead, is praised for its "jazzy" and "Jazz Age" feel, aligning perfectly with Betty Boop’s timeless aesthetic. The song "Where I Want to Be" is singled out as a standout piece, embodying the character's internal struggles and aspirations (25:30).

Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Mickey-Jo concludes his review with a candid assessment, acknowledging the production's entertainment value while reiterating the need for a stronger narrative foundation. He remarks, "there is certainly fun to be had at Boop," but emphasizes that the musical would benefit from a more robust storyline that fully explores Betty Boop's legacy and agency.

Despite his criticisms, Mickey-Jo encourages listeners to experience the show, particularly to witness Jasmine Amy Rogers' captivating performance and enjoy the visual spectacle. He remains hopeful for future iterations of a Betty Boop musical that may better harness the character's potential as a symbol of empowerment and depth.

Notable Quotes:

• Mickey-Jo (@00:00): "A musical ought to have, at the bare minimum, two things, a great story and great songs."

• Mickey-Jo (@30:20): "She spends so much of the show with a tear in her eye," referring to Jasmine Amy Rogers' portrayal of Betty Boop.

• Mickey-Jo (@25:00): "I would unironically give him a Tony Award nomination for best featured actor in a musical" about Philip Huber's puppeteering of Pudgy.

Final Remarks

Mickey-Jo invites listeners to share their thoughts on "Boop! The Musical" and stay tuned for more reviews of current Broadway and West End productions. He hints at upcoming content related to Tony nominations and encourages engagement through comments and subscriptions.

Listeners seeking a visually engaging and performance-driven experience might find "Boop! The Musical" worthwhile, especially for its technical achievements and standout performances. However, those desiring a deeply resonant narrative may find the production lacking in that regard.

For more detailed reviews and theatre insights, subscribe to MickeyJoTheatre on YouTube or follow the podcast on your preferred platform.