Another Broadway Show to Close Following Tony Awards Season

Broadway is saying boop-oop-a-doop and goodbye. “Boop! The Musical,” the high-energy, big-budget show inspired by Max Fleischer’s iconic flapper cartoon Betty Boop, is sadly ending its Broadway run on July 13. This makes it the latest casualty in a post-Tony season shake-up. The musical joins “Smash,” “Real Women Have Curves,” and “Dead Outlaw” on the list of recent closures.

After playing 25 previews and 112 regular performances at the Broadhurst Theatre, the musical will close without having recouped its whopping $26 million capitalization, according to The New York Times. Despite costumes that sparkle left and right, spirited and iconic choreography, and a powerhouse performance from Jasmine Amy Rogers, Broadway audiences couldn’t connect with the show.

‘Boop! The Musical’: A Time-Traveling Toon with Big Ambitions

“Boop! The Musical” follows the classic cartoon sweetheart as she’s flung into modern-day New York City from her 1930s world. There, she learns to balance fame, identity, and empowerment in a story that is packed with songs and, yes, sequins. The show features music by David Foster, lyrics by Susan Birkenhead, and a book by Bob Martin. It was directed and choreographed by Tony Award winner Jerry Mitchell, who went on to receive one of the musical’s three Tony nominations.

While the show’s concept was rich with nostalgic sparkle and themes that yelled “girl power,” critics weren’t entirely convinced. Variety’s Frank Rizzo praised the “upbeat score, terrific dance numbers, and delightful designs,” but noted that “other times, it just feels like a knockoff.” Still, Rogers dazzled audiences and critics alike, earning a Tony nomination for Best Actress in a Musical for her star turn as Betty.

The show also earned nominations for Best Choreography and Best Costume Design, but it didn’t manage to take home any statues.

No Tonys, No Tour?

The Tonys are often Broadway’s golden ticket, boosting visibility, sales, and sometimes even prolonging a struggling show’s lifespan. But “Boop!” was one of several recent productions that saw the curtain drop shortly after losing out on awards night.

This was after attendance for the show hovered below the 80% mark throughout its run. According to Deadline, the week ending June 22 saw grosses of $602,017, far from the break-even mark for such an expensive show. 

Still, there was no lack of talent onstage. In addition to Rogers, the cast featured Broadway veterans like Faith Prince, Angelica Hale, Erich Bergen, and Ainsley Melham. The ensemble brought heart, talent, and harmony.

So, if you haven’t caught Betty Boop live and high-kicking, you still have a chance until Sunday, July 13, to bop on down to the Broadhurst Theatre. Betty may be bowing out, but her boop will echo in Broadway lore long after the lights dim.