“Boop” is at The

Fabulous

Fox in

Spectacular Technicolor!

    By Pat Lindsey

“Boop! The Musical” is a cute, cartoonish story set in two worlds—a 1930s black and white cartoon world and a real, contemporary New York life in living color. Having not yet been to a Broadway musical, it is everything I believe a Broadway spectacular should be. It explodes with color with the most clever costumes I’ve ever seen. Colored lighting, energetic choreography, superb singing, and good music are carefully combined to create a dazzling production that is almost sensory overload.

The plot is not thick, but it’s entertaining from start to finish. In the beginning, we meet 1930s Jazz Age cartoon star Betty Boop and her Fleischer studio crew in black and white. The set and actors look like they belong in Pleasantville. Betty is tired of her life in the spotlight and uses her grandfather’s time travel invention to take her 100 years into the future to New York City during Comic Con. In the time it takes to say, “boo boob adoop,” the set magically transforms from black and white to brilliant color.

Aliya Grace is Betty Boop. She is a star in every way—appearance, voice, dancing, and acting ability. When she sings “Where I Wanna Be,” I thought to myself, “this role was made for her.” Being a little ditzy, Betty doesn’t realize how globally famous she is.
Wig designer and hairstylist Sabana Majeed has worked her magic making Aliya Grace look like the cartoon character. Her short, flouncy dresses by Gregg Barnes complete her look.

In New York, Betty soon meets Dwayne (Mason Ballard) and his sister, Trisha (Ashley Calderon), who befriend her. Ballard and Calderon both have great voices that are showcased throughout the show. Predictably, Betty and Dwayne fall for each other—something Betty has never experienced before. From there, the plot thickens a bit as Betty realizes she cannot escape her notoriety as a beloved icon who has withstood the test of time. Eventually, Betty must decide whether she wants to return home or stay with her new friends and pursue romance. Grampy (Dan Mason) comes to the rescue and helps her make her decision.

The storyline is simple enough for children to follow. But in my opinion, the story is secondary to all the technical wonderment and tap dancing talent that is filling the stage.
“Boop! The Musical” is based on a book by Bob Martin, which closely follows the original cartoon. The music is by David Foster, with lyrics by Susan Birkenhead. Jerry Mitchell’s show-stopping dance scenes include a kick line in Times Square, fabulous tap dancing, and precision in changing the dancers from color to black and white to color again.

“Boop! The Musical” is now playing at The Fabulous Fox through Nov. 8. It’s wonderful entertainment for everyone over the age of 8. (Besides that, it’s fun to see a new musical!) Tickets are available through Metrotix at 314-534-1111, visit the Fabulous Fox box office, or go to fabulousfox.com.

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