The Broadway stage welcomed Boop! The Musical with high expectations, hoping to breathe new life into the legendary 1930s cartoon character Betty Boop. But despite the nostalgic appeal and dazzling dance numbers, the production is now rumored to be closing by the end of June 2025 due to underwhelming financial performance.
The show has consistently filled less than 85% of its seats, and weekly gross revenues have struggled to reach the half-million-dollar mark. This level of income is not enough to sustain a Broadway show of this magnitude, especially one with a large ensemble cast and extensive production costs.
As noted in this article from INKL, the production’s troubles deepened when it was excluded from the 2025 Tony Awards lineup. Efforts to secure a performance slot were unsuccessful—likely due to either the inability to pay a required $300,000 fee or a fan petition that failed to meet its goal.
Beyond financial concerns, Boop! has been criticized for its creative direction. Theater critics and fans alike have noted that the storyline lacks depth and seems secondary to the musical numbers. Reviews often call the plot formulaic and uninspired, with little to justify reviving the character for a modern audience.
A further source of controversy surrounds the casting of Jasmine Amy Rodgers in the role of Betty Boop. Many online, especially on TikTok, have voiced disappointment over what they perceive as a miscast lead—arguing that Betty Boop has historically been portrayed as white, and therefore Rodgers, who is Black, does not match the character’s established image.
Attempting to put the controversy to rest, influencer Inessa Lee took to Instagram with a viral message: “Could you please stop arguing whether Betty Boop was black or white, because she was Jewish.” Her post reignited discussion about Betty’s heritage, referencing creator Max Fleischer’s Jewish roots and details like Betty’s father wearing a kippah in early animations.
Rodgers’ journey to the role was itself unusual. Initially turned down due to weak choreography, she reportedly auditioned seven times before being cast. While she later earned a Tony nomination, her lack of on-stage presence at the awards—and the show’s continued struggles—have led many to question whether she was the right choice for the part.
Despite injections of capital from angel investors, box office numbers since April 2025 have remained low. Whether Boop! The Musical can recover or is headed for an early closure remains to be seen.