BOOP! The Betty Boop Musical Touring Reviews

The only thing truly grounding “Boop!” is a star-making performance from Aliya Grace in the titular role. Her high-pitched voice captures Betty’s iconic squeak without veering into hollow caricature. Grace’s Betty is warm, funny and endearing...

The only thing truly grounding “Boop!” is a star-making performance from Aliya Grace in the titular role. Her high-pitched voice captures Betty’s iconic squeak without veering into hollow caricature. Grace’s Betty is warm, funny and endearing with a powerhouse voice. You can’t help but cheer for her, and she is sorely missed during the few moments she isn’t onstage. Grace tears down the house with the score’s standout tune (and arguably the only melody that sticks after bows), the infectious “Where I Wanna Be” at the end of act one, and she makes the world go quiet with her 11 o’clock number, “Something to Shout About.”

Boop isn’t perfect. At times, it’s cheesy, groan-worthy, and downright nonsensical. But that only reinforces my point: it feels like a modern-day version of a Golden Age musical comedy. Beneath its flaws lies a joyous evening of theatre, anchored...

Boop isn’t perfect. At times, it’s cheesy, groan-worthy, and downright nonsensical. But that only reinforces my point: it feels like a modern-day version of a Golden Age musical comedy. Beneath its flaws lies a joyous evening of theatre, anchored by amazing performances (Aliya Grace in particular) fabulous costumes, and energetically bouncy choreography.

As Betty Boop, Aliya Grace is the show’s magnetic center. She makes Betty independent, smart, and appealing, with the presence and energy to carry a production this visually busy. Grace gives the audience a compelling reason to follow Betty even wh...

As Betty Boop, Aliya Grace is the show’s magnetic center. She makes Betty independent, smart, and appealing, with the presence and energy to carry a production this visually busy. Grace gives the audience a compelling reason to follow Betty even when the script wanders.

As the title character, Aliya Grace provides the production with an engaging storyline. Her voice gives Betty the musical presence the role demands, while her physicality allows the audience to suspend their disbelief and accept that their beloved an...

As the title character, Aliya Grace provides the production with an engaging storyline. Her voice gives Betty the musical presence the role demands, while her physicality allows the audience to suspend their disbelief and accept that their beloved animated icon has made it to their dimension. Grace captures Betty’s playful energy through expressive facial work, precise gestures, and movement that feels deliberately larger than life.