BOOP!® The Musical Review: A Colorful Treat at the Fabulous Fox
I recently went to see BOOP!® The Musical at the Fabulous Fox Theatre in St. Louis, and it was such a treat.
From the moment the show began, it was filled with color, movement and personality. The choreography was energetic and fun, the vocals were magnificent, and the production captured the animated spirit of Betty Boop in a way that worked beautifully onstage.
A Phenomenal Betty Boop
Aliya Grace, who stars as Betty Boop in the North American tour, was phenomenal.
Her voice was powerful and impressively strong. She was animated, dramatic, charming and super cute—all the qualities you expect from Betty Boop. What impressed me most was how precise her performance felt. From her expressions and movements to her signature voice and mannerisms, she brought the beloved character to life without making the performance feel like an imitation.
She truly embodied Betty Boop.
Fun for the Entire Family
Another thing I appreciated was how family-friendly the musical felt. The production was bright, playful and easy to enjoy, making it a fun option for families with older children or teenagers.
The story follows Betty as she leaves her black-and-white world and enters a colorful, modern-day New York City. Along the way, the show explores finding your voice, discovering who you are and recognizing that you are capable of amazing things.
Even if you didn’t grow up watching Betty Boop, there is enough music, dancing, humor and visual excitement to keep you entertained.
The Fabulous Fox Makes It an Experience
Of course, seeing the show at the Fabulous Fox Theatre made the evening even more special.
A visit to the Fox is always a grand experience. The theatre is so ornate and beautifully detailed that simply walking through the building feels like part of the show. Between the architecture, dramatic décor and historic atmosphere, the Fabulous Fox is an attraction all by itself.
It was the perfect setting for a production as glamorous and visually imaginative as BOOP!® The Musical.
The Complicated History Behind Betty’s Famous “Boop”
While learning more about Betty Boop, I also discovered the story of Esther “Baby Esther” Jones, a young African American performer whose singing style became significant during a famous lawsuit involving Betty Boop.
It is often claimed online that Esther created Betty Boop, but the documented history is more complicated. Betty was created by Fleischer Studios as an embodiment of Jazz Age culture rather than as a direct representation of one performer. However, testimony during Helen Kane’s lawsuit against the studio indicated that Kane had encountered Esther’s earlier “baby-style” singing and scat phrases. Esther’s story remains an important part of the broader cultural history surrounding the sounds and performance styles associated with Betty Boop.
Learning about her added another interesting layer to my experience with the show—and reminded me how often Black artists influenced American entertainment without receiving the recognition they deserved.
My Final Review
BOOP!® The Musical is joyful, energetic and visually exciting. The excellent vocals, costumes, fun choreography and phenomenal performance from its leading star make it a show worth seeing.
Whether you are a longtime Betty Boop fan, introducing a teenager to live theatre or simply looking for an entertaining night out, this production delivers a fun experience with plenty of heart.
If the tour is coming to your city, check it out. You may arrive expecting a cute cartoon character, but you’ll leave impressed by the talent, creativity and inspirational message behind the show.
Tourist tip: If you're planning to see BOOP!® The Musical at the Fabulous Fox Theatre in St. Louis, use code STLTOURGUIDE when purchasing tickets for special VIP rates.
Star Houze | STL Tour Guide Lady
Comments