Actress Jasmine Amy Rogers – 'Boop-Oop-a-Dooping' as 'Boop! The Musical' Hits Broadway

Is there a more iconic Depression era cartoon character than Betty Boop? She was first introduced as (of all things) an anthropomorphic French poodle in her first appearance in 1930, but within a year took the recognizable human form she's maintained for nearly a century. Her style is distinct, if only because she was the only cartoon character who hinted at sexuality. With low-cut dresses that showed cleavage, high heels, and a garter belt she would snap to get attention, Boop was inspired by 1920s flappers (particularly actress Clara Bow).

She was flirtatious, but virtuous, during the ten years she was featured in animated shorts. When Boop caught on in 1932, singer Helen Kane sued Boop creator Max Fleischer and Paramount, claiming exploitation of her personality and image, but lost the case. Nonetheless, the animated character's provocative ways led to censorship troubles with the advent of the Hays Code that regulated sexuality in Hollywood films. After 1934, Betty's looks became demurer and her behavior tamer.

Her comeback came in the 1950s when the 110 cartoons made featuring her were released to television. She has been part of culture ever since, famously making a cameo in 1988's "Who Framed Roger Rabbit" with actress Mae Questel, the character's voice throughout the 1930s, making a return to echo her famous phrase "Boop Oop a Doop" one last time.

Betty Boop has yet to have her own animated film, but now has a Broadway musical – "Boop! The Musical," which opens on April 5 after nearly a month of previews. It will mark the debut of the incredibly successful songwriter and producer David Foster, who wrote the score with lyricist Susan Birkenhead ("Jelly's Last Jam") and book by Bob Martin ("The Drowsy Chaperone"). Its premise follows Betty's journey out of the black-and-white world of cartoons into color-drenched contemporary New York. It is directed and choreographed by Tony-winning Jerry Mitchell ("Kinky Boots").

Starring in the titular role is Broadway newcomer Jasmine Amy Rogers, who premiered in the role in Chicago in late 2023. In reviewing for the Chicago Tribune, Chris Jones wrote that while the musical's second act needed work, Rogers is "already is the complete Broadway package: a stellar vocalist for the lush score by David Foster and Susan Birkenhead, a subtle comedic natural when it comes to Bob Martin's book and, above all, a warm-centered and vulnerable performer who humanizes the central character in a show that has yet to surround her with sufficient truth for this director and choreographer's signature emotional trajectory to achieve all it could. Mitchell is a talent scout of formidable skill and Rogers is a discovery neither he or Broadway will soon forget."

EDGE spoke to Rogers as the show began its New York preview engagement.

EDGE: What is "Boop! The Musical" about?

Jasmine Amy Rogers: "Boop! The Musical" is about Betty Boop. She has lived as an actress, a singer, and a dancer for many years, but feels like something is missing. So, she decides to go on this grand adventure to modern-day New York City, where she finds love, family, and friendship that bring a little color into her life.

EDGE: Congratulations! This is your Broadway debut. What does it feel like to be here finally?

Jasmine Amy Rogers: It's incredible. I had to step back from things a little so it doesn't overwhelm me. Once I had my first day in the studio, it hit me, and I started to cry because I couldn't believe that I got to do this and that I'd made it this far. It's really special to me.

EDGE: How does it feel to bring an iconic cartoon character to life?

Jasmine Amy Rogers: It's amazing, and it's such an honor. She's so iconic because she is every woman. The fact that I get to step into that woman is really cool.

EDGE: I read that you battled imposter syndrome to land this role. Can you explain?

Jasmine Amy Rogers: I didn't believe in myself in the necessary way to carry a show, and I was doubting my capabilities. What changed for me was my last work session with our associate director, DB Bonds, and he said to me, "If you want this role, you have to walk in there and own it and own what you do, because what I do is not what that person does. It's individual to you, and you have to own that." So, I just pulled up my big girl pants and went in the next day, standing in who I was. I could tell at that moment that I had done exactly what they needed me to do.

EDGE: How have you been able to connect with a 1930s character?

Jasmine Amy Rogers: It's not too crazy, because Betty was ahead of her time. In a way, she was a feminist of her time. She did what she wanted to do. She dated who she wanted to. She avoided who she wanted to. She worked any job she could, and she lived by herself in the city. She was just so independent. I find there's a lot of that in me. Like me, she is a lot of fun, and filled with joy. She fits on me like a glove. How she speaks and moves takes a little work, but it has come way easier than I thought.

EDGE: Describe the music.

Jasmine Amy Rogers: I would say our soundtrack is a mixture of this beautiful 1930s sound with a full orchestrations and bouncy kind of hip and hitting version of today's music with lyrics that really merge the two worlds together. You hear that in a lot of Betty's songs. There is a playful lyricism, and in our today's music [is] just a mirror of the way we are today and the way we speak today and move today. It's a really beautiful merging of worlds.

EDGE: What is it like getting to work with David Foster?

Jasmine Amy Rogers: It's astounding. Every day, I feel like I learn another song he's written or another person he's worked with. He's so gracious and kind. He gets things done in a way that I love. He's a perfectionist in a unique way that I can relate to. There's nobody like him on this planet. No one like him knows music the way he does. He crawls inside of a song while creating it and owns it. It's really cool to watch.

EDGE: Betty Boop's iconic catchphrase is "Boop-Oop-a-Doop," or sometimes, "Boop-Boop-Be-Doop." How does this reflect her character?

Jasmine Amy Rogers: It's like a sassy little wrap-up of everything she is. It's like a little hat and a wink she pops on. She's not apologizing for who she is. She's just boop-booping along.

EDGE: Betty Boop was the modern woman trying to stay in charge of herself and her sexuality. What is your message to your female audience, especially in these scary times?

Jasmine Amy Rogers: My message would be to stand firm in who you are, lead with love, and do the things that scare you. Most importantly, stand and fight for what's right.

EDGE: Why does this story matter right now?

Jasmine Amy Rogers: We need love and joy. We need to be reminded of what it feels like to be loved. It's a very scary time right now, and I think people need to feel seen and loved. And I hope (and think) our show does that.

"Boop! The Musical" is in previews at the Broadhurst Theatre, 235 West 44th Street, New York, NY. It opens on April 5. For more information, visit the show's website.

Watch the musical's trailer: