“Boop! The Musical” is great fun the North American touring production currently at the Fabulous Fox.

The show is based on Betty Boop and other cartoon characters created by Max Fleischer. The opening recreates an extravagant musical number from the era of black-and-white cartoons. Like the entire show, this number was excitingly directed and choreographed on Broadway by Jerry Mitchell. His marvelous work was recreated for the tour by director DB Bonds and choreographer Rachelle Rak.

At the end of the number, we learn that Betty and her circle are living in an alternate reality in which they are making short films at Fleisher Studios. This entire world is black and white, just like Betty’s films. In a post-performance interview, Betty is thrown when she is asked, “Who is the real Betty Boop?”

When at home with Grampy, her grandfather, Betty admits she yearns to experience something other than her movie star fame. Grampy says he has invented a machine that can transport her to the real world but refuses to let her use it.

After Grampy has fallen asleep, Betty use the machine herself and finds herself at New York City’s Comic Con in 2026, where she is still famous. The stage explodes with color and excitement thanks to the collective brilliance of David Rockwell’s scenic design, Gregg Barnes’ costumes, Philip S. Rosenberg’s lighting, Gareth Owen’s sound, Finn Ross, projections, Sabana Majeed’s wigs and hair design, Michael Clifton makeup, and Skylar Fox’s illusions design.

Two of the first people she meets at Comic Con are Dwayne, a jazz musician who develops a reciprocated infatuation with Betty, and his sister, Tricia, who is already a dedicated fan of Betty’s.

While navigating the real world, Betty is unaware of the trouble caused by her departure from her own reality. She is the reason it exists, and it is fading away without her. Grampy uses his machine to follow Betty and alert her to the danger.

The show has a clever book by Bob Martin and terrific songs by composer David Foster and lyricist Susan Birkenhead. Music director Braden Chudzik conducts the accomplished traveling orchestra.

The excellent touring cast includes Aliya Grace as Betty Boop, Mason Ballard as Dwayne, Ashia Collins as Carol Evans, Michelle Jennings as Valentina, Dan Mason as Grampy, Joshua Woodie as Raymond Demarest, Ashley Calderon as Trisha, Kevin W. Egan as Oscar Delacorte, Kevin Bowman as Arnie Tinkle, and Christian J. Collins as Malcolm. Adam Clarke is the splendid puppeteer dressed in black who brings Betty’s dog, Pudgy, to life. The marionette design is by the Huber Marionettes.

“Boop! The Musical” continues through November 8 at the Fabulous Fox, 527 North Grand Boulevard.

—Gerry Kowarsky

Photo by Matthew Murphy
Aliya Grace (center) as Betty Boop in the North American touring company of Boop! The Musical.