BOOP!
Tampa

The Making of Boop! — Turning an Animation Legend into Broadway Gold

The road from animated short to Broadway stage was nearly a century in the making for Betty Boop. First appearing in the Talkartoon series produced by Fleischer Studios in 1930, Betty evolved from a supporting character into the undisputed star of her own cartoon universe. Her pre-Code era cartoons pushed the boundaries of what animation could express, featuring surreal storylines, jazz-infused soundtracks, and a heroine whose combination of innocence and sophistication was unlike anything audiences had seen. When the Hays Code tightened content restrictions in 1934, Betty's cartoons were toned down, but her image endured as a symbol of creative freedom and feminine independence that only grew more powerful with each passing decade.

Producer Jayson Raitt recognized Betty's untapped theatrical potential and assembled a creative team capable of building a Broadway-caliber musical around a character whose appeal had always been primarily visual. Composer David Foster, whose 16 Grammy Awards and decades of hit-making experience gave him unmatched credentials in popular music, crafted an original score that ranged from brassy show-stoppers to tender ballads, giving Betty a singing voice that matched her outsized personality. Lyricist Susan Birkenhead provided words with both wit and emotional depth, while book writer Bob Martin — the Tony Award winner behind The Drowsy Chaperone — wrote a story that placed Betty at the center of a genuinely moving narrative about self-discovery in a confusing world.

Director and choreographer Jerry Mitchell shaped the production's physical language with the same inventiveness that earned him the Tony for Kinky Boots. His staging for Boop! blends precision tap sequences with contemporary ensemble work, creating a visual rhythm that mirrors the show's central tension between Betty's stylized cartoon origins and the messy reality she encounters in modern New York. The design team — scenic designer David Rockwell, projection designer Finn Ross, costume designer Gregg Barnes, and lighting designer Philip S. Rosenberg — created a theatrical world where hand-drawn animation and live performance coexist seamlessly, using cutting-edge projection technology to bring Betty's cartoon reality to three-dimensional life on stage.

The 50-city national tour carries these production elements across the country to venues as varied as the intimate Fisher Theatre in Detroit and the grand Carol Morsani Hall at the Straz Center in Tampa. Each stop on the tour adapts the Broadway production's technical demands to the specific capabilities of the hosting venue, ensuring that audiences experience the full impact of the show's visual storytelling regardless of where they see it. The Tampa engagement in April 2027 brings Boop! to one of Florida's most active Broadway touring markets, where the Straz Center has built a loyal subscriber base through years of consistently delivering top-tier productions. Other confirmed tour stops include Cincinnati, Detroit, Louisville, Atlanta, Houston, Kansas City, Orlando, Fort Worth, Las Vegas, and Tempe.

What has surprised many critics and audiences about Boop! is its emotional resonance. Beneath the glittering costumes and animated projections lies a story about a character learning to exist outside the boundaries she was created within — finding courage, vulnerability, and genuine human connection in a world that is far more complicated than anything her creators imagined. For Tampa theatergoers experiencing the show at the Straz Center, this combination of spectacular entertainment and heartfelt storytelling makes Boop! a standout addition to the 2026-2027 touring Broadway season and an ideal spring evening along the Riverwalk.

The production's orchestrations by Doug Besterman and musical arrangements by Daryl Waters translate David Foster's pop-influenced compositions into a full Broadway sound that fills even the largest touring houses. The score moves fluidly between high-energy production numbers and quieter character moments, giving the cast opportunities to showcase both vocal power and dramatic subtlety. Sound designer Gareth Owen, whose credits include several West End and Broadway hits, designed an audio environment that keeps the lyrics intelligible even during the show's most visually extravagant sequences — a technical achievement that enhances the audience experience at every venue on the tour, from the intimate stages of smaller cities to the grand proscenium of Carol Morsani Hall in Tampa.

How to Buy Boop! The Musical Tampa Tickets

Where can I buy Boop! Tampa tickets?

Tickets may be available through the Straz Center box office, Ticketmaster, and the official Boop! The Musical website. For verified resale tickets, BigStub offers a trusted marketplace with no hidden fees and a buyer guarantee supported by over 20 years of industry experience.

When does Boop! play at the Straz Center?

Boop! The Musical is scheduled at Carol Morsani Hall at the Straz Center from April 20 through 25, 2027. The run includes evening performances and matinees across the engagement. Check the Straz Center website for the complete schedule and updated showtimes.

What should I know about the Straz Center?

The Straz Center for the Performing Arts is located at 1010 N. W.C. MacInnes Place along the Tampa Riverwalk in downtown Tampa. Carol Morsani Hall seats approximately 2,610 guests and is the venue's primary house for Broadway touring productions. Parking is available on-site and in nearby lots, and the Riverwalk location offers convenient access to waterfront restaurants.

Are resale tickets for Boop! legitimate and safe?

Absolutely — platforms like BigStub authenticate every ticket and guarantee each purchase. With over two decades in the resale industry and the highest Trustpilot rating among ticket marketplaces, BigStub provides a safe, transparent buying experience with dedicated customer support available from purchase through showtime.

What if I need to resell my Boop! tickets?

If your plans change, authorized resale platforms may allow you to list your verified tickets for other fans to purchase. Review the terms of your original ticket purchase for any applicable transfer or resale policies before listing.

Boop! The Musical Tampa — Frequently Asked Questions

What is the storyline of Boop! The Musical?

Boop! The Musical follows Betty Boop as she ventures beyond her animated world into the chaos of modern New York City. Struggling to navigate real life for the first time, Betty discovers courage, friendship, and the importance of staying true to herself. The show features an original story with all-new music by David Foster.

How long does a Boop! The Musical performance last?

A typical Boop! performance runs approximately two hours and 15 minutes with one intermission. Running times may vary slightly between venues on the national tour.

Who composed the music for Boop! The Musical?

The score was written by David Foster, a 16-time Grammy Award-winning composer and music producer. Foster is known for his work with artists across pop, rock, and R&B and brings his signature melodic style to the Broadway stage.

What awards did Boop! win during its Broadway run?

The production earned three Tony Award nominations in 2025 for Best Leading Actress, Best Costume Design, and Best Direction. It also won three Drama Desk Awards and three Outer Critics Circle Awards during its run at the Broadhurst Theatre.

Is Boop! The Musical appropriate for all ages?

Yes, Boop! is a family-friendly show with colorful visuals, engaging choreography, and an uplifting message. The production is suitable for audiences of all ages, though very young children may find the full two-hour-plus runtime challenging.

Where is Carol Morsani Hall at the Straz Center?

Carol Morsani Hall is the main Broadway venue within the Straz Center for the Performing Arts, located at 1010 N. W.C. MacInnes Place in downtown Tampa along the Riverwalk. The venue is accessible from I-275 and I-4, with parking available on-site.

How many performances of Boop! are scheduled in Tampa?

The Tampa engagement runs from April 20 through 25, 2027, with eight performances including evening shows and matinees. Check the Straz Center website for the specific schedule and any added performances.

What other cities is the Boop! tour visiting?

The 50-city national tour includes confirmed stops in Rochester, Cincinnati, Detroit, Louisville, Atlanta, Houston, Kansas City, Orlando, Fort Worth, Las Vegas, and Tempe, among many others. The tour launches in fall 2026 and continues through 2027.

Can I purchase group tickets for Boop! at the Straz Center?

Group ticket packages are generally available through the Straz Center for parties of 10 or more. Contact the box office directly for group pricing, seating options, and any special offers for the Boop! engagement.

What dining options are near the Straz Center?

The Straz Center sits along the Tampa Riverwalk, surrounded by waterfront restaurants, cafes, and bars in downtown Tampa. The nearby Tampa Heights and Water Street neighborhoods also offer diverse dining options within a short drive of the venue.

Who directed Boop! The Musical?

Jerry Mitchell directed and choreographed the production. A Tony Award winner for Kinky Boots, Mitchell is one of Broadway's most acclaimed director-choreographers, with additional credits including Legally Blonde and La Cage aux Folles.

What makes Boop! different from other jukebox musicals?

Unlike traditional jukebox musicals built around existing pop catalogs, Boop! features an entirely original score composed by David Foster specifically for the theater. The show combines live performance with animated projection design to create a unique visual experience that bridges cartoon and reality on stage.