The Final Bow: Unpacking 'Boop!'s Broadway Exit

The Unexpected Curtain Call for a New Production

The musical 'Boop!' will conclude its engagement on Broadway by July 13th. This decision follows a trend of several new productions this spring, including 'Smash,' 'Dead Outlaw,' and 'Real Women Have Curves,' that are also closing their runs. These shows had premiered on Broadway with aspirations of gaining momentum, particularly hoping for recognition and exposure from the recent Tony Awards ceremony.

Critical Acclaim and Financial Realities on Broadway

Despite the show's impending closure, the talent within 'Boop!' did not go unnoticed. Its lead, Jasmine Amy Rogers, received a nomination for a Tony Award for her performance, and the production itself garnered nominations for its costume design and choreography. Rogers also earned the Drama Desk Award for outstanding lead performance, sharing the honor with the esteemed Audra McDonald of 'Gypsy.' However, critical reviews for 'Boop!' were varied, ranging from positive to mixed, particularly regarding its storyline which envisioned the classic cartoon character in a contemporary New York setting.

The Challenge of Sustaining a Broadway Run

The financial viability of 'Boop!' faced significant challenges. For several consecutive weeks, the theater's seating capacity remained around 70 to 80 percent, and the musical consistently fell short of the crucial $1 million benchmark in weekly revenue. In its most recent reported week, the show's earnings were approximately $600,000, having dipped as low as $400,000 in previous periods. The escalating operational costs associated with Broadway musicals, coupled with the imperative to attract substantial audiences, have intensified pressure on productions, leading to a wave of recent closures. This trend was also exemplified by 'Cabaret,' which announced its departure from Broadway after a 14-month engagement.

Missed Opportunities and the Production Team

A notable factor impacting 'Boop!'s visibility was its absence from the Tony Awards telecast, unlike other new musicals. This meant the production missed a significant marketing opportunity that could have potentially boosted ticket sales and public interest. The musical featured a score collaboratively created by David Foster and Susan Birkenhead, with the book written by Bob Martin. The cast included Faith Prince as Valentina, Ainsley Melham as Dwayne, Erich Bergen as Raymond Demarest, Stephen DeRosa as Grampy, Anastacia McCleskey as Carol Evans, Angelica Hale as Trisha, Phillip Huber as Pudgy the Dog, Aubie Merrylees as Oscar Delacorte, and Ricky Schroeder as Clarence.