David Foster Brings Betty Boop to Broadway With Upcoming Musical and New Projects

David Foster, the legendary composer and producer, is set to make his mark on Broadway in 2025 with Boop! The Musical, an adaptation of the beloved 1930s cartoon character Betty Boop. Opening at New York’s Broadhurst Theatre on April 5, the production marks the culmination of a decade-long journey to bring the iconic character to the stage.

Foster, who composed the score, collaborates with lyricist Susan Birkenhead (Jelly’s Last Jam) and book writer Bob Martin (The Drowsy Chaperone). Directed and choreographed by Tony Award winner Jerry Mitchell (Kinky Boots), the musical combines dazzling visuals, Foster’s lush melodies, and a standout performance by newcomer Jasmine Amy Rogers as Betty Boop, earning rave reviews during its Chicago tryout last year.

Set against the backdrop of Betty’s grayscale Jazz Age world, the story takes a colorful turn when a time-traveling invention lands her in contemporary New York. Critics have praised the show as “visually stunning,” “aurally pleasing,” and a “whimsical production with universal appeal,” with Rogers’ portrayal and Foster’s score standing out as highlights.

Previews for Boop! begin on March 11, with the production backed by a $26 million capitalization. Foster, who will be in New York for rehearsals by February, described the show as a refreshing, light-hearted alternative to the heavier themes dominating Broadway.

A Second Musical in Development

In addition to Boop!, Foster is developing another musical, Lucky Us, based on Amy Bloom’s 2014 novel. The period piece follows two half-sisters navigating life in 1930s and 1940s America, from small-town Ohio to Hollywood glamour and New York’s jazz scene. Collaborating with songwriter AnnMarie Milazzo (Once on This Island) and book writer James Magruder (Head Over Heels), Foster aims to infuse the production with the jazz-infused spirit of the era.

Tony-nominated director Michael Greif (Dear Evan Hansen) has already helmed a developmental reading, with another planned for March. While casting details remain under wraps, Foster notes that the project is progressing more quickly than Boop!, buoyed by his growing confidence in the theatrical space.

A Storied Career Expanding Into Theater

With 16 Grammy Awards, three Oscar nominations, and an Emmy to his name, Foster’s venture into Broadway offers a new frontier for the celebrated musician. Known for his work with superstars like Whitney Houston, Celine Dion, and Michael Bublé, Foster is no stranger to crafting timeless hits. Now, he’s channeling that talent into storytelling on stage, with the potential for a Tony Award in his future.

As Foster continues to juggle his musical projects, including a December-January tour with his wife Katharine McPhee and collaborations on new recordings, his foray into Broadway underscores his enduring drive and creative versatility. Whether through Betty Boop’s adventures or the heartfelt tale of Lucky Us, Foster’s Broadway debut promises to enchant audiences and solidify his legacy in yet another arena of entertainment.

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