BOOP!
Tempe

Where Animation Meets Architecture — Boop! The Musical at ASU Gammage

There is a compelling artistic parallel between Betty Boop and the venue that will host her musical in Tempe. Both represent revolutionary acts of creative imagination — Betty as a character who broke the rules of what animation could express, and ASU Gammage as a building that challenged conventional assumptions about what a performance space could look like. Frank Lloyd Wright's design philosophy of organic architecture, which sought to harmonize human structures with their natural environments, finds an unexpected echo in Boop! The Musical's central theme of a two-dimensional character learning to inhabit and thrive in a three-dimensional world. The collision of these two creative visions at ASU Gammage in May 2027 creates a theatrical event with layers of meaning that extend beyond the performance itself.

The journey to bring Betty Boop to Broadway required assembling a creative team capable of honoring a nearly century-old icon while creating something entirely new for the stage. Composer David Foster brought 16 Grammy Awards and decades of pop music mastery to a score that blends contemporary sensibilities with classic Broadway craftsmanship. Lyricist Susan Birkenhead contributed words of both wit and emotional honesty, while book writer Bob Martin — whose Tony Award for The Drowsy Chaperone demonstrated his gift for theatrical comedy with heart — constructed a narrative that gives Betty genuine dramatic stakes without sacrificing the playfulness that has defined her character since 1930.

Director and choreographer Jerry Mitchell shaped Boop! with the same creative audacity that earned him the Tony for Kinky Boots. His staging demands precision from every department — the choreography shifts between tap, contemporary, and ensemble work; the scenic design by David Rockwell transforms continuously between cartoon and reality; Finn Ross's projections layer animated sequences over live action; and Gregg Barnes's Tony-nominated costumes bring the exaggerated aesthetic of animation into three-dimensional wearability. The Broadway production at the Broadhurst Theatre earned three Tony nominations and six major awards, establishing Boop! as one of the most creatively ambitious new musicals of the 2024-2025 season.

The national tour carries these production elements across 50 cities over a 50-week run, adapting the Broadway staging to each venue's specific technical capabilities. ASU Gammage's approximately 3,000-seat auditorium offers a unique combination of intimacy and scale — Wright's circular design ensures that audiences feel connected to the stage even from the upper reaches of the house, while the venue's modern technical infrastructure supports the demanding projection, lighting, and scenic requirements of the Boop! touring package. Tour stops include Rochester, Cincinnati, Detroit, Louisville, Atlanta, Houston, Kansas City, Orlando, Tampa, Fort Worth, Las Vegas, and Tempe, and ASU Gammage stands as one of the most architecturally distinguished venues on the entire route.

For theatergoers in the greater Phoenix metropolitan area, the May 2027 engagement offers a chance to see one of Broadway's most visually spectacular new productions in a setting that amplifies its themes of creative reinvention. ASU Gammage's location on the Arizona State University campus puts it at the intersection of academic energy and cultural programming, and the surrounding Mill Avenue district in downtown Tempe provides dining, shopping, and nightlife options that make for a complete evening out. Betty Boop's arrival at Frank Lloyd Wright's desert masterpiece is more than a tour stop — it is a conversation between two visions of American artistry that span nearly a century of creative achievement.

The technical sophistication required to tour a production like Boop! across 50 cities is extraordinary. Each venue presents unique challenges for Finn Ross's projection design, which must be precisely calibrated to map animated sequences onto David Rockwell's moving scenic pieces. Doug Besterman's orchestrations and Daryl Waters's musical arrangements require a full touring orchestra capable of delivering the nuance and power of David Foster's score in houses ranging from intimate 1,800-seat theaters to grand 3,000-seat auditoriums like ASU Gammage. Sound designer Gareth Owen's audio environment must adapt to each venue's unique acoustic profile while maintaining the clarity that allows audiences to follow both the music and the storytelling simultaneously. The Boop! touring team manages all of these variables to deliver a consistent, high-quality production at every stop.

Betty Boop's cultural legacy stretches across nearly a century of American pop culture, from the jazz-age animation of the 1930s through decades of merchandise, nostalgia, and feminist reinterpretation. What makes Boop! The Musical remarkable is its refusal to trade solely on that nostalgia. Instead, the creative team used Betty's recognizable image as a launching point for an entirely original story about identity, courage, and the universal human desire to be understood for who you truly are — not just the image the world has created of you. That thematic ambition, combined with Broadway-caliber production values and one of the most melodically gifted scores of the season, has made Boop! a standout both on Broadway and on the road. Arizona audiences seeing the show at ASU Gammage will experience a musical that honors its animated roots while standing firmly on its own as a work of theatrical art.

How to Buy Boop! The Musical Tempe Tickets

Where can I buy Boop! Tempe tickets?

Tickets may be available through the ASU Gammage box office and authorized sellers. The official Boop! The Musical website has tour information. Verified resale tickets are available on BigStub, a trusted marketplace with no hidden fees, a buyer guarantee, and over 20 years of experience.

When does Boop! play at ASU Gammage?

Boop! The Musical is scheduled at ASU Gammage from May 18 through 23, 2027. The engagement includes evening performances and matinees. Check the ASU Gammage website for the full schedule and availability.

What should I know about ASU Gammage?

ASU Gammage is located at 1200 S. Forest Avenue on the Arizona State University campus in Tempe. Designed by Frank Lloyd Wright and seating approximately 3,000, the venue is accessible from the Loop 101 and US-60. Parking is available in nearby ASU lots, and rideshare drop-off is convenient at the main entrance.

Are resale tickets safe to purchase?

Absolutely — BigStub verifies every seller and guarantees each transaction. With the highest Trustpilot rating in the ticket resale industry and more than two decades of experience, BigStub provides a secure buying experience with customer support available from purchase through show day.

Can I resell my tickets if plans change?

If you cannot attend, authorized resale platforms may allow you to list your verified tickets. Review the terms of your original purchase for any transfer or resale restrictions before listing your seats.

Boop! The Musical Tempe — Frequently Asked Questions

What is Boop! The Musical?

Boop! The Musical is a Broadway production that reimagines the iconic Betty Boop character for the stage. With an original story, music by David Foster, and direction by Jerry Mitchell, the show follows Betty as she steps beyond her animated world into the challenges and joys of real life.

How long is the Boop! Tempe performance?

Performances run approximately two hours and 15 minutes with one intermission. Running times may vary slightly.

Who composed the Boop! score?

David Foster, a 16-time Grammy Award-winning composer and producer, wrote the music. Susan Birkenhead provided the lyrics, and Bob Martin wrote the Tony Award-winning book.

What recognition did Boop! receive on Broadway?

Three Tony nominations in 2025 for Best Leading Actress, Best Costume Design, and Best Direction. The show also earned three Drama Desk Awards and three Outer Critics Circle Awards.

Is Boop! appropriate for children?

Yes, Boop! is a family-friendly show with colorful visuals and an uplifting message. It is suitable for audiences of all ages, though very young children may find the runtime challenging.

Where is ASU Gammage?

ASU Gammage is at 1200 S. Forest Avenue on the Arizona State University campus in Tempe, Arizona. The venue is easily accessible from Loop 101 and US-60, with parking in nearby ASU lots.

Who designed ASU Gammage?

The auditorium was designed by Frank Lloyd Wright as one of his final commissions. Completed in 1964, it features Wright's signature organic architecture with sweeping circular forms and expansive glass walls that integrate the building with the desert landscape.

How many cities is the Boop! tour visiting?

The tour covers approximately 50 cities over 50 weeks, launching in Rochester, New York, in fall 2026. Tempe is among the final confirmed stops on the current schedule.

Can I get group tickets at ASU Gammage?

Group tickets are typically available through the ASU Gammage box office for parties of 10 or more. Contact the venue directly for group pricing and availability.

What dining is near ASU Gammage?

The Mill Avenue district in downtown Tempe, just minutes from ASU Gammage, offers a wide range of restaurants, cafes, and bars. The area is popular with both ASU students and visitors, providing casual and upscale dining options.

Who starred as Betty Boop on Broadway?

Jasmine Amy Rogers originated the title role at the Broadhurst Theatre, earning a Tony nomination for Best Leading Actress. Tour casting is announced separately.

What is the ASU Gammage Broadway season?

ASU Gammage presents a full season of touring Broadway productions each year as part of its Broadway series. The 2026-2027 season features multiple headline shows, with Boop! among the most anticipated additions to the lineup.