Latest news with #BOOP!TheMusical
Time of India
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Who took home the most Drama Desk Trophies—and why?
The 2025 Drama Desk Awards dazzled New York City's theatre community with a night of celebration, surprises, and record-breaking victories at NYU Skirball , hosted by the dynamic duo Debra Messing and Tituss Burgess. The ceremony—now in its 69th year—remains unique for recognizing the best of Broadway, Off-Broadway, and Off-Off-Broadway in the same competitive categories, making it a true barometer of New York's theatrical pulse. Leading the winners' parade was Maybe Happy Ending , which swept six awards. The show's creative team is led by director Michael Arden and writers Will Aronson and Hue Park. The musical, also a current Tony nominee for Best Musical, was widely celebrated for its innovative storytelling and emotional resonance. Debra Messing, co-hosting the event, remarked, 'Tonight is a celebration of the resilience, creativity, and passion that define New York theatre.' The Drama Desk Awards once again proved why they are a highlight of the theatrical calendar, honoring both established stars and rising talents in a night of unforgettable performances and heartfelt speeches.' by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Offerte Imbattibili Su Auto Usate PopularSearches | Annunci di Ricerca Scopri di più Undo 69th Drama Desk Awards: major winners 1. Outstanding Musical Winner: Maybe Happy Ending 2. Outstanding Play Live Events Winner: Purpose (by Branden Jacobs-Jenkins) 3. Outstanding Revival of a Play Winner: Eureka Day 4. Outstanding Revival of a Musical Winner: Gypsy 5. Leading Performance in a Musical Winners: Jasmine Amy Rogers ( BOOP! The Musical ) Audra McDonald ( Gypsy ) (TIE) 6. Featured Performance in a Musical Winners: Brooks Ashmanskas ( Smash ) Jak Malone ( Operation Mincemeat ) Michael Urie ( Once Upon a Mattress ) (THREE-WAY TIE) 7. Outstanding Director of a Musical Winner: Michael Arden ( Maybe Happy Ending ) 8. Outstanding Music, Lyrics, and Book Winners: Will Aronson & Hue Park ( Maybe Happy Ending ) 9. Outstanding Choreography Winner: Jerry Mitchell ( BOOP! The Musical ) 10. Outstanding Costume Design Winner: Gregg Barnes ( BOOP! The Musical ) 11. Outstanding Scenic Design Winner: Maybe Happy Ending (team/designer not specified in summary) 12. Additional Notable Winners (Design/Staging) Stranger Things: The First Shadow (3 awards, categories not specified) The Picture of Dorian Gray (3 awards, categories not specified)
16-05-2025
- Entertainment
‘BOOP!' star's Broadway debut results in Tony & Drama Desk noms
ABC News' Stephanie Ramos sat down with triple threat Jasmine Amy Rogers, who stars as Betty Boop in the hit Broadway show 'BOOP! The Musical.'
Forbes
24-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Forbes
Meet Broadway's Betty Boop, Jasmine Amy Rogers
Jasmine Amy Rogers plays Betty Boop in BOOP! The Musical, now on Broadway at the Broadhurst Theatre Jasmine Amy Rogers will never forget where she was when she learned that she was offered the role of Betty Boop in BOOP! The Musical. It was the summer of 2023 and she had just left her apartment to get on the six train to take a class at Barry's Bootcamp. 'I was attempting to keep myself busy and was going to try this class for the first time,' says Rogers, who got the call from all three of her agents about the show that would run in Chicago before heading to Broadway. 'They always get on a four-way call. And they were saying, 'you're gonna play Boop.' They were proud of me, and so excited,' says Rogers. They told her to keep the news under wraps. 'The only person I could call was my mother,' she says. 'I remember it being a gloomy, warm, rainy day, but I was just over the moon and it was the best day ever.' The road to playing Betty Boop had been challenging for Rogers. The musical about the strong and sultry iconic comic book character who debuted in 1930 had a dream creative team attached. That included director/choreographer Jerry Mitchell, composer David Foster, lyricist Susan Birkenhead and book writer Bob Martin. For Rogers, who was in her early twenties, playing the title role was a lot. A musical theater standout, Rogers had already worked with Mitchell in the musical Becoming Nancy. But until that point, BOOP! eluded her. She had auditioned for the role about seven times yet couldn't land it. 'It was clear Jerry and DB Bonds, our associate director, wanted me. But I had to prove to them that I could handle it,' says Rogers. 'I believe it was about inhabiting myself. I was lacking the confidence needed to play the role and carry the show.' During one work session with Bonds he told her, "You have to go in there and show them what you are doing is worthy.' Looking back, Rogers sees that they knew she was capable of playing Betty Boop before she believed in herself. 'It was basically them trying to convince me that I really wanted this. I had to own it,' she says. 'And when I finally did, that is when I got the role.' But Rogers got to own the role and more. A tap-dancing triple threat, she has a voice as smooth as honey and a belt that brings down the house. She creates a layered Betty Boop that is vulnerable and sweet, yet very powerful and smart. The company also includes Faith Prince, Ainsley Melham, Erich Bergen, Stephen DeRosa, Anastacia McCleskey, Angelica Hale, Phillip Huber, and Aubie Merrylees. 'I love how full of life and how caring Betty is. She is so smart and vivacious,' says Rogers. She is also drawn to Betty's ability to be so nurturing. "Throughout the story, she goes on a journey to find something that she feels is missing in her life. But along the way, she makes sure to stop and take care of people around her,' she says. 'She never sees this as a burden or roadblock. She is willing to give so much of herself to the people around her. Betty views the world in such a beautiful way, it really inspires me to live my own life just a little bit happier and with more optimism.' A passion for performing was in Rogers' DNA. She remembers her late father singing jazz tunes when she was a little girl while her mother adored show tunes. 'My father loved to sing jazz music. He would make up his own songs that felt like their own standards,and he always wanted me to sing,' she says. "My mother was a big musical theater girl who loved Wicked and Rent. And those were my two favorite musicals.' Rogers begged her mother to let her audition for their community theater production of Peter Pan at Milford Performing Arts Center in Milford, Massachusetts, where she was living at the time. (She also grew up in Richmond, Texas, outside Houston.) Playing homage to Wicked, she sang 'Popular' and was cast in the ensemble playing a member of Tiger Lily's tribe. 'Instead of being Native Americans, we were hippies,' says Rogers. She vividly remembers her mother getting the call that they wanted her seven-year-old self for the show. 'I was so excited, I ran around the house, losing my mind,' says Rogers. 'And ever since, I've been hooked.' Throughout the years Rogers continued to do theater, and in her senior year of high school, Rogers was cast as the Witch in Into The Woods. The part won her the Tommy Tune award, given to students who excel in theater in the greater Houston area. That also gave her the opportunity to participate Jimmy Awards, which celebrates the best musical theater talent from around the nation. Rogers made it to the finals. 'When I won the Tommy Tune Award I was so shocked. I was so sure that another girl, who I'm still friends with and was amazing, was going to win,' she says. But after that accolade and the Jimmy Awards she knew that this was her path. Rogers was accepted into the Manhattan School of Music, a conservatory in New York City, to study musical theater. After two years, a professional career beckoned. She was cast in the musical Becoming Nancy, directed by Jerry Mitchell, who would later cast her in BOOP!. 'That is when things really began for me,' says Rogers, who played Gretchen Wieners in the first national tour of Mean Girls. (From left) Stephen DeRosa (Grampy), Jasmine Amy Rogers (Betty Boop), Phillip Huber (Pudgy) As much as she always longed for it, she didn't know if playing a title role like Betty Boop would actually be within her reach. 'When I was little, I wondered if one day I would get to be Wendy in Peter Pan, or Cinderella in Cinderella,' says Rogers. 'And here I am doing that. It was always a dream of mine, and the fact that I'm here doing it is really special.' Rogers hopes people feel that sense of joy that she feels at each performance. 'This show is joy personified. And I hope that we are bringing joy to people in a time where joy feels very sparse sometimes,' she says. 'And I hope people walk away feeling uplifted, loved, ready to love and with a smile on their face.' The cast of BOOP! The Musical Jasmine Amy Rogers as Betty Boop
Yahoo
06-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Clay Aiken and His Son Parker, 16, Look Like Twins During Rare Public Appearance at Broadway Opening
Clay Aiken and his son Parker had a night out on Broadway! The American Idol alum, 46, and 16-year-old Parker attended the star-studded premiere of BOOP! The Musical at the Broadhurst Theatre in New York City on Saturday evening, April 5. The pair both wore dapper looks for the occasion — and showed off their striking resemblance to each other. Aiken wore a midnight blue turtleneck sweater, beige tweed trousers and a burnt orange jacket with white pinstripes. Parker, meanwhile, put a fun and fresh spin on the classic black suit by pairing his with a black-and-white printed dress shirt. View this post on Instagram A post shared by People Magazine (@people) The two smiled and posed for photos together on the red carpet, and at one point were joined by Grammy-winning producer David Foster, who composed the music for the Broadway show. David, 75, also happens to be Parker's uncle. Aiken welcomed his son with best friend Jaymes Foster, David's sister. Though Aiken and Jaymes were not romantically linked, they made plans to raise their son together, and she became pregnant via in vitro fertilization. Related: Why Clay Aiken Says Parenting Son Parker, 16, Is 'Happy and Heartbreaking at the Same Time' (Exclusive) In December, Aiken opened up to PEOPLE about his experience as a father, describing raising his son as "happy and heartbreaking at the same time." "I'd say the most wonderful part has been watching [Parker] grow into a young man. He is an incredibly respectful and smart and responsible young man, and that is something that I'm incredibly proud of," he said at the time. Never miss a story — sign up for to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories. "But it's heartbreaking because they grow into little, mini adults and they change," he continued. "It's heartbreaking to see the little kid change into a young man, almost adult who doesn't need me as much." But Aiken — who was a contestant in season 2 of American Idol in 2003, coming in second place — noted that Parker's fledgling independence also brings him pride and reassurance. "You're very proud of the fact that he doesn't need you as much, right? It means you must've done something halfway decent," he explained. Related: American Idol Alum Clay Aiken Makes Rare Comments About Life as a Dad to Look-Alike Son Parker, 16: 'We Did a Good Job' While the father-son duo have been making more public appearances together lately — including a stint on Celebrity Family Feud in August 2024 — Aiken made a point to keep Parker out of the spotlight while he was younger. He recently shared that the decision to protect his son's privacy makes him proud as a father. 'We did a very good job, I think, for 16 years, keeping him completely out of the public eye,' he told E! News in November. 'I wanted him to be able to grow up as normally as he could. I appreciate that he's been able to have a normal — or as close to a normal — childhood as he could.' Read the original article on People
Yahoo
20-03-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Hotel Association of NYC Foundation Hosts Annual "Red Carpet Hospitality Gala"
Honorees: Lindsey Ueberroth, CEO, Preferred Travel GroupHospitality Award Susan L. Birnbaum, President & CEO, NYC Police FoundationChampion of Public Safety Award Frank DiLella, Emmy Award Winning JournalistHost, "On Stage" Spectrum News NY1Broadway Award Event Will Feature Performance by "BOOP! The Musical" NEW YORK, March 20, 2025--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Dignitaries and executives from the hotel and tourism industry, Broadway and the public safety sector, will attend the annual "Red Carpet Hospitality Gala" on Monday, April 7, 2025, hosted by the Hotel Association of New York City Foundation (HANYC Foundation). The event will feature a performance by "BOOP! The Musical." The fundraiser will be held at JW Marriott Essex House in Manhattan. Proceeds support the HANYC Foundation's charitable goals. The gala is co-chaired by Vijay Dandapani, President and CEO, Hotel Association of New York City; Heather Davis, Chair, Hotel Association of New York City Foundation; and Shane Cookman, Acting Chair, Hotel Association of New York City. Brian Kuchcicki, VP, People + Culture, Visiting Media, will serve as the emcee for the Gala. HEADLINERS: The HANYC Foundation will honor Lindsey Ueberroth, CEO, Preferred Travel Group, with its Hospitality Award; Susan L. Birnbaum, President & CEO, NYC Police Foundation, with its Champion of Public Safety Award—the first award of its kind; and Frank DiLella, Emmy Award Winning Journalist, Host, "On Stage" Spectrum News NY1, with its Broadway Award. The evening will offer a cocktail reception, silent auction, dinner, musical performance, and an award presentation. Dress will be Festive Attire. HOST COMMITTEE: Steve Batta, Group President East Coast for Highgate; Simon Chapman, Complex General Manager, Benjamin Royal Sonesta & Fifty Sonesta Select; Charles Flateman, Executive Vice President, Shubert Organization; Mark Gaber, Chief Operations Officer, U.S. East, Marriott International; Karambir Kang, Area Director, USA, Taj Hotels; Suri Kasirer, President, Kasirer; Raj Khubchandani, Vice President, Luxury & Lifestyle Operations, Americas, IHG Hotels & Resorts; Lisa Linden, Media Strategist, Resilere Partners; Simon Mendy, Divisional President for Select Service Division, Aimbridge; Jaime Novikoff, Senior Counsel, Labor Relations, Hilton; Mark Pardue, Senior Vice President, Field Operations, Americas, Hyatt Hotels Corporation; Carlo A. Scissura, President and CEO, New York Building Congress; and Jonathan M. Tisch, Executive Chairman, Loews Hotels & Co. That evening, the HANYC Foundation will announce details of a new partnership with the New York City Police Foundation supporting initiatives intended to enhance the safety of hotel guests, employees, and the community. Established in 1878, the Hotel Association of New York City (HANYC), Inc. is one of the oldest professional trade associations in the nation. Today the Hotel Association of New York City is an internationally recognized leader in New York City's $7 billion tourism industry, representing nearly 300 of the finest hotels with over 80,000 rooms and approximately 50,000 employees. The HANYC Foundation seeks to advance issues of importance to hotels such as economic viability, sustainability and corporate and social responsibility through educational and crisis relief initiatives. The New York City Police Foundation provides resources for the NYPD to innovate and enhance the quality of its services; build bridges with the community; and make New York City a safer place to live, work and visit. Tickets and tables range from $1,000 to $50,000. To purchase tickets or for questions, please visit or contact Melanie McEvoy, McEvoy & Associates at melanie@ or 212-228-7446. The HANYC FOUNDATION is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. Tax ID #83-3283722. Your donation minus $355 per gala ticket is tax deductible to the fullest extent of the law. View source version on Contacts Media Contact: Lisa Linden llinden@
