Twenty-four-year-old Jasmine Amy Rogers has made Broadway history as the first Black woman to portray the iconic Betty Boop. Her groundbreaking performance in “Boop! The Musical” has earned her a Tony Award nomination and critical acclaim across the theater world.
Rogers brings fresh energy to the nearly century-old character, transforming Betty Boop from her traditional black-and-white world into a colorful New York City adventure. The young performer describes the experience as “a dream come true” while still processing her rapid rise to Broadway stardom.
Broadway’s First Black Betty Boop Makes Tony-Nominated Debut
Rogers’ journey to Broadway includes training at the Manhattan School of Music and roles in productions like “Mean Girls” (as Gretchen Wieners), “Jelly’s Last Jam,” “The Wanderer,” and “Becoming Nancy.” Yet her current role marks a significant milestone both personally and historically.
“It’s so special,” Rogers told MadameNoire in a recent interview. “I wasn’t expecting anything. I try not to think about those things. Of course, you always dream of it, but…I kind of still am in shock. I might be for the rest of my life.”
The nomination places Rogers among theater’s elite talents during her Broadway debut season. Her performance has garnered attention from major award bodies, making her a standout newcomer in New York’s competitive theater scene.
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Rogers’ casting represents more than diverse representation. It acknowledges Betty Boop’s cultural origins in Black American musical traditions. The character’s signature jazz style and scat singing techniques come directly from Black performance traditions of the early 20th century.
“When it comes to jazz and scat style, those are the two things that Betty is known for. And those things? Black people. That’s where it comes from,” Rogers explains. “Our director, Jerry Mitchell, wanted a Black woman to sing this music and to play this role out.”
This casting choice creates a full-circle moment for a character whose creation was heavily influenced by Black performers. Rogers embraces this history while bringing her own interpretation to the beloved character who trades her black-and-white world for a day of color and discovery in New York City.
Facing Challenges and Celebrating Representation
Rogers’ groundbreaking role hasn’t come without challenges. Like many Black performers stepping into iconic roles — from Quvenzhané Wallis as Annie to Halle Bailey as The Little Mermaid — she has faced some resistance.
“There have been a few people who are not happy… that I’m a Black woman playing this part,” she acknowledges. “But it’s been very easy to drown them out because most people don’t care and/or are very, very excited about it.”
The positive reactions, especially from Black women and girls, have far outweighed any negativity. Rogers finds particular joy in these encounters: “They are obsessed with it, and they come and they’re excited. Young girls, older women. That means everything to me. To get to meet them when I can, and just have them be so joyous? There’s nothing in the world like that. Because we deserve that. We need that.”
Broadway’s Rising Star Shares Black Girl Joy
At just 24, Rogers approaches her historic role with both confidence and humility. Her Broadway debut has become a celebration of Black girl magic that resonates with audiences of all backgrounds.
“[Betty’s] teaching me to look at the world in a different way,” Rogers shares. “I have a very big love for people. I try to give myself to people—with open arms—in a way that is helpful to them when they need me.”
This perspective has translated into personal fulfillment alongside professional success. Despite the pressure of stepping into such an iconic role, Rogers radiates happiness and gratitude for the opportunity.
“My own life has been filled with so much joy lately,” she says. “I’ve just been like the happiest person on the planet.”