Boop! features a book by Bob Martin (The Drowsy Chaperone), music by David Foster, lyrics by Susan Birkenhead (Jelly's Last Jam), and direction and choreography by Tony winner Jerry Mitchell (Kinky Boots). Complete Broadway casting will be announced at a later date.
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| BOOP! The Betty Boop Musical in Chicago |
West Bank Cafe to Close: The West Bank Cafe, and its Laurie Beechman cabaret theater, located at W. 42nd Street and Ninth Ave., will close its doors in August. The venue was popular with theatergoers and theater professionals due to its fine food, affordable prices and convenient location to Broadway and Theater Row. Just last week, I had an after-theater meal there last week after attending Ain't Done Bad at the Signature Theater Center. The number of elegant, affordable places for a nice meal before or after the theater is dwindling. All too often I am forced to grab a slice of pizza before a curtain.
The West Bank opened in 1978 and its basement Laurie Beechman Theater opened in 1983. The Beechman, named for the late singer and actress, played host to many cabaret artists including Joan Rivers who would would try out new material there. She played her last performance before her death in 2014 at the Beechman. A young Lewis Black was named playwright-in-residence. Howard Stern broadcast his third annual birthday radio show from the theater. Tennessee Williams, Arthur Miller and Bruce Willis were among the West Bank regulars. T
"Due to the high cost of conducting business and the continuing fallout from the pandemic, we can no longer afford to remain open," owner Steve Olsen stated. "We are forever eternally grateful for the support we have received from our Hell's Kitchen and theatre communities throughout our illustrious 46-year history on Theatre Row, and for the personal relationships and shared history we have forged with our customers and friends."
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| The popular West Bank Cafe will close its doors in August. |
