Broadway Access Review -
Boop!

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ID: image of the Boop! Playbill in front of the stage with the text "Access Review" on top

 

General Note

This is a review of the accessibility of the theater, of the lighting/sound/scent design of the show, and a list of content warnings as a way to prep folks with various needs before they go see it. 

This is not meant to scare anyone away from seeing the show. Most productions have about the same amount of content warnings and sensory warnings to go along with it, they’re just rarely explicitly written down. 

For some people, knowing these things ahead of time makes it easier to enjoy the show because they know what to expect. And, often, makes those people more likely to see it in the first place. I hope that it’s helpful! 

I am also happy to clarify any specifics, just send me a message or an email and I will respond when I can.

Theater

Broadhurst Theatre

All comments on the accessibility of lighting are in reference to seats in the right center of the orchestra

Bathrooms:

  • divided into the gender binary, though there is a sign saying “Please use the restroom that best fits your gender identity and expression”

  • located below the orchestra (women’s house left, men’s house right) with the accessible one next to the accessibility booth on the orchestra level

Other theater accessibility:

  • the theater has a step-free entrance to the entire orchestra

  • there is no elevator

  • the theatre offers closed captioning, assistive listening, loop receivers, and audio description devices

Click here for more information on the physical accessibility of this theater.

Light/Sound/Scent

General:

  • I might recommend earplugs for this show

  • the back wall is a projection screen that will often have slow expanding visuals that are not always noted here

  • the theater was very cold the evening I was there

  • the sensory accessibility of this show is similar to that of Smash, Spamalot, and Hamilton

Pre Show: there is medium to loud volume music playing

Act I: 

  • Opening - this number is very sparkle-heavy

    • slightly flickery screen and sparkling stars at start

    • some quick on/off transitions after the backdrop goes up for the dance break - back projection slowly spins during the kickline 

    • projection starts expanding once Betty is center

    • ~5 sec of slow moving white down lights 

  • “If only I could find a way to spend a very ordinary day” - full stage white flashes (very strobey) and smoke for ~45 seconds, though it turns to color and starts spinning around the 30 second mark 

  • In Color - quick on/offs throughout, and alternating downlights starting after “pink!” until the end 

  • Grampy’s goggles cause accidental strobe, they only appear in this one scene

    • machine flashes & smoke for ~5-7 seconds

  • I Speak Jazz - slow moving down lights when Dwayne plays trumpet

  • My New York - flashing down lights in color after the tapping starts (not strobey, but definitely flashy), returning after “you will never leave”

    • flashy & in motion after Betty and Dwayne sit down

    • set/projections move in perspective near the end of the song which may be a little dizzying

  • quick music downbeat after “I’m feeling a little shy”

  • Where I Wanna Be - lots of on/offs and ~5-7 sec of strobey alternating down lights at the end

Intermission: medium to loud volume music returns

Act II:

  • Where Is Betty?

    • 3 or 4 newspaper projections fly in, it’s a little flashy

    • lots of moving down lights & flashy spinning pinwheel projection

  • Whatever It Takes - very slow expanding projection behind Grampy & Valentina after the set goes out

  • Take It To The Next Level - slow rotating star projections on all walls for ~20 sec when Raymond stands on the desk

  • “I know what I want. I want–” big flash and smoke, with blue LEDs pointed at the audience from the sides, followed by another flash

  • Something to Shout About - very slow expanding galaxy behind Betty at the end of the song

  • “3 2 1!” - 2 sec flash

  • expanding projection after “I know how it starts” 

  • The Color of Love - also very sparkly

    • alternating down lights after “5 6 7 8!”

    • confetti cannons at the end