Seventeen year-old Angelica Hale is no stranger to big audiences: When she was just 10, her powerful performances on America’s Got Talent blew us away. Now, she’s taking the stage at the Broadhurst Theatre in New York City, starring as Trisha in BOOP! The Musical. The production reimagines Betty Boop, the 1930’s cartoon classic, in a modern and sparkling light.

“It is all about love,” shares Angelica. “There are a lot of shows on Broadway right now that are really deep and really dark. Something that this show has that you can’t really find anywhere else is just love and excitement—that really classic thing you’re looking for. I think that’s kind of what the world really needs right now.”

Angelica started working on the project when she was just 14, joining early workshops and sticking with the show through years of development. Her character, Trisha, is a bubbly Betty Boop superfan who meets Betty in Times Square (except, Trisha is totally under the impression Betty’s not the real deal). Trisha, an aspiring artist herself, is encouraged by Betty to achieve her dreams.

“I think locking in every night to be Trisha is sort of just like delving into your inner child and talking to her,” says Angelica. “I think that’s really special because I see a lot of my younger self in Trisha—the lack of self-confidence, the excitement and the energy. It’s like she never left me.”

While Angelica is busy shining on stage, BOOP! The Musical isn’t the only thing on her radar: As Angelica prepares to graduate from high school, she plans to release original music.

So what advice does she give to others pursuing their dreams of being in the spotlight? Angelica stresses the importance of staying resilient through everything, *especially* on social media.

“Don’t let anyone ever make you feel embarrassed about yourself. That’s the main thing,” reveals Angelica. “There are 7 billion people on this planet, and every single one of them is different. Don’t let people fool you and try to put you in a box. You are you. Let that be your light!”

“BOOP! The Musical” is currently performing, and tickets are available for purchase through the show’s official website!
Follow Angelica’s journey as Trisha on her Insta @angelicahale

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All images courtesy of Matthew Murphy, @MurphyMade and Evan Zimmerman, @EvZMM