Lizzy Tucker, a 2020 graduate of Tyler Legacy High School, is a part of the ensemble and serving as an understudy in the musical based on the iconic 1930s cartoon.
TYLER, Texas — An East Texas native is heading to the Broadway stage!
Lizzy Tucker, a 2020 graduate of Tyler Legacy High School, is getting her big break on the stage in New York City. She earned a spot in the ensemble and the understudy role for both Betty Boop and Trisha in the original Broadway production of “Boop! The Musical.”
The musical showcases the iconic 1930s black and white cartoon character, Betty Boop, in real life and vibrant color. The story follows Betty’s dream of having an ordinary day off from her super-celebrity status in her black-and-white world, leading to an adventure of color, music, and love in NYC.
After graduating from Tyler Legacy, Tucker studied theater at Texas State University, where she earned a bachelor of fine arts in May 2024. A few months, she headed to New York to pursue her musical theater dreams, according to Tyler ISD.
“I am beyond grateful for this opportunity,” Tucker said in an Q&A with Tyler ISD. “I carry with me many wonderful memories and friendships from the Tyler Lee Theatre.”
The musical is set to open in April.
She also attended Head Start at Birdwell Elementary, kindergarten at Jack Elementary, and Rice Elementary at Tyler ISD.
Tucker said her favorite memory in high school was joining the theater department, saying the friends she made changed her life in may ways.
“This department truly taught me that being myself is enough and OK. This program also provided me with many opportunities to do what I love the most, which is sing, act, and dance,” she said.
She says her theater teacher Cindi Stokes inspired to be herself and taught her how to connect with people on and offstage.
“She is the embodiment of joy and authenticity. She inspired, and still inspires, me to always be my most genuine self, and I thank her for that every day. We laughed, cried, and did all the above together, and she never made me feel less than or not enough,” Tucker said. “She was always my biggest fan on and off the stage. We need more teachers like Cindi Stokes. Amen!”
Her biggest advice for current students is for them to be who they are and to be kind to others.
“Don’t let anyone tell you who you are or what you believe. Only you can establish that. Through your words, your actions, and your intentions. Be unapologetically you because you are enough. Stay aware of who is there for you and who isn’t (in every aspect). Be kind. Spread motivation and love, always,” Tucker said.