NEW YORK — On paper, the premise of Maybe Happy Ending seems far-fetched. A musical about two lonely robots falling in love during a road trip in late 21st-century South Korea might sound like an odd mix, blending elements of The Jetsons, a Nora Ephron rom-com, La La Land, and a touch of Charlie Kaufman’s surreal storytelling. Yet, against all odds, this ambitious new production, which opened on Nov. 12 at the Belasco Theatre, delivers a wildly inventive and profoundly moving experience, thanks to stellar performances and the visionary direction of Tony Award-winner Michael Arden (Parade).
The show begins with Oliver (Darren Criss), a meticulous android, patiently awaiting the return of his owner, James (Marcus Choi), at an apartment complex for obsolete robots. Oliver fills his days with jazz records and a solitary houseplant, finding contentment in his routine. His life is turned upside down when his neighbor, Claire (Helen J. Shen), a quirky "helperbot," knocks on his door in desperation—her charger is broken, and she needs his help.
What starts as playful banter between the two robots quickly evolves into something deeper. Claire dreams of seeing fireflies light up the night sky before her battery dies, while Oliver remains determined to find his long-lost owner, who left Seoul for Jeju Island without a word. Their budding relationship, full of witty exchanges and tender moments, sets the stage for a journey of self-discovery and love.
Criss, in his fourth Broadway appearance, shines as the optimistic yet vulnerable Oliver. He strikes a delicate balance, capturing the android’s childlike curiosity without veering into caricature. His comedic timing is spot-on, with clever gags like Oliver short-circuiting after nervously sipping a cocktail. Meanwhile, Shen, in her Broadway debut, is captivating as Claire, bringing warmth, humor, and a heart-wrenching fragility to her role. Her stunning voice elevates Will Aronson and Hue Park’s lush score, making it one of the most memorable Broadway soundtracks in years. The show also features a standout performance from Dez Duron, whose smooth jazz vocals add a soulful layer to the musical.
Despite its success, Maybe Happy Ending has a few minor hiccups. The pace slows in the latter part of the 100-minute, no-intermission show, and some revelations about the robots' previous owners feel clichéd. However, these are small issues in an otherwise dazzling production. Michael Arden’s direction turns what could have been a simple two-character musical into a visually stunning spectacle. Clint Ramos’ vibrant costumes, Ben Stanton’s evocative lighting, and Dane Laffrey’s innovative set design bring the futuristic world to life, seamlessly transforming the stage into various settings, from a dingy motel to a field lit by fireflies. George Reeves’ stylish projections further enhance the narrative, offering glimpses into the characters' memories.
Maybe Happy Ending is the most original musical to hit Broadway since 2022’s Kimberly Akimbo, blending humor, emotion, and big ideas in a small, intimate story. Park and Aronson masterfully explore a universal theme: Is it worth loving, even when heartbreak is inevitable?
The result is a deeply touching show that leaves a lasting impact. Judging by the sniffles in the audience, this tender, beautifully crafted musical is anything but artificial—it’s a rare gift that resonates with genuine emotion.
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