“Maybe Happy Ending” is a delightful new musical that has captured the hearts of audiences and critics since opening on Broadway in November, 2024 and is one of the standout productions of the current Broadway season.
The musical is set in a near-futuristic Seoul, South Korea and tells the story of two outdated robots, Oliver and Claire, who seek connection in a world that has deemed them obsolete. The story follows their journey from strangers to friends to lovers as they explore romance while grappling with their limitations and newfound human emotions.
The musical was created by American composer Will Aronson and South Korean-born lyricist Hue Park. They co-wrote the book after meeting as students at New York University. The original Korean-language version of the show was first staged in 2016 at the Daemyung Cultural Factory in Seoul and was subsequently presented in Japan and China. The English-language version premiered at the Alliance Theatre in Atlanta, Georgia in 2020.
This production is directed by Michael Arden (Parade, Once on This Island) and stars Helen J Shen as Claire, a woman grappling with her past decisions while searching for her future happiness, and Darren Criss (Little Shop of Horrors) as Oliver, a charming yet indecisive man who becomes entangled in Mia’s journey. The chemistry between these two leads has been praised as electric, making their performances one of the highlights of the show.
What Critics Are Saying
Critics have praised “Maybe Happy Ending” for its innovative storytelling, originality and emotional depth. Reviews emphasize how it successfully balances lighthearted moments with more serious themes about self-discovery and personal growth. Theatre journalist Joe Dziemianowicz pointed out that “the duo’s book is streaked with dark realities that shade the story,” indicating that the writing avoids sentimentality while still delivering impactful moments.
The performances of Darren Criss as Oliver and Helen J. Shen as Claire have received particular acclaim. Dziemianowicz highlighted their chemistry, stating, “Who could have imagined that a musical depicting romantic sparks between two robots would emerge as an emotional highlight of this Broadway season?” He further emphasized Criss’s performance by saying it was “artfully crafted” and “visually sublime,” showcasing his ability to convey deep emotion despite his character’s robotic nature.
The musical’s catchy tunes have quickly become fan favorites, with several songs already trending among theater enthusiasts. The music by Will Aronson has been described as catchy yet sophisticated. Critics noted how it complements the characters’ journeys without falling into typical Broadway clichés.
“Maybe Happy Ending” may be the best musical on Broadway at the moment.
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