Maybe Happy Ending is now open at the Belasco Theatre.
By Elazar Abrahams
In an age where Broadway is dominated by adaptations and jukebox musicals, Maybe Happy Ending is a rare occurrence — a truly original musical that brings a fresh story to the stage. Set in a futuristic Seoul, the show follows two helper robots, Oliver and Claire, as they explore companionship and love. Any original musical is to be welcomed with open arms, but thankfully, this one is genuinely good.
Darren Criss is superb as Oliver, capturing the robotic movements and stilted speech with precision, making his character’s quirks feel both endearing and authentic. Alongside him, newcomer Helen Shen is nothing short of a revelation as Claire. Shen’s performance holds its own against Criss’, and the two share undeniable chemistry on stage. Claire’s calm expertise complements Oliver’s charming naivety, and the gentle care they show for each other forms the emotional core of the story.
A weak spots in Maybe Happy Ending is, unfortunately, the music. While musicals thrive on memorable numbers, the songs here largely fall flat, with two standout exceptions. One is a madcap ballad where Oliver and Claire invent an elaborate fake cover story while venturing into the human world, and the other is a tender, introspective number in the second half when the two are fully in love, grappling with the inevitable goodbye that looms over them. These highlights showcase the potential within, but the rest of the songs feel unremarkable and fully forgettable, a common flaw in contemporary musical theater.
The show runs slightly long, with a few scenes near the end giving the impression of a natural conclusion, only for the story to continue. While it doesn’t overstay its welcome, perhaps trimming a few redundant moments would enhance the pacing.
The staging, however, is a marvel. Using retractable video screens and advanced technology to reveal and conceal parts of the set in a flash, the design feels futuristic and dynamic, perfectly complementing the story’s themes. It really needs to be seen to be believed, adding a layer of visual intrigue that enhances the overall experience.
Maybe Happy Ending is not a must see, and it isn’t a modern day classic. But the production is heartwarming, whimsical, and a great night out. Certainly worth supporting.
Find tickets and more info HERE.
TV and City 