Maybe Happy Ending - Broadway

Darren Criss in Maybe Happy Ending. Photo: Matthew Murphy and Evan Zimmerman

The new musical Maybe Happy Ending is magical and heartfelt.  I laughed.  I was astonished.  I just about cried at the marvelous, surprise ending.  Director Michael Arden, a Tony winner for his dazzling work on the recent revival of Parade, has crafted an even more inspiring production with Maybe Happy Ending.  Working with the stunning, multi-faceted sets fashioned by Scenic Designer Dane Laffrey, the futuristic video projections by George Reeve (along with Ms. Laffrey), and the striking Lighting Design by Ben Stanton, the director has fabricated a world that is a visual and aural feast.  One of many examples is the firefly scene in the forests of Jeju Island.  It is absolutely breathtaking.

 

The setting is the not-too-distant future in Seoul, Korea.  Oliver (Darren Criss) is what’s termed a helper-bot, series 3 model, humanoid in appearance.  He exists in a small, studio-like apartment for outdated bots awaiting the return of his owner (Marcus Choi).  Years go by, but his routine of reading and listening to jazz records never wanes until, one day, there is a knock at his door.  After hesitating – no one has ever visited him – he opens the door to find Claire (Helen J. Chen), a series 5 model, who lives across the hall.  Her charger is broken and she asks to use Oliver’s device.  Again, reluctance, but he finally agrees.  From there, a relationship slowly matures, which leads the two bots on a road trip of self-discovery and adventure.

Helen J Shen, Darren Criss in Maybe Happy Ending. Photo: Matthew Murphy and Evan Zimmerman.

 

Bookwriters Hue Park and Will Aronson have woven a tightly plotted story that is humorous will shadings of melancholy.  In a very short time, they manage to develop characters that are compelling and complex.  The hopes, dreams, and desires they instill in Oliver and Claire are universal.

 

The music and lyrics by Park and Aronson is full of songs speaking to the anticipation and aspirations of the bots.  They help round out the characters and the situations that arise.  The score is unfussy and direct with engaging solos and duets by the two main characters.  They have also added the character of Gil Brently (Dez Duron), a suave, jazz singing crooner who pops up every so often with songs commenting on the ongoing bot’s situation and relationships.

 

Helen J Shen, Darren Criss in Maybe Happy Ending. Photo: Matthew Murphy and Evan Zimmerman.

The cast is superb.  Darren Criss, the older model helper-bot, is slightly more robotic then Claire.  He beautifully brings Oliver to life with empathy, curiosity, and a slight degree of naivete.  His show ending gesture is poignant and joyful.  Helen J. Chen’s series 5 bot is more knowing and understanding of the world than Oliver.  The actress impressively brings a sophisticated, experienced feel to her character, tempered with a longing to be loved.  The two have an enchanting chemistry together, which fuels the musical through its enrapturing conclusion.  Marcus Choi, playing a number of roles, but primarily that of James, Oliver’s former owner, effectively provides context and a human component to the show.

 

Maybe Happy Ending, a musical to be experienced on the Broadway stage.