Broadway has welcomed its newest musical, Maybe Happy Ending, making its joyous debut at the historic Belasco Theatre. This unique production tells the heartwarming and quirky love story of two retired Helperbots, Oliver and Claire, who, against all odds, find companionship and love amid the backdrop of their existence as programmed robots. Conceived by Will Aronson (book and music) and Hue Park (book and lyrics), the musical first premiered in Seoul, South Korea, back in 2016, and it has now found its way to the iconic New York stage. With the charming and tender direction of Michael Arden, audiences are drawn not only to the robots' adventures but also the poignant themes interwoven throughout their tale.
At the center of this story is Oliver, playfully brought to life by the Emmy-winning Darren Criss. He is depicted as the optimistic Helperbot eagerly awaiting the return of his former owner, James, who promised to come back to visit after twelve long years. While he busies himself chatting with his plant friend HwaBoom and immersing himself in the soothing rhythm of vintage jazz records, Oliver attempts to live his robotic existence fully. His routine is humorous yet relatable—brushing his "teeth" and even his eyebrows with the same electric toothbrush adds to the delightful absurdity.
Helming this enchanting narrative is his new neighbor Claire, portrayed with remarkable flair by Broadway newcomer Helen J. Shen. Claire, the more pragmatic model of Helperbot with only one year left on her service contract, finds herself at Oliver's door seeking help when her charger breaks down. Initially, their encounter is fraught with competition rather than camaraderie, leading to humorous exchanges as they argue over whose version of programming is superior. But as their story progresses, so does their relationship, blossoming from rivalry to friendship, and eventually to romantic intrigue—despite the fact programming forbids such emotions.
And isn't it just screamingly fascinating to see how their connection mirrors the human experience? Set against the backdrop of their limited lifetimes, viewers are invited to ponder deep questions about love, attachment, and the bittersweet nature of memories. "Are memories worth saving, or is it sometimes best to delete them to escape pain?" This central question serves as both the emotional anchor and philosophical meat of the show, making it more than just whimsical entertainment.
Even as their programming admonishes feelings, Oliver and Claire adopt humorous aliases and plot mischievous escapes to experience life fully for the few precious moments they have left. The musical journeys them to Jeju Island, where rare fireflies illuminate their exploration, all the time reflecting their intertwined fates as machines created to assist humans. Maybe Happy Ending is not just about love—it becomes a meditation on the essence of existence itself.
Criss and Shen’s vocal performances are truly mesmerizing, delivering 24 original songs as they navigate the highs and lows of their characters' lives. A few standout numbers include Oliver’s ruminations on his sheltered world encapsulated in “World Within My Room” and Claire's poignant “How Not To Be Alone.” Their duets, particularly the leading song “Maybe Happy Ending,” provide emotional resonance and melodic beauty.
The supporting cast also shines bright, with Marcus Choi playing James, Oliver's estranged owner, showcasing warmth and sincerity. Other characters they encounter—like the quirky motel clerk and the ferryman—add layers of humor and depth, each contributing to the whimsical adventures of these Helperbots. The talented Dez Duron infuses the musical with smooth jazz vibes as Gil Brentley, connecting the robots’ yearning for connection with some classic romantic tunes.
Visually, the production impresses, boasting clever stage designs by Dane Laffrey, who employs changing lights and visual projections to transition between scenes effectively. The minimalist aesthetic frames the robots' personal spaces—reflecting their personalities and quirks—which creates immersive contrasts with the human world they peek out onto. Here, bright colors, shiny polymer walls, and futuristic elements demand attention, setting the stage for both comedic and solemn moments. The layers of digital messages and memories highlight how the bots process the world around them, inviting the audience to see and feel along.
It is remarkable how Maybe Happy Ending threads its themes through the lens of romance, humor, and the ever-present fear of obsolescence. It possesses the energy of contemporary Broadway and yet resonates with timeless questions—what does it mean to love, to lose, and to live? This story extends beyond robots, reaching human hearts as it reflects on the fragility of relationships and the enduring power of connection.
Despite the futuristic premise, Maybe Happy Ending settles firmly in the exploration of human experiences. It invites viewers to dissect their own lives, intentions, and relationships with the concept of mortality and ephemeral emotions. Criss and Shen find themselves humbled to originate characters within this fresh narrative, feeling the thrill of engaging audiences with something entirely new rather than relying on established storylines or well-known characters.
With all the joyous music, clever writing, and touching performances, Maybe Happy Ending emerges as more than just another addition to the Broadway scene. It's been crafted to evoke laughter, empathy, and perhaps even tears; it promises to furnish viewers with both cheer and contemplation. People walking through the doors of the Belasco now have the chance to explore this emotionally rich experience, one filled with love, laughter, and perhaps even some tears; after all, love is never obsolete, right?
Maybe Happy Ending now plays at the Belasco Theatre, located at 111 West 44th Street, NYC. Tickets range from $74 to $249, and those interested can call (212) 239-6200 or visit online for ticketing. Running at approximately one hour and 45 minutes without intermission, it is recommended to catch this charming production before it finds its own “happy ending.”
