On paper, "Maybe Happy Ending" seems like a recipe for disaster. Yet, this ambitious new musical, which premiered on November 12 at the Belasco Theatre, defies expectations. It follows two lonely robots, embarked on a road trip through late 21st-century South Korea, where they unexpectedly fall in love. Imagine Rosey from "The Jetsons" stepping into a Nora Ephron romantic comedy, with hints of "La La Land" and Charlie Kaufman's whimsical touch thrown in for good measure. Somehow, these disparate elements meld together, creating something wildly imaginative and deeply touching. This is all thanks to the exceptional lead performances and the awe-inspiring direction by Tony Award winner Michael Arden, who previously helmed last year's "Parade."
The show kicks off with Oliver (Darren Criss), a meticulous android, patiently awaiting his owner, James (Marcus Choi), to collect him from a high-rise apartment complex designated for outdated robots. Oliver lives in content solitude with his houseplant and an extensive jazz record collection, until one day he's interrupted by a frantic knock on his door. It's his across-the-hall neighbor, Claire (Helen J. Shen), a spirited "helperbot" whose charger is on the brink of failure and desperately needs to borrow Oliver's.
Their early scenes resonate with the screwball rhythm of classic comedies, as the bashful droids navigate their burgeoning emotions. Their playful banter soon evolves into something beautiful and deeply revealing: Claire, whose battery is dwindling, has always dreamed of witnessing fireflies lighting up the night sky, while Oliver is determined to track down James, who abandoned him years ago on Jeju Island without a trace.
Thus, the unlikely duo ventures into the world together. Criss, who is making his fourth Broadway appearance, shines as the eager-to-please Oliver, whose sunny disposition is occasionally clouded by the harsh realities of life. Playing a fish out of water, Criss could easily overdo the robot's wide-eyed amazement and mechanical stiffness. However, the former "Glee" star expertly balances subtlety and humor, landing many of the show's funniest punchlines and visual gags. (In a clever bit of stage magic, Oliver briefly short-circuits and smokes up after nervously consuming a cocktail.)
Meanwhile, Shen radiates in her Broadway debut. The young actor infuses Claire with magnetic wit and heart-wrenching vulnerability, as the android confronts her limited lifespan. Shen's melodious voice is a perfect match for Will Aronson and Hue Park's lush score, which stands as one of the best to hit Broadway in recent years. (Dez Duron's polished vocals also shine, portraying a swooning jazz crooner whom Oliver admires.)
The show isn't perfect. Despite its lean runtime of 100 minutes without an intermission, the pace occasionally lags in the busy final stretch, and some of the dramatic revelations about Oliver and Claire's ex-owners feel clichéd. However, these minor flaws are easily overlooked when considering the myriad of delightful elements in Arden's dazzling production. Despite being an intimate, two-person musical, it's unexpectedly lavish.
Clint Ramos' vibrant costumes and Ben Stanton's painterly lighting create a visual feast, while Dane Laffrey pulls off an incredible feat of technical wizardry with his scenic design. It seamlessly transforms into various settings, from a sleazy roadside motel to a lush field filled with fireflies. George Reeves' stylish projections enhance the story, immersing the audience in the depths of Claire and Oliver's memories.
"Maybe Happy Ending" is undoubtedly the most original musical to grace Broadway since "Kimberly Akimbo" in 2022. Both are small stories with big ideas and even bigger emotions. With gentle humor and pathos, Park and Aronson tap into the most profound human questions: Is it still worthwhile to love, knowing that pain and loss are inevitable? It's a show that's guaranteed to make you cry. But judging by the resonating sniffles from the audience, there's nothing artificial about this rare, tender musical gem.
