Maybe Happy Ending – An Enchanting Original
Hiding in plain sight among Broadway’s bombast is a gem of a musical featuring a futuristic scenario without defeatism, wry romance, and stealth wisdom.
Seoul 2064. (All signage is in English and Korean.) Oliver (Darren Criss), an early model Helpbot 3, spends his days – in fact 12 years – happily reading a monthly jazz journal and listening to analog music. The passion was developed while living with owner, James (Marcus Choi), for whom he patiently, naively waits. He keeps to a schedule, meticulously cleans and talks to his plant, HwaBoon – wilting when we first see it.
Darren Criss (Oliver)
One day, Oliver’s startled by a knock on the door. Claire (Helen J. Shen), a model Helpbot 5 who lives across the hall, has a broken charger. He ignores her, then relents, hooking the bot up to his connection. The more recent Helperbot is less stiff and quite a bit more savvy. Her long shiny hair contrasts with his helmet-like brunette.When Oliver boasts version 3 is better, she says, “What’s the difference, we’re both obsolete.” Oh, and she tells him to move HwaBoon into the sun.
Oliver agrees to let her use the charger if she knocks three times at one p.m. every day. They don’t converse. When he overhears her running a self diagnostic, she admits to power reduction and no available spare parts. Everything is finite. The ominous information is lost in their charming parrying. HwaBoon thrives. Oliver grows accustomed to Claire’s visits.
Darren Criss is just stiff enough to appear machine-like without becoming a cartoon. The character’s guileless nature is deftly manifest with obtuse facial expression, tics, and programming: He automatically says “thank you” and/or “can I help you” to everyone later encountered. When changes occur, they’re subtle.
Helen J. Shen (Claire)
Helen J. Shen (Broadway debut) is marvelous. Her Claire appears curious, world weary, and sensitive,
but practical. The actress is a comedienne whose small gestures or glances and quick retorts help keep interaction buoyant. We observe the character surprised at burgeoning feeling.
Oliver has been collecting coins he intends to fund a trip to Jeju Island where he’s tracked James. We get a glimpse of their seemingly ideal life together. Claire tries to warn her neighbor things will have changed, but he’s determined. She volunteers to drive them. (Model 5s can drive.) What else is there to do?
Marcus Choi (James), Darren Criss (Oliver)
Cue droll Helpbot road trip. Oliver insists the couple have a backstory in case they’re stopped. His is surprisingly poetic and romantic. There’s recognition. We see their memories tapped by AI (projection). Having been disillusioned, Claire is protective, while Oliver recalls only cheerful purpose. They grow unwittingly close. This isn’t supposed to be possible. “How to Be Not Alone” they sing.
Oliver finds disappointment at James’ house. There’s a magical scene with fireflies. Back home, the two experiment with actions that signify love. Giving in to the emotion means setting oneself up for loss, however. “How do people do this?!” Oliver exclaims. Trajectory and outcome is affectingly human. The resolution is a bittersweet “maybe happy ending.”
Dez Duron (Gil Brently)
Intermittently throughout the piece, James and Oliver’s singing idol, Gil Brently (Dez Duron), appears crooning 50s style, Sinatra-like songs. The actor is matinee handsome, vocals are velveteen, but I never grew acclimated to unexpected appearances.
As Oliver’s Owner (and others) Marcus Choi is low key and authentic.Playing himself, HwaBoon -Broadway debut – the plant thanks MaBoon for inspiring him to grow. (There’s a bio in the program.)
Director Michael Arden creates endless engaging moments. At one point, Oliver accepts a drink from fantasy Gil, sips, and has a short circuit provoking static and steam. A paper cup and string telephone is ingeniously employed with not generated sound effects. Arden moves his players among stage levels and neon framed boxes, controlling focus without hampering flow. Timing is some of the best I’ve ever seen.
Helen J. Shen (Claire), Darren Criss (Oliver)
Songs are so enmeshed, I had no idea there were so many until program perusal afterwards. Melodies emerge pleasant; lyrics are often clever, always apt; vocals consistently fine. Story and dialogue are extremely inventive and sympathetic. Those who watch Korean serials on Netflix might find the modesty, directness, and quiet wit familiar.
Tandem Scenic (Dane Laffrey) and Video Design (Ceorge Reeve) includes rooms that reflect inhabitants, projected, digital memories and a nifty hologram. Costumes by Clint Ramos are exactly what one might imagine for each character, minimalist yet personality specific.
Maybe Happy Ending is a delight, a tonic for the times.
Photos by Matthew Murphy and Evan Zimmerman
Maybe Happy Ending by Will Aronson and Hue Park
Directed by Michael Arden
Music Supervisor – Deborah Abramson
Maybe Happy Ending is a winner of the Richard Rodgers Award
Belasco Theatre
111 West 44th Street
