Darren Criss Leads in Heartfelt Maybe Happy Ending

Maybe Happy Ending is a new musical by Will Aronson and Hue Park that debuted on Broadway after gaining acclaim in South Korea. The story revolves around two robots, Oliver, a Helperbot 3 (played by Darren Criss), and Claire, a Helperbot 5 (played by Helen J Shen), both of whom are outdated and abandoned. Despite their mechanical nature, the robots experience human-like emotions and struggle with their obsolescence. As they bond, they embark on a journey to find Oliver's long-lost owner, only to discover a deeper connection between themselves.

The plot follows a familiar formula: a meet-cute leads to a road trip that develops into a love story. Oliver lives a quiet life, cherishing small joys like listening to music, taking care of his plant, and waiting for his owner, James, to return. When Claire arrives asking to borrow his charger, their lives are changed. Both robots are discarded and left to rust away, but together they search for a purpose beyond their programming.

The musical explores themes of relationships and the passage of time. As the two robots face their obsolescence, they come to realize the importance of connection and love. Criss and Shen have strong chemistry, with Criss portraying Oliver’s robotic awkwardness and Shen bringing emotional depth to Claire. The tension between Oliver’s optimistic view of life and Claire’s jaded outlook drives the emotional heart of the story.

Oliver believes that inertia and the fear of being alone are the true forces that keep people together, rather than love. This pessimistic view evolves as the story progresses, and the relationship between Oliver and Claire demonstrates that even robots can experience deep emotional bonds. The show’s quiet, intimate moments are the most powerful, capturing the essence of love and connection without relying solely on the dialogue.

Visually, the production is striking, with director Michael Arden guiding the show through innovative stagecraft. The set design by Dane Laffrey and lighting by Ben Stanton create a dynamic, ever-shifting world that reflects the emotional shifts of the characters. However, the heavy use of technology sometimes interrupts the flow, especially when video flashbacks pull focus from the present storyline.

The music, composed by Aronson and with lyrics by Park, creates a jazzy atmosphere but lacks a standout number. Dez Duron plays Gil Brently, a jazz singer whose performances provide the emotional backdrop for the developing romance. While the songs don’t have a lasting impact, the show’s heartfelt moments, driven by the performances of Criss and Shen, leave a lasting impression, making the show a charming, visually captivating experience. Grade: B.