If you were looking for a romantic-comedic musical on Broadway, look no further: “Maybe Happy Ending” at the Belasco Theatre (W. 44th Street) is exactly what you are craving.
This creative production is one of the most absolutely adorable romantic-comedy musicals you could find on a Broadway stage. It is the work of Will Aronson and Hue Park, who crafted the book, music and lyrics. It’s set in the future, in a building for Helperbots (robots that look human and were created to serve humans) near Seoul, Korea. We meet retired Helperbots Oliver and Claire, who live across the hallway from each other.
Oliver lives in one room with his plant and friend HwaBoon. His usual day is a basic but satisfying existence as he hopes that his owner James will come to get him. He hopes this for more than 12 years.
Claire comes to his door when her charger is malfunctioning, and she has to borrow his. When they meet, there is definite tension and anxiety from Oliver. We watch as these two Helperbots, who have been abandoned by their owners, come to grips with the reality of their situations and watch them develop a friendship that turns into much more:. Claire and Oliver go from being opponents to being friends to developing into something deeper.
The production shows the complexity of all types of relationships, from human beings to the robots that take care of them. One message is very clear: Everyone needs to feel useful. No one wants to feel obsolete.
The performances in this production are highly enjoyable. Darren Criss is quite touching as Oliver. Helen J. Shen as Claire is captivating. The chemistry between Criss and Shen is electric. Marcus Choi is delightful and engaging as he plays multiple roles, including James, Oliver’s owner who treated Oliver like a son. In the scenes where Oliver and Claire communicate, sometimes there’s a little help to convey what is happening between them as Dez Duron croons as Gil Brentley, a jazz singer.
Both Oliver and Claire are dealing with disappointments in their lives due to their human owners. They are able, however, to help each other through.
What happens in this musical is quite touching. I want you to experience it, but I don’t want to give a lot of details because the joy of this production is in experiencing all the quirky moments in person. You will definitely laugh, hear wonderful singing performances, and be moved on so many levels.
“Maybe Happy Ending” has dazzling direction by Michael Arden. The set and everything about this production transport you to this time and place in the future and are glorious to behold. Scenic and additional video design are by Dane Laffrey; costume design, Clint Ramos; lighting design, Ben Stanton; sound design, Peter Hylenski; and video and projection design, George Reeve.
For tickets, visit www.maybehappyending.com.