Two Korean robots looking for their “Maybe Happy Ending”
It is always a pleasure when the first show of a new Broadway season turns out to be a real surprise. Such is the case with “Maybe Happy Ending”, created eight years ago by Will Aronson and Hue Park. The last Korean show seen in New York, “K-Pop”, was a flop, and this curiously titled musical about two robots who meet and become romantically involved could have been equally disastrous. Such is not the case: “Maybe Happy Ending” is a total delight, bubbling as it does with its clever story of those two artificial characters, bathed in a strong collection of catchy tunes, and illuminated with the imaginative scenic and video designs by Dane Laffrey.
The futuristic action takes place in the Helperbot Yards outside of Seoul, where Claire and Oliver, who look like humans but are clear symbols of artificial intelligence, have existed independently for several years in adjoining apartments but unknown from each other after their respective owners had left them on their own. They first meet when Claire, who needs to recharge her batteries, knocks on her neighbor’s door to see if he can help her; both realize they are robots with highly developed knowledge, and eventually get into a careful relationship.
For the past 12 years, Oliver, an older-generation specimen, has been expecting in vain the return of his owner, James; under the impulse of Claire, a newer model more informed than he is after she acquired her password from her previous owner, he decides to embark with her as a traveling companion on a search to find James, only to find that his previous owner has died many years ago. James’ son, at first reluctant, understands that the robot has information about his father that might be significant for him, and in turn gives Oliver the password that will enable him to become independent as well. Back in their individual apartments, the two robots, now on their own and feeling lonely, finally realize that they are made for each other and for living together.
The concept of this basically two-character musical is indeed clever. The songs, many inspired by the jazz and bop styles of the 1950s, with notable allusions to Duke Ellington, Chet Baker and Nat King Cole, provide the story with an old-fashioned spirit that complements it and turns the score into a series of attractive musical moments to illustrate the action. Darren Criss gives the semi-automated Oliver the mechanical personification it needs, with many hilarious attitudes that make his role more consistent and believable; Helen J Shen, making her Broadway debut, is seductive as the more humanly fashionable Claire. Both actors, smartly directed by Michael Arden, are constantly on stage for the duration of the evening, in complementary performances that keep the audience riveted and totally involved with the development of the narrative. As a result, “Maybe Happy Ending” emerges as a very entertaining production, and a welcome addition to the current roster of musicals seen on Broadway.
Music Supervision: Deborah K. Abramson • Music Director: John Yun • Scenic Design: Dane Laffrey • Costume Design: Clint Ramos • Lighting Design: Ben Stanton • Sound Design: Peter Hylenski • Video Design: George Reeve und Dane Laffrey • Projection Design: George Reeve • With: Darren Criss (Oliver), Helen J Shen (Claire), Dez Duron (Gil Brentley), Marcus Choi (James and others)
Cover photo: Matthew Murphy and Evan Zimmerman