Broadway Review: MAYBE HAPPY ENDING - Bored & Confused

[@vicasaurus307]

As a sentimental person (I see what you did there), I really liked it . I thought it was so charming and funny, but heartbreaking at times. I think I was able to connect with the characters b/c while it’s a show about robots on the surface, it’s really a show that asks us why we still choose to love when we know we have a shelf life. Very much the concept of it’s better to have loved and lost, than to have never loved at all

[@MatthewHardyMusical]

Thanks for chiming in. Now that The Notebook is closing the sentimental folks can make their way over to the Belasco. I do have to say that this musical has got me thinking. Could the same story be told with two male presenting robots or two female presenting robots? Is there different programming to the robots depending on what gender they are representing? What does it mean to love in robot terms? Do these robots have nerves on their skin? Do they feels something when they touch? When they kiss? So many questions? I think the writers are anthropomorphizing these machines both literally and figuratively. What if the story was told with two iPhones? Or a toaster and a kuhrig coffee maker? .

[@SandyGooen]

@@MatthewHardyMusical It's interesting to see the comparison because I HATE the notebook and LOVE maybe happy ending... I think the gender comment you have here misses some of the brilliant nuances of the characters, which is to say that Claire was objectified as a female robot and Oliver was treated as somewhat of a surrogate son. that's not to say that men are never objectified and women are never cherished in that way but this is simply one piece of what I love about this story. the idea too that people aren't going to live forever and have existential crises about obsolescence and whether or not it's worth it to love someone... there's a lot of heart there. I also think the style and range of music being more within reach of the performers than the notebook leads to more grounded and consistent performances that are about the story and building the world. I also DO think that while you know the truth from the start, you don't know the FULL truth, and it's really beautiful to see it unfold and how Oliver finds a new life, not unlike the toy story sequels. I see how you got to your conclusion and I mine.

[@MatthewHardyMusical]

@SandyGooen I love this comment! I was also thinking about the roles that gender play in this piece. Are male helperbots and female helperbots programmed differently? Could this show be done with two robots that are presenting the same gender? The more I hear people talk about this show the more I think I love it. LOL

[@FM-jb5sn]

Definitely my favorite show on Broadway right now!! I literally cant stop thinking about the songs and cant wait for a full cast recording to be released 😭

[@MatthewHardyMusical]

Nice! Did you listen to the tracks they released before seeing the show?

[@FM-jb5sn]

​@@MatthewHardyMusical I did and they were lovely but still I didn't expect to love the score as much as I did! I'm a big fan of jazz music so definitely up my alley, but the orchestrations in general were so hauntingly beautiful with all the strings and the melodies as well were so gorgeous! I love the more traditional sound they brought to this and how accessible it feels despite being a more sophisticated sound, it worked really well with the story which felt the same way actually 😆

[@MatthewHardyMusical]

@@FM-jb5sn Nice! Thanks for sharing your thoughts. Hopefully it will encourage more people to check ou the show.

[@lited5556]

i do loop those songs and need the full album so badly.

[@MatthewHardyMusical]

See, what do I know? Glad you're digging the score.

[@miguelcanizares8713]

This show was amazing! Understanding the realities of living and loving as a human through the eyes of a robot was a delight. The musical confronts you with the question of love being worthwhile or not. How we humans have the privilege of reflecting on our past experiences and either dwelling in them and living in pain, or take them as an opportunity to move forward with endless joy. All while being aware that we have no other options. The songs are quite deep too. When you’re in love and Sentimental Person are wonderful. I could very well see Sentimental Person as a top hit in another time when musicals were part of the mainstream.

[@MatthewHardyMusical]

@miguelcanizares8713 Thanks for the comment. I think you perfectly described what makes this musical so special.

[@Oboe5life]

The first couple songs “world within my room” and “the way that it has to be” are bops that are on repeat. I was at the first preview and absolutely loved it. Most interesting set design I saw of all like 30 shows I saw (not the best set). I hope it’s able to run for at least a bit cuz I wanna see it again

[@MatthewHardyMusical]

I liked "world within my room" it was a nice opening to the show and introduction to the lead character. Hopefully the operating costs are low so they can stay open despite not having a very large advance ticket sales. (I'm just guessing about the advance based on the size of the crowd at the performance I saw.)

[@calewis25]

@@MatthewHardyMusical Last week's sales went up $160,000, so let's hope it's on its way.

[@MatthewHardyMusical]

@@calewis25 Woot woot!

[@mattm8895]

It's not a revival or a Jukebox musical, for that reason alone I recommend it.

[@MatthewHardyMusical]

Amen. I can't argue with that. And it's also completely original.

[@margagomezcomedy]

To me the robots symbolize introverts, social anxiety, people on the spectrum and the isolation people live with all types not represented in musicals. The story in MHE is a breath of fresh air. Loved it and the next level projections, holograms, eye popping set. Going to see it again. My my seat was great - aisle seat 4th row up in mezzanine.

[@MatthewHardyMusical]

Love the mezzanine in that theater. I agree with everything you've said. Glad you enjoyed the show. I'm going to try and see it again to see if I can have a better experience knowing that it doesn't end in tragedy.

[@TheLiviaMulder]

Hi! I'm from Brazil and I'm planning a trip to NYC in April. We going to see a few musicals (Gypsy and Sunset Boulevard for example) and we were between Death Becomes Her and Maybe Happy Ending. But since I do love korean dramas we've had decided to see Maybe Happy Ending. Your review was amazing!

[@MatthewHardyMusical]

Thank you! I think you made the right choice. Most everyone loves Maybe Happy Ending. Please let me know what you thought of the shows after your trip. Safe travels. Dress warm!

[@liddogreen]

Wow, I really disagree with you about this show! Yet I still enjoyed your video! You are such a great content creator and love your videos. Always insightful and respectful while still being interesting and humorous. Many critics could learn from you! I must say, the point I disagree with most is your point about the music! I am counting the days until the cast recording is released and have been listening to the clips online on a loop. Keep up the great work!

[@MatthewHardyMusical]

Thanks! I love when people disagree with me. We all have different tastes. I do appreciate that the songs are coming out of character. The writers are clearly musical theater writers and not pop song writers. I think a lot of people who don't have a problem with sentimentality will love the show. I'm really curious to see what the New York critics will have to say. I may have to give the album a listen to see if the tunes grow on me. Did you love the score from seeing the show or did you listen to the album first?

[@liddogreen]

@ I loved the score from seeing the show. I loved almost everything about the show when I saw it.

[@MatthewHardyMusical]

@@liddogreen Alright then! Tell your friends! Let's keep the show open!

[@stephenmessano1847]

I like how you always try to stay positive, even for musicals you don’t particularly enjoy. 🙂

[@MatthewHardyMusical]

Thanks! Sometimes it's a struggle. lol But yeh I think every show has something worthwhile and can find an audience.

[@clowchan]

Honestly this show and Death Becomes Her are currently my fave musicals of this season. I still have some of the songs stuck in my head which is very rare for current Broadway musicals of the past 10 years. I do hope this show finds an audience esp one that is original. I feel like if you're neurodivergent you will relate to Oliver - who I felt was very ND/autistic coded. Those who aren't may not but I do not want to assume anything here.

[@MatthewHardyMusical]

I haven't seen Death Becomes Her yet. I was waiting till press week since it's a brand new musical. You have songs stuck in your head from Maybe Happy Ending? I think the only song that stuck out to me was the song about Love that they crooner was singing in a Frank Sinatra style. Memorable mainly because it repeated throughout out the show. (Which is really the key to lead the audience humming a tune when they leave the theater.) Interesting comment about Olivier being autistic coded. I absolutely see that.

[@clowchan]

​@@MatthewHardyMusicaloddly not that song but "The Way That It Has To Be" and "When You're in Love" When you do see DBH can't wait for your review!

[@MatthewHardyMusical]

@@clowchan I'll have to re-listen to those two songs. DBH review coming out next week!

[@MatthewHardyMusical]

So the critics have weighed in and they were unanimously positive! I was surprised. I guess I'm the only cold hearted critic in New York. I'm really happy for the show and hope this gives it the boost in ticket sales it will need to to fill that big theater and have a long run.

[@BroadwayGuy]

You're not sentimental. I'm guessing, you don't like "The Sound Of Music", then?

[@MatthewHardyMusical]

I don't find The Sound of Music that sentimental! There are Nazis and scary Nuns! And Max and the Baroness! The Notebook is sentimental!

[@jkuykendoll]

We found him, the one critic who doesn't like Mabye Happy Ending. 🤣 No worries, I feel like everyone ends up as an outlier on something. For me, last Tony season, it was Illinoise.

[@MatthewHardyMusical]

LOL Then we're on the same page. My worst review last season was for Illinoise. I feel so bad that I didn't love Maybe Happy Ending because I really want to support it.

[@deansenratz4437]

When you ask me to name a sci-fi musical that is NOT TRHS or LSOH, my first thought is The Lightning Thief, and after that, Starlight Express. Vis a vis MHE, I am sentimental so I expect to like it, and from what I've heard of the music so far I expect to like that too, but I can't get to NY until April (2025), and unfortunately I don't think the show will make it that far. I've purchased a ticket but I will be very sad if the show closes before then.

[@MatthewHardyMusical]

I think it will make it till the Tonys because of all the love and critical acclaim it's receiving. I think it will be rewarded with lots of nominations and hopefully that will give it a boost.

[@deansenratz4437]

@@MatthewHardyMusical I am not so sure. Nominations don't happen until the beginning of May. Money, not acclaim, is what keeps a show open. It can only run at a loss for so many weeks. If it continues to lose money, they will close it - period. That could be at any time before April.

[@MatthewHardyMusical]

Is it running at a loss? According to last weeks grosses they are selling at 95% capacity up from 87% the previous week. I think it's a feel good show so hopefully it will do well over the holidays. I can't imagine this show is that expensive to run.

[@deansenratz4437]

@@MatthewHardyMusical Up 8.7%, not 87%. 95% capacity yes, gross is up, but average ticket price is only $101. Not terrible, and so far recently not at a loss, but not high earning numbers like the successful shows. I don't know their nut, but I do hope they can continue to run at least through April so I can see it!

[@MatthewHardyMusical]

I think they'll be fine. Their operating cost has to be one of the lowest on Broadway.

[@cdm0202]

Great honest review! Watching next month and hope I’m not bored or confused. I’m the sentimental type and love a good tear-jerker. Got 2nd row tickets. Do you think that’s too close?

[@vicasaurus307]

I’m a sentimental type and I loved it! It’s very heartwarming

[@MatthewHardyMusical]

Since you've been forwarned I think you will enjoy it. I go into all these shows cold so sometimes I'm trying to figure out what it is I'm watching as I sit there in the theater. I saw Swept Away tonight and found myself trying to figure out which came first the chicken or the egg. I'll explain more in my review of it next week.

[@MatthewHardyMusical]

...and to answer your question. I don't think second row is to close because it's essentially a 2 person musical and they are always center stage, so although you will be looking up their nostrils, you will have have a great intimate experience with their performances.

[@cdm0202]

@ OK, thank you! I was wondering why those seats were so cheap.

[@cdm0202]

@@MatthewHardyMusical That is why I love your reviews, bc you’re giving an honest unbiased opinion. Do you review off-broadway? If so, please watch “Drag the musical”. It’s hilarious. Zero boredom or confusion.

[@jeannehardy5082]

It is very possible to become emotionally invested in a robot if you watch the movie, The Wild Robot, Although it’s not a musical.

[@MatthewHardyMusical]

You're right. We become invested in Data in Star Trek. But if he started to sing... kzbin.info/www/bejne/p6jPloewrrRnerMsi=rz9oxAlDXrdmUZmW

[@yankee04]

Thanks. Not sure I will see this. Do you think it will get any tech awards?

[@MatthewHardyMusical]

Definitely a nom for set design. Probably a nom for lighting/video design, but the win will go to Sunset Blvd. Hopefully it won't go the way of K-Pop and get shut out.

[@JoshAragon]

I imagine there are sci-fi stories that could make good musicals-like the work of Ray Bradbury who did adapt some of his own books like Farenheit 451 into plays- hey that could work as a musical- good review by the way

[@MatthewHardyMusical]

Thanks. I think stories need to feel like they need to sing. There was a musical of Fahrenheit 451 that played off broadway in 1996. But I would see it more as an opera than a musical. playbill.com/article/musical-fahrenheit-451-catches-fire-off-bway-com-68974

[@BroadwayGuy]

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!! I like you. In the first few minutes of your review, I could tell this show is NOT for me at all. Thank You.

[@MatthewHardyMusical]

Thanks! This is the start of my Birthday week with the big day on Friday! Your saying the show is NOT for you makes me want you to go see it! LOL Just so I can hear what you thought. I don't think it's selling well, so you could probably score a cheap rush ticket on a week night and then get moved into a better seat. (that's what I did)

[@MatthewHardyMusical]

Now that it's gotten all those rave reviews do you want to see it?

[@janecruz912]

Only if you too are not a sentimental man.... Anyone with an inkling of emotional empathy would be drawn in by this show and all the better for it.

[@MatthewHardyMusical]

@@janecruz912 I think the fact that I am very emotional and empathetic is the reason I couldn't enjoy the show. I just felt so bad for Oliver and his desire to be reunited with his owner. It made me so sad. I was so relieved when he finally got rejected and was okay with it. But the hour leading up to that was excruciating for me. I just felt a sense of impending doom. Now that I know how the show turns out, I should go again and see if I'm able to go on the ride knowing that there will be happy ending.

[@FidesAla]

One of my favorite musicals is actually another Korean one based on the original science fiction story - Frankenstein. Yes, it’s closer to horror. I hope it gets to Broadway someday. Most Korean musicals are a lot darker. I wonder why they put this one of Broadway instead of Frankenstein, Fan Letter, Smoke, Darwin Young…

[@MatthewHardyMusical]

Did you see My Scary Girl? It's a darker story and by the same composer as Maybe Happy ending.

[@calewis25]

Everyone is going to have their own opinion, but I think you just have to be human to enjoy this show. And while it is a very sweet and emotional show it has very comical moments in it as welll. The set is absolutely amazing, like nothing you,'ll see on Broadway. I went with a friend and she thought it was amazing as well, as all the critics have as well. It' a NY Times Critics Pick. I would not sit any closer than 4th row, especially since there are a couple of scenes where the actors are elevated at the front of the stage.

[@MatthewHardyMusical]

Good suggestion. The set is really cool but you need to be towards the center of the audience to fully enjoy it. I sat in the back of the orchestra, a little bit to the side. I plan to go back and see this show again to give it a second chance. The problem I was having is that I think I was too empathetic towards Oliver's situation. I just felt so terrible for him. Knowing that it all works out in the end, I might be able to watch the show a second time without a feeling of dread.

[@ChristopherButler-um2ko]

Via Galactica, a sci-fi musical BOMBED big time in the early 70's. Ethan Mordden gives an account of it in his terrific Not Since Carrie.

[@MatthewHardyMusical]

I vaguely remember reading about that. Also Metropolis. These stories might be better suited for grand opera than musical comedy.

[@palmtreegal3]

I loved this musical!

[@MatthewHardyMusical]

You're not alone. So did ALL of the critics. I guess I'm just too cold hearted for such a sweet story.

[@janecruz912]

Yikes. Even the usually harsh critics of the Post and NYT gave this one a glowing review. I think it all boils down to "I'm not a sentimental person" and that separates you from.... every other person I've seen review this musical.

[@janecruz912]

Even though I wholeheartedly disagree with you and have not watched any of your other videos, I still subscribed because -Happy Birthday and good luck on 1k!

[@MatthewHardyMusical]

Yeh. I feel kind of guilty. Usually my reviews are in line with the majority of critics. I definitely want this show to succeed because it's original and is written by writers who primarily write musical theater. I've asked some of my writer friends to go see it because I'm curious about their reaction. My main issue was I couldn't get on board with Oliver's main desire to be reunited with his owner. It was so sad to me and I knew it would never happen.

[@liddogreen]

@@MatthewHardyMusical I don’t think you should feel guilty. The fact that you are an independent thinker and don’t just go with the masses makes me trust your critiques more.

[@MatthewHardyMusical]

​@@liddogreen Thanks! I appreciate that!

[@flowerweak]

@@MatthewHardyMusical Not to spoil it for others, so please stop reading if you don't want to know, but you did catch what happened to James the owner right? Even Claire admitted she was wrong and that Oliver hadn't been abandoned and that James loved him like a son.

[@flowerweak]

Oh whoa. This is the first and only negative review I've seen of this show. But I guess not everything can be universally loved 😅. Well, I saw it and it's the best thing to hit Broadway in years in my opinion so I hope it succeeds and that people who watch this review will still give it a chance!

[@MatthewHardyMusical]

I'm so glad you enjoyed it! It wasn't for me, but I appreciate all the artistry that went into it and that it is a completely original musical which we need more of on Broadway. So I'm encouraging everyone to go see it.

[@julianasuplee6900]

Just bought tickets for MHE in March! Can't wait! I'm a sentimental person

[@MatthewHardyMusical]

Yay! Please come back afterwards and tell everyone how cold hearted I am! :-) I think you will love it. If it can make it to award season it should pic up a lot of nominations that will hopefully keep it going for the rest of the season.

[@julianasuplee6900]

Will do and congrats on reaching 1,000 subscribers! :-) Happy to be one of them.

[@MatthewHardyMusical]

Thanks and thank you for subscribing!

[@stephenmessano1847]

I wonder how many 21st-Century musicals that are set in the present day and show current technology (like “Dear Evan Hansen”) would have seemed like sci-fi musicals a generation or two ago … 🤖 🤔

[@MatthewHardyMusical]

Interesting! I think the production would seem like sci-fi but the story itself is very universal. Dear Evan Hansen could be told in the 1950s and still work. Although Dear Evan Hanson is a very unusual musical that bends and sometimes breaks many of the rules. It's fascinating it works as well as it does. It's interesting that you bring it up because it has a similar "watching a car crash" element to it like Maybe Happy Ending. We know that Evan can't keep up the charade and it's all going to come crashing down on him. Yet we come to care for Evan so much that we are hoping that he will be able to salvage a happy ending out of the mess he has gotten himself into. I had a really hard time connecting to Oliver.

[@bluesphreak]

I absolutely loved it. Although I am a big fan of sci fi and chick flicks.

[@MatthewHardyMusical]

Tell your chick flick sci-fi loving friends! :-)

[@bluesphreak]

@ I wish I had some 😫. The more I think about it you’re right, it’s a tough sell for most people.

[@neilengel3715]

Check out Alan Mencken’s Weird Romance. All science fiction and great music!

[@MatthewHardyMusical]

I am familiar with Weird Romance. I've never seen a production but I've heard a few songs. Another example of how hard it is to make a sci fi musical work.

[@laurakinnoin5649]

Another great review! I was just reading about this show the other day. It just seems a little too “out there” for my taste. If it had amazing songs, I would consider seeing it. Darren Criss was super passionate about bringing this show to New York, but I don’t know how it will play to NYC audiences.

[@MatthewHardyMusical]

Yeh I don't think the New York audiences will love it. But look at a show like Almost Maine. It got panned off broadway and now it's in the top ten of most produced shows every year. It's actually smart to bring Maybe Happy Ending to Broadway. It's a 4 person cast with a family friendly story and the Broadway exposure will mean that lots of regional theaters will be interested in producing it.

[@yeankim690]

I would unfortunately have to agree with you. And two hours without an intermission was a bit too long

[@MatthewHardyMusical]

I understood why they didn't have an intermission. There really wasn't a good place to stop without losing any of the momentum in the story. I do plan to go back and give it a second chance after the New Year. I really want this little show to succeed.

[@gusto1040]

Wow. You truly missed the point calling this a "robot musical" and a "Korean or Japanese musical". Good thing you are in the minority of what makes most people happy.

[@MatthewHardyMusical]

Well when you put it like that you make me sound racist and technophobic! LOL Yeh I admit that I missed the boat on this one. I plan to give it another view after the new year. Thanks for the comment! Everyone should go see Maybe Happy Ending and tell me how wrong I am!

[@flowerweak]

Don't be rude. He's very polite in his video and in these comments. It's never fun being the person who didn't love something and he's entitled to his opinion.

[@gusto1040]

@@flowerweak rude doesn't apply here, so don't be a censor for communication. in his reply agreed and he wrote "Yeh I admit that I missed the boat on this one." See above

[@MatthewHardyMusical]

@@flowerweak Thanks for standing up for me! But it's all good, I didn't read @gusto1040 comment as being rude. I read all of these comments with a subtext of love and appreciation. :-) (A skill I learned as an actor.)

[@flowerweak]

@@MatthewHardyMusical You're kinder than me lol. Let me go subscribe. I've liked watching your videos since I discovered them and I like your vibe!