MAYBE HAPPY ENDING is my new favourite Broadway show | ★★★★★ review of the 2024 new musical

[@jurney3478]

I'm happy to see this get raves from critics. Hoping it finds an audience. It would be a shame if this closed before awards season truly kicked off.

[@zangeeze]

I think the firefly scene is extra beautiful because it's a joining of claire's interest, fireflies, and oliver's interest, his jazz orchestra. it's showing that oliver is as enthralled as claire is and aghhhh it's such a beautiful moment

[@tellmewhatsahappenin]

I cried during the firefly scene 😭

[@nadinesoehnert]

I saw this show last week. It was one of my all time Broadway favorites 🥹 The story, the cast, the songs, the set design, the light design, directed by Michael Arden - everything just perfect. They cared about so many tiny details 🥹 I can't even tell you why, but Korean stories are so heartwarming and so intense. It makes you laugh, it makes you cry and you just love Oliver and Claire. I'm a comedian and usually I hear a lot of missed punchlines in a show. But not this time. They hit every single one of them and added even more cute little gags that were not scripted. It was so so charming and lovable. This one act felt like a movie and time flew by so fast. It's amazing 🥹🩵🩷

[@brainyrat1221]

Laughed the hardest I have at a Broadway show during this show. Was crying by the end. One of the best nights of theatre I have had on Broadway.

[@ontheclouds0123]

I'm soooooo happy that MEH is receiving so much love by audiences and critics 😭😭😭 it's such a popular musical here in Korea and I'm glad Broadway is finally seeing this masterpiece by Hue Park and Will Aronson! 🫶✨️ Ofc, the Broadway production is clearly different in terms of scale, with the original Korean production being made for small-size theaters (only being a 3-person musical), but I think MHE is still a very down-to-earth and human (albeit ironically) story that goes beyond the technology and the visual spectacle.

[@TheTradge]

*MHE you mean

[@KarenLovesTheater]

I agree - this would still be a great musical without all the fancy pyrotechnics

[@ThomasFarrellNYC]

When I first heard the premise of the show, I thought that it probably wasn't for me. But like you, I kept hearing uniformly positive reactions whilst it was in previews, so I bought tickets. I saw it soon after it opened to unanimous rave reviews. And it was still unexpected: both the show and my reaction to it. I loved, loved, LOVED it. I agree with your review completely. I hope that the strong word of mouth helps it find its audience. It deserves a long run.

[@missrusty411]

It is THE show of the season! EXACTL:Y what we need right now. Get tickets folks - an oh so original magical musical! Can't wait to see it again.

[@drewlasater7345]

I saw this the week before you did and what Olliver did not do by not wiping his memory profoundly moved me. Anyone who has had a loved one suffer from dementia will relate to that. It truly brought me to tears.

[@MickeyJoTheatre]

A beautiful new perspective on it that I hadn't entirely considered, thank you!

[@ReillyWilmit]

LOVED this show! My boyfriend and I were both sobbing at the end. Such a perfect tonal balance between sweet & laugh out loud funny, as well as devastatingly bittersweet. I’m so glad it’s getting such great critical recognition! 💖

[@NFTProductions]

After seeing this show, I've been obsessed. It made me cry continuously. Even just thinking back about certain scenes makes me cry. My favorite song is "Where You Belong" - that duet between Oliver and James is beautiful and heartbreaking.

[@kl-1447]

I will die on the hill that Michael Arden should have won for the Tony for Best Director in 2016 for Deaf West Spring Awakening, so I'm happy that he continues to do projects that he enjoys and clearly has put a ton of thought into (re)imagining and is also continuing to get nominated/win

[@elizabethm937]

Yes!!! Deaf West Spring Awakening was snubbed in its entirety tbh

[@kamilahclahar7866]

Agreed! What he was able to accomplish in that show was incredible! I’ve been a fan of his ever since.

[@JohnAnthonyPerales]

Yes the firefly scene I wanted to applaud the set. I was awe-struck.

[@stacyhere]

We were in town for 3 shows & made a last minute decision to catch this one too! I’m so glad we did because it was everyone’s favorite in the end!

[@angelagoldman5899]

I saw Maybe Happy Ending last week and thought it was wonderful. I've been waiting with bated breath for your review because you always articulate your insights and feelings so clearly. Thank you for digging deeper and helping me understand why this show is so deep yet charming. While you're in NY, I hope you see Yellow Face which was only mildly successful when it was first produced, but I think is sharp and hilarious here. Also, I hope you see the Hills of California, because Jez Butterworth did a significant rewrite for this staging, and I'd like to hear about what changed and whether/how much you think this version is better than the West End's. Hope you're having a fabulously stagey time in NY!

[@KarenLovesTheater]

This is my favorite new musical in years. I've been dragging everyone I know to see it. It reminds me a bit of the Band's Visit in its dreamy quality, but it was more entertaining. I love how it shifts so quickly in mood from serious/thoughtful, to hilarious, to romantic. I've seen it multiple times and it's striking how the audience reacts the same way to certain events every time. It really makes me feel like I'm part of a community when I'm watching it. Helen Shen and Dez Duron's vocals are fantastic, and Darren's physicality in portraying a humanoid but imperfectly executed robot is top notch. I also find that with multiple viewings/listens, the music in fact becomes quite memorable and catchy. In that respect, it reminds me of Sondheim.

[@itsyagirljessssss]

Yes! I definitely got Sondheim vibes from it too! And even moreso because the staging reminding me of the revival of Company.

[@timlove2415]

Travelled from Australia to see this Show and I wasn’t disappointed, it was absolutely phenomenal!

[@baldmitzvah]

shows like this give me hope for the future of broadway. original, inventive shows are STILL HERE and SUCCESSFUL!

[@rickwilson4077]

Very happy for all of these reviews!! Really hoping that it gets the audience it deserves!!

[@ceburr]

FINALLY. I’ve been obsessed with this show for like four years even though I don’t speak Korean.

[@williamgantt7661]

A rave for this show in The New York Times! Mickey Jo, you saw it coming!

[@margagomezcomedy]

And that jazz singer!

[@quiqui6424]

The scream i just scrumpt!!! I saw the US premiere in Atlanta in 2020, and it's so exciting seeing more people fall in love with this show

[@TheTradge]

Oh it made me so freakin' happy, I didn't want it to end and wished it was longer! If this doesn't make it over to the UK I will be devastated, because this was 100% the highlight of my trip last week (though I will also say "Teeth" was a contender for that title as well! 😂) Have you managed to see "Oh Mary" at all yet?

[@lex_morgan]

I saw it on Wednesday and went almost completely blind( I saw the music video like 5 months ago) and it completely wrecked me. Michael Arden also directed my favorite musical( once on this island which is also a one act 90 minute show) and you can really see his eye through both shows. This show fills each minute and you forget time completely. It's not too short at all. I will say that where I was sitting ( left orchestra seat 3 in row B) I didn't get to see the back left corner of Oliver's room but I do not think I actually missed anything of importance but the stage is split in 2 to show the 2 apartments so just keep that in mind that you might not see the full set on the left or right side if you are not as centered. I am going back next week and I already bought tickets for my birthday in a couple weeks (12/13), it lifted the dark cloud over my head that I had for the last week and makes you really appreciate your humanity in such a dark time.

[@iandthou247]

Loved this show! Pretty sure I spotted you at the Belasco on Saturday. I've been recommending this to everyone.

[@FM-jb5sn]

Aaaah I've been waiting for this forever, so glad you enjoyed it 😭😭

[@witchygrrl]

Watching this eating an early dinner at a ramen spot after just seeing a Wed matinee of this show 😂. 100000% agreeing with all the rave reviews, I'm so hopeful this gains an audience because I want this to LAST. I honestly can't remember the last time I left a show with such a warm and fuzzy feeling. Maaaybe Kimberly Akimbo??! But this absolutely hits different. I was not expecting to love it so instantly, but I'm immediately planning to try to see it again. I was upper mezz today, I'm curious how it looks from the orchestra. 😅 Excited to see what else you saw!!

[@sarkyblueeyes9357]

Saw Maybe Happy Ending last week and LOVED it! It was so funny and heartbreaking and the score and set design was incredible. Never seen transitions like it. I really hope the rave reviews this show received enables it to last a long time.

[@barbaraz8264]

I am so glad that you enjoyed this show as much as I did. It’s the best thing I’ve seen so far this season. Can’t wait to see it again!

[@joebel222]

Saw it 3 times and the emotions this story brings gets more intense each time.

[@MissJodieHarkness]

I am SO EXCITED to hear this show is so great!! As a fan of the Korean musical scene (and huge Darren Criss fan) I really hope this success creates more opportunity for Korean musicals to transfer across the pond (and more Darren Criss in musicals!?)

[@littlepipandcowbell]

In my opinion the best new musical on Broadway this season (so far), and one of the most original in years. So glad you loved it too.

[@bjornbolinder7366]

I just l found myself wiping tears off of my face for about half the show. Such a breath of fresh air for Broadway. Really hoping that it finds its audience and has some staying power.

[@garneyjohnson]

Already commented how I highly recommend this on another video before noticing you had posted this review. Probably my favorite show I've seen post pandemic. I've listened to some of the songs in Korean and the loveliness definitely transcends any language barrier.

[@bobbymcgnyc]

Saw it. Loved it. I can't believe the publicist put you in the balcony.

[@janabromell3696]

Thank you for this review, I’m headed to see it this weekend ❤️

[@nataliemartinez5950]

I was WAITING for this one! Saw it in previews and cannot stop thinking about it

[@taylorbelle825]

This has been high on my list of want to see so I'm happy to hear the good press. I hope it doesn't close before I get a chance to see it since I don't think I'll be able to get to New York before the holidays end

[@markjlabella8869]

FinaAaally!!! Not another remake! I’m there!

[@susanstinson]

Writing from a modest NYC hotel room. I came here from Massachusetts to see this lovely, tender, funny, brilliant play and, tomorrow, Suffs, based on this review. I am so glad I did. One of the gifts of the fireflies on the island are the gifts of art. Oliver learns some 20th C artifice from the music, he is also led to deeper places of emotion by his long immersion in this specific genre of music. The musicians have been invisibly helping make this world for the audience. They are fireflies, their music is ephemeral, so present and also elusive. Oh, the whole thing is lovely. I loved the performances. And I felt something so special in that room full of strangers, laughing and breathing and feeling together. I got something I had been very hungry for from this musical. Human mortality dances with all kinds of commodification of most precious impulses and connections with others, but there us insistent beauty, too. I loved this so much.

[@margagomezcomedy]

I finally saw it OHMYGOD! Genius. So heartfelt and visually magnificent. The songs were great and not schmaltzy. That motel room had a fantastic view . I’d stay there. The bucket hats were sold out, can I have yours 😊

[@DiegoRivera-ll8jy]

THIS is the best in while IMO, I saw the previews and I will be watching this again

[@miguelcanizares8713]

Flying to NYC just to see this. Something tells me it won’t run for much more and there won’t be a tour. Yes, I will see other shows, but this is the main reason why I’m going.

[@jyangtoho]

I assume people are getting word of this show because I went to see it today and it was fully sold out.

[@robotmary121]

I've been waiting for this review! I was so charmed by this show and its easily my favorite new musical post-covid. I'm alittle sadden to hear that they changed the ending. I saw the 4th preview and to me it was very clear that both Claire and Oliver chose to keep their memories. Helen played the scene very much like "oh shit, what did i say the first time we met? ugh this is taking too long can we skip to the part when we are in love again?" but i guess it makes sense for her character. So glad you and aeron seem to be having a nice time in New York!

[@thaiswinmill2153]

I saw it on Sunday for the last preview! I couldn’t agree more!

[@JwhiteW45th]

It’s ironic that the truest show on Broadway is about helper bots. So beautiful.

[@lennies_mindful_life]

We all feel in love with Pixar's Wallie and Eva, so I can see how we can fall for Oliver and Claire too 💜🤖🏰😊

[@AthynVixen]

TBH i don't find robots or romance appealing so i cannot think of anything worse . I hated Wall-e its the only Pixar film I don't rate .This sounds really ridiculous and cheesy tbh and gimmicky, Veiled autistics in love. I do not get the appeal - seems very niche .but each to their own.

[@aschmarkl]

I loved it. Been to see it twice so far

[@IloveHeartlandX]

Looking forward to hearing your thoughts on Death Becomes Her, I saw it during its Chicago run earlier in the year (our family trip there happened to coincide) and I enjoyed it fine but it felt like it needed a fair amount of development so I'll be intrigued to see what you thought about it on Broadway and find out what if anything has changed!

[@julianasuplee6900]

Just bought tickets for next March! Really looking forward to seeing this show! ☺

[@ccuda480]

Absolutely loves this show, so happy I got to see it. Would love to see a review of Swept Away.

[@billycline7192]

I loved this show!

[@michaeladkins6]

Eternal Sunshine of the Robot Kind

[@JohnAnthonyPerales]

You are absolutely spot ON, friend.

[@MrBrom53]

Just bought my tickets! I am really looking forward to seeing it.

[@kennethhung8974]

So deserving of all the raves - absolutely lovely and so gentle but so unexpectedly moving. It really underlines the fact that you don’t need all the bells and whistles to tell a touching story (even though there were beautiful uses of stagecraft in this show too). ❤

[@michaelgalvin26]

Really happy for this show getting all the amazing feedback! I’d love to hear your thoughts on Death Becomes Her, I’m seeing the show in March with a two show day of Smash (a Megan Hilty themed day).

[@BethMDowney]

So I haven't seen this mentioned in other reviews with spoilers, but another reasoning for Oliver's decision in the end... . . . . . . ...is that if he had deleted to his last memory back up, he would still be under the belief that James would eventually come back for him. In preserving his memories with Claire, he is also remembering the circumstances of his retirement and the fate of James. So in a way, yes, Oliver will have to someday mourn the loss of Claire (if he doesn't go first), but also he knows grief NOW because of James. By saving his memory Oliver is also embracing his growth, even as he faces his mortality.

[@evyn9978]

I love your love of this show. I want very much to see it now. The fireflies, live & unpredictable, are the essence of beauty, & the recognition of beauty is usually believed to be solely within the purview of humans. Doubtful. But for 2 robots to find their hearts melting at the sight tells what is happening or has happened to their presumed natures. Just hearing you talk about it is lovely & moving.

[@sprange4]

THE REVIEW I HAVE BEEN WAITING FORRRRRRR

[@zangeeze]

I adore adore adore this musical. Utterly obsessed. I've never been more invested in a show's continued success - I PRAY this show can make it to the tony's!!

[@josephtadlock1615]

Thank you for your excellent review.

[@davidjamespoissant3448]

Without question the best musical I've seen in years.

[@confusion7665]

Loved this show since 2017 when I saw it in Korea and happy to see an Asian show on Broadway!

[@MatthewHardyMusical]

I must have a cold cold heart. I had a hard time getting on board with Oliver's quest to find his old owner. BUT I did think the show was gorgeous. Beautifully designed and directed and it's as sweet as red beans on shaved ice. If you want to hear a different take check out my review.

[@teacupsparkles]

I am so hoping this show makes it to the end of January for my trip to NYC. And I am really excited to hear your thoughts on Swept Away because I’m trying to decide if I want to see that one in January too!

[@itsclurg]

Can't wait to hear your review of Swept Away! I saw it in Berkeley and loved it, and I'm wondering what kinds of things got changed/adjusted for a move to Broadway... I'm really rooting for those guys so hoping you liked it as much as I did :)

[@jjicbut]

this show sounds so good, i wish i could see it! hopefully they release a cast recording soon 🙏 i was very impressed with the musical theatre industry in korea when i was studying there. hoping that in the future more of their work gets recognized in the west too!

[@aptadpamu]

We saw MHE this weekend along with 4 other shows. This was all of our favorite. Look forward to seeing it again when next in town. May I also suggest you see Elf. It's a clever, silly musical version of the movie starring Grey Henson (Shucked), as Buddy is brilliant. The opening scene with the elves is hilarious. Obviously for kids, but subtle humor for adults is woven in.

[@josephlim6854]

I saw this show two weeks ago via rush line and this was a surprise for me. I had no idea how this was going to end and I even thought there might be robot suicide at one point but overall the musical charmed/moved me. @11:40 exactly. I got teary eyed a few times during the show and yes got teary eyed in that scene too @22:01. I'm surprised you sat at balcony @24:18 but at the same time I have to say thank you for sitting there since I feel that I can connect with you! lmao. I'm curious to hear what you think of TAMMY FAYE and how it compares to London. I've seen it twice and it has had LOTS of changes!

[@seattlesusieq]

hope you review Cabaret with Adam Lambert.

[@RaymondNYC1]

I saw Maybe Happy Ending this afternoon. It was one of the most beautiful love stories I've ever seen. Just wonderful. [P.S. the people behind me on line to get in to the theater also read the marquee as 'Darren Helen & Criss Shen.' Maybe they should rearrange it lol]

[@JohnAnthonyPerales]

I do think in Claire's second coming, she has a moment of Dejávu as though the meeting moment has happened before. We can see her thinking and pausing as though tapping into her deleted memory bank as she was an advanced model capable of such a feature. So....

[@joejones7272]

Can’t WAIT to hear Sunset - UK vs Broadway. Tammy Faye, AND The Roommate!!

[@fantasticnoob2597]

Are you planning on seeing/reviewing Swept Away, it’s a beautiful musical and I’ve been dying to hear what you would think of it

[@sarahciupek867]

Oooh, I want to see this now! I'm hoping you will review Swept Away. I saw it in DC before it transferred to Broadway and loved it, but I'm not sure if it's going to get enough of an audience with the darkness of the plot. Curious what you thought of it.

[@rickwilson4077]

I’m excited to hear your thoughts from the changes from Tammy traveling across the pond!

[@gacktist00]

I saw this show in Korea! and they didn't have that cool hat! so cute.. 😆 hope I can see it on broadway someday! heard they changed quite a lot, Im so curiouse..

[@Lisa-bm5sf]

I also thought it was charming and delightful when I saw it last week. I had not thought about the characters are comparable to neurodivergent individuals, but that makes total sense! I have two pretty big critiques though. None of the music was particularly memorable. A week after seeing the show, I can’t remember any main melodies or musical themes unfortunately. I’ll listen to the cast recording, but really good musicals have at least a few catchy or really memorable songs. Also, [slight spoiler ahead] I didn’t believe the characters’ love at the point in the show when they identified as being in love. Maybe by the end, I could believe that they fell in love, but I don’t think there was enough build-up of their developing relationship at the beginning. Maybe I feel that way because of all the time jumps, but I don’t know.

[@gcupton]

I also found the love story a bit unconvincing, especially from her perspective. Is it ableist(?) or classist(?) to question whether a 5 would fall for a 3? Is she attracted to him (whatever that means for a robot) because she is inherently designed to be a helper and he needs her help?

[@wej5541]

Whenever I think of Darren Criss and robots I think of Starkid's Starship. Darren wrote the songs for it and among other things involves a guy from a farming planet who falls in love with a robot.

[@catabolistnyc1207]

TMI IMO!!!!!!! There should be a Spoiler Alert at the start of this review! I live in NYC and manage to find enough discounts to see a lot of theater. Definitely planning to see Maybe, so I had to yank the earbuds out just in time before MJ spilled the tea. There is a fine line...

[@MickeyJoTheatre]

Sorry! I did issue a spoiler alert though!

[@davidjamespoissant3448]

Worth revisiting the end. Claire's final decision is definitely left intentionally ambiguous.

[@cokedudebestmate7099]

It's now genuinely giving Tony-winner to be

[@Lisa_M_V]

Tony winners for stage are like Oscar’s for film and have vested interests and big shareholders so it’s all corrupt. So don’t go by that. People should enjoy shows for themselves not because there is a hidden agenda that makes money for fraudster banker wankers.

[@PADavid12]

I saw this Saturday, I thought it was very charming. Did you see Once upon a mattress?

[@fishman1227]

Death Becomes Her!!

[@vltsi6441]

Waiting for your review of Devil Wears Prada to decide whether to go or not bother

[@JohnAnthonyPerales]

I just saw this amazing musical today. Oliver speaks to his plant saying "...she doesn't know". Oliver chooses to relive this emotion. Claire fell in love with her owner's lover but was an advanced enough robot to decide not to recognize and accept the boyfriend so she already had felt pain and was then able to guide Oliver in his quest to find his owner. She was already in love with Oliver because she attempted shield him from the pain. James's son was jealous...and has a reformation reuniting with Oliver. Claire erases her memory to protect Oliver from a continued feeling of isolation and loneliness because she is going to think Oliver erases his, but in fact he relives his memory of her by playing back maybe with the hope of a different ending. But remember his battery only lasted a few more months than hers so...in the end he chooses to relive love until he short circuits. Eventually two sparks in the night, the fireflies. This is my interpretation. I do think the bot fireflies are the remnants of robot disintegration, a sort of an unknown bot after-life. However, in the second coming of Claire, there is a change of expression maybe? I am led to believe that her memory banks are so advanced (deleted) memories and her love for Oliver is so strong she may realize that their second meeting was a dejavu moment for her (Claire)...which solidifies the romance and eventually Oliver will experience a true love lost. I do think it was ironic that Hadestown had the same premise with similar lyrics sung, LaLaLaLaLa. Remember?

[@courdeleon]

Great review, my kind of show! I hope to see it someday!🤩 I just read the reviews of Tammy Faye and they were almost all thumbs down! That made me curious as it did so well in the UK. I wonder if the US audiences didn't like it as well because they actually lived through her life here so they knew more about her life than the UK audiences do. What do you think?

[@PridefulPioneer]

Please talk about the Popular that just dropped. I need help processing it!

[@stanleycoleman]

i greatly regretted not bringing tissues. i was a total mess right from the start just from the anticipation that Oliver was going to get hurt. 😭😭😭😭

[@Ophenix12]

Are we getting a Teeth review? 🥺

[@hufflepuffwannabe]

I love this review 🥹 so happy this show is reaching people

[@sofiarecio2237]

Sunset Blvd!

[@lisayardeni1535]

Are you going to see Cabaret with Adam Lambert?

[@audzob]

Wish I liked this as much as everyone else seems to! I thought the music was very forgettable and the last 20 minutes really dragged. Also, I keep seeing people talk about the stunning firefly moment with the memories but I feel like maybe bc of technical issues that didn't happen at my show? Bc I have no memory of it. I was also in the orchestra so maybe that's why?

[@JG-uu1oj]

It's an interesting Journey, New to Broadway yes, but not new As it was ay the Alliance 4 years ago. It is very reminiscent of the original Korean production as well in it scenic designs.

[@JG-uu1oj]

Does anyone have thoughts on why Criss' character was changed from an Asian actor playing it(as I've notice bot his understudy/standbys are Asian actors)?

[@MickeyJoTheatre]

@@JG-uu1oj Darren has mixed Asian heritage.

[@FM-jb5sn]

​@@JG-uu1oj like most people on the cast/crew, Darren's Asian American, his mother is Filipina!

[@mattm8895]

And the Tony going to best plant in a musical......HWABOON!!

[@kcleworth]

Didn't you see another robot/AI Love Story musical recently that you didn't enjoy quite as much? 🤣

[@MickeyJoTheatre]

It's possible 😶

[@elizabethm937]

My only piece I have to say about this show is that as an autistic and physically disabled person, I am SO frustrated with shows in the year of our lord 2024 making a character so blatantly neurodivergent-coded but casting an able bodied neurotypical actor and refusing to actually address neurodivergence because **gasp** what if the normals don’t want to see the show anymore now that you verbally say autism instead of just very heavily hinting at it?! And I’m sure no ND people were involved in the writing of the story either. I’m just so frustrated with NT able bodied people telling our stories and locking us out of them… unless we want to pay lots and lots of money to see their show and their character that’s so conveniently relatable to us. Especially when you consider that just a year ago, How to Dance in Ohio was at the same theater and cast so many ND people and had so many ND people on the creative team. They told an absolutely beautiful story and made so many people feel seen but still couldn’t stay open more than a few months. How to Dance in Ohio had every single one of their seven autistic characters played by autistic actors, and that includes hiring autistic swings and understudies. There is no reason MEH couldn’t have found one single ND actor, or even disabled actors for both our leads. Isn’t the point that they’re slow and breaking down? This isn’t me saying the show sucks and to boycott it and all of that. I know nobody will care, nobody really cares about disabled representation onstage, How to Dance in Ohio’s short run proves that. I’m just frustrated and exhausted.

[@yankee04]

Thanks. Have tix for January. Please review Sh*t. Meet. Fan next if you were able to see it. Please also review A Wonderful World.