Maybe Happy Ending

 Maybe Happy Ending
Belasco Theatre
April 14, 2026 

Photo courtesy of Maybe Hapy Ending

Maybe Happy Ending is an endearing story about the discovery of love.  Will Aronson’s score is light and charming.  The book and lyrics, by Will Aronson and Hue Park, are witty and wonderful.  The characters are robots, and their sense of humor, though unrealized by them, is crips and sharp.  Director Michael Arden brings every element of this experience together perfectly.  Dane Laffrey’s scenic and video design combine with Ben Stanton’s lighting to enhance the storytelling and draw the audience into this unique and heartwarming story. 

Oliver (played by understudy Christopher James Tamayo) is perfectly content living alone in his room.  He is a helper-bot, waiting for his owner, James (played by Marcus Choi) to come and get him.  Oliver listens to James’ jazz records and talks with his plant, HwaBoon.  There is an unexpected knock on the door, as Claire (played by Claire Kwon), a retired helper-bot from across the hall, needs assistance.  She is having a problem with her charger, and her battery is running low.  Oliver reluctantly opens the door and lets her in.  He is a Model 3.  She is a Model 5.  They are built differently, but they are both abandoned and alone. 

Photo courtesy of Maybe Happy Ending

These two helper-bots embark on a journey that takes them to a place they never knew they could go.  Christopher James Tamayo and Claire Kwon authentically discover it for the first time as Oliver and Claire.  Their chemistry, timing, and physicality are magnificent.  Mr. Tamayo portrays Oliver as quirky and stand-offish, while Ms. Kwon’s Claire is aware and direct.  They are as different as their model numbers describe, yet when they unite, it is pure magic. 

Photo courtesy of Maybe Happy Ending

Marcus Choi plays James and Junseo (James’ son).  He is genuine and personable in these roles.  Dez Duron plays Gil Brentley, a mysterious crooner, who appears at unforeseen times and mesmerizes with his silky tones.  

Maybe Happy Ending won six 2025 Tony Awards, including Best Musical.  It is a one-of-a-kind production with endearing characters and a touching message.  Go see it!  It is playing at the Belasco Theatre. 

Domenick Danza