Last month, it was announced that Andrew Barth Feldman would take over for Maybe Happy Ending's original Tony-winning star and producer Darren Criss after he plays his final performance in the Best Musical-winning show August 31, a decision that launched a wave of controversy in the theatre community.
Now, the show is saying that August 31 isn't Criss' final performance, but rather the beginning of a temporary leave of absence. Criss announced onstage at the Belasco Theatre following the August 20 matinee performance of the Hue Park-Will Aronson musical that he will return to the production after Feldman's nine-week limited engagement, with his return performances beginning November 5.
Criss made history earlier this year becoming the first Asian American actor to win Best Leading Actor in a Musical, one of his two wins of the night (as a co-producer of Maybe Happy Ending, Criss also shares the show's Best Musical win). The show is set in Korea, hence the controversy surrounding the casting of Feldman, who is white. The show's creators have released statements saying they'd always indicated Criss and his co-star Helen J Shen's characters to be available to actors of all races due to both being robots in the world of the show. Critics have called the casting out as taking away a rare opportunity for Asian actors to own a leading role in a major, Tony-winning musical.
Maybe Happy Ending opened at the Belasco November 12, 2024. The musical, featuring a Tony-winning book and score by Park and Aronson, is the most Tony-winning show of the season just ended. The show was also one of three productions to be the most nominated of the season, with nods in 10 categories. See the full list of 2025 Tony winners here.
READ: Maybe Happy Ending Writers Hue Park and Will Aronson on the Art of Writing in 2 Languages
The Broadway cast features Shen and Criss starring as, respectively, Claire and Oliver, South Korea-based Helperbots that have been deemed obsolete. The pair form an unlikely bond, setting off a surprising and romantic adventure. The company is rounded out by understudies Steven Huynh, Hannah Kevitt, Daniel May, Claire Kwon, and Christopher James Tamayo. Casting is by Telsey & Co's Craig Burns.
Two-time Tony winner Michael Arden directs, leading a creative team that also includes includes scenic and additional video designer Dane Laffrey, costume designer Clint Ramos, lighting designer Ben Stanton, sound designer Peter Hylenski, video designer George Reeve, music supervisor Deborah Abramson, and music director John Yun.
Visit MaybeHappyEnding.com.
Helen J Shen and Darren Criss in Maybe Happy Ending
Helen J Shen and Darren Criss in Maybe Happy Ending
Helen J Shen and Darren Criss in Maybe Happy Ending
Helen J Shen and Darren Criss in Maybe Happy Ending
Helen J Shen in Maybe Happy Ending
Darren Criss and Helen J Shen in Maybe Happy Ending
Helen J Shen and Darren Criss in Maybe Happy Ending
Helen J Shen and Darren Criss in Maybe Happy Ending
Helen J Shen and Darren Criss in Maybe Happy Ending
