There's nothing quite like your first Broadway show. From the excitement of picking out an outfit, to making dinner reservations beforehand, a first Broadway show is a milestone event in anyone's life. And hopefully, you will love the show so much that you'll come back for another Broadway show. We at Playbill want to make your first time at a Broadway show a success, so that is why we've put together this handy's first-timer's guide for the musical Maybe Happy Ending—the winner of the 2025 Tony Award for Best Musical and currently running at Broadway's Belasco Theatre.
From securing affordable tickets to the best places to sit, we answer your frequently asked questions about one of the most unique shows on Broadway.
What Is Maybe Happy Ending About?
It’s your typical love story! Boy meets girl; boy develops feelings for girl; boy and girl decide to run away together to prove to themselves—and possibly the world—that functional helper-bots are capable of true connection.
OK… Maybe it’s not your most typical love story, but the musical does ask big questions about what it means to love. Also quite presciently, though the show has been developed for many years, it raises questions about artificial intelligence and its impact on emotional consciousness: When a machine experiences an emotional spectrum including longing and love, are they really still just “machines”? Maybe Happy Ending is also the winner of six Tony Awards, including Best Musical and Lead Actor in a Musical for Darren Criss.
Who is in the cast of Maybe Happy Ending?
The show currently stars its original Broadway cast of four actors: Darren Criss (Oliver), Helen J. Shen (Claire), Dez Duron (Gil Bentley), Marcus Choi (James and others). Criss's final performance in Maybe Happy Ending is on August 31. Actors typically leave Broadway shows after a year, so though the other actors in the four-member cast haven't announced departure dates, if you want to see them, buy tickets sooner rather than later.
Where is Maybe Happy Ending playing?
Maybe Happy Ending is running eight times a week at the Belasco Theatre, located at 111 West 44th Street in New York City.
How long will Maybe Happy Ending be on Broadway?
At this time, Maybe Happy Ending is open-ended on Broadway, meaning it does not currently have an end date. Tickets are currently on sale through January 2026. Always check the show’s website for performance schedules and updates.
Should I listen to the Maybe Happy Ending cast album before I see the show?
We don't recommend it. The cast album is very spoiler heavy and gives away the ending to the show. And Maybe Happy Ending is best experienced completely cold. Though if you're the type who needs to know what kind of music to expect, you can listen to the first five tracks of the cast album, which won't give away too much. And if you want to do the robot (literally), you can listen to the cast album after you see the show, which is available for streaming and purchase wherever you listen to music.
Who created Maybe Happy Ending?
Maybe Happy Ending was created by Broadway newcomers Will Aronson (book and music) and Hue Pak (book and lyrics). The two met at New York University nearly two decades ago, however, they did not begin work on the show until 2014. The piece was originally crafted in both Korean and English, and a first production took place in Seoul, in 2016. It had an American premiere in 2020 and then, in October of 2024 under the direction of Tony Award winner Michael Arden, it premiered on Broadway.
How long is Maybe Happy Ending?
Maybe Happy Ending runs 1 hour and 40 minutes. There is not an intermission (so get to the show at least 30 minutes early if you need to use the bathroom beforehand).
Is Maybe Happy Ending family-friendly?
Yep, Maybe Happy Ending is quite family-friendly! With its depiction of a wholesome romance, its poignant emotional storylines that don’t come with too much intensity, and its tender score that isn’t overly “loud” or bombastic—parents and kiddos alike will leave the theatre moved and entertained. Oh, and it’s also 100 minutes so those short attention spans won’t be crawling out of their skin two hours in! However, the show’s website does recommend the musical for kids 10 and up, so it will really be left up to the grown-ups who know their young'ins best as to whether this is the show for their family.
Where should I sit in Maybe Happy Ending?
Maybe Happy Ending uses large-scale projections in its storytelling, which is visible even from the back of the mezzanine. But many seats on either side of the theatre will be considered an obstructed view due to the moving set pieces. For the best experience, seats in the center of the theatre are ideal.
How do I get cheap tickets to Maybe Happy Ending?
There are several ways to score cheap tickets to Maybe Happy Ending—no helper-bot required! Take a look:
In‑person rush: Visit the Belasco box office (111 West 44th Street) when it opens (10 AM Monday to Saturday; 12 PM Sunday). A limited number of $49 rush tickets are available day‑of on a first‑come first‑served basis. A limited number of standing-room tickets are also available for $49 for day-of performances.
Digital rush: Available beginning at 11 AM on the day of the performance, you can visit rush.telecharge.com for the chance to snag up to two $49 tickets.
Digital lottery: Beginning at midnight the day before and closing at 3 PM on the day of the performance, you can enter to win two $49 tickets by visiting rush.telecharge.com. Winners chosen at 10 AM (for matinee performances and 3 PM (for evening shows).
How do I get to the Belasco Theatre by subway?
There are many subway lines that will lead you to the Belasco Theatre at 111 West 44th Street.
- The A, C, or E to 42nd Street and 8th Avenue.
- The 1, 2, or 3 to 42nd Street and 7th Avenue
- The 7 to Times Square; the S to Times Square
- The N, R, Q, or W to Times Square
- The B, D, F, or M to 4nd Street and 6th Avenue.
Note these stops may change late nights or on the weekends, or if there's disruption on the subway. So check MTA.info or the official MTA app for the most up-to-date travel information.
Is the Belasco Theatre accessible?
Yes, the Belasco Theatre has several accessibility features for audience members with mobility or sensory needs. But there are also some parts of the theatre that are not accessible.
There’s a step-free entrance to the left of the theatre and additionally, the entire orchestra is step-free and includes eight designated wheelchair spaces. There is also a wheelchair accessible bathroom on the main floor of the theater. The upper levels of the theatre, however, are only accessible by steps. There is no elevator.
Assistive listening devices are also available through Shubert Audience Services. If you know in advance that you would like to use one for a performance, it is recommended that you make a reservation beforehand. Audio description and captioning devices are also offered and can be reserved ahead of the show.
What should I wear to Maybe Happy Ending?
Business casual is a good rule of thumb for Maybe Happy Ending or any Broadway show. There's no need to dress too formally. Remember, it can feel tight in a Broadway house, so don't wear anything that will spill over to the seat next to you or will block the view of the folks sitting behind you. (Caps and hats should be removed, as they can block the view of those behind you.)
There is a coat/bag check room at the Belasco on the lower level, so a bag or other item that doesn't fit under your seat can be checked.
How can I buy tickets to Maybe Happy Ending on Broadway?
At this point, you might be thinking to yourself, "Okay, I’m sold!" But now, how do I actually do the crucial thing I have to do which is buy a ticket? We got you! Here are ways to secure your seat.
Online: Maybe Happy Ending's official ticket seller is Telecharge, click here to purchase.
In-person: Visit the Belasco Theatre box office (111 West 44 Street) during the hours of Monday through Saturday: 12 PM–8 PM or Sunday noon–6 PM
Visit MaybeHappyEnding.com.
Darren Criss in Maybe Happy Ending
Helen J Shen and Darren Criss in Maybe Happy Ending
Helen J Shen in Maybe Happy Ending
