Broadway’s best musical winner, “Maybe Happy Ending,” experienced a challenging start, delaying its opening last fall and initially struggling with ticket sales. However, strong word-of-mouth and positive reviews contributed to its success at the Tony Awards, where it won six honors, including best new musical.
The show, which features a narrative about isolation, memory, and love through the lens of two robots, was initially perceived as a risky venture by industry insiders. Star Darren Criss, who plays a robot named Oliver, expressed uncertainty about the show's future prior to its opening.
Production challenges included a postponed opening due to supply chain issues, which some speculated were a cover for financial difficulties. The show faced slow ticket sales, with only $450,000 sold before previews began, and struggled to fill seats in the 973-seat Belasco Theater.
Despite these setbacks, the show garnered ten Tony nominations and ultimately won six awards, including best new musical and best score. The production team faced significant challenges, including temporary layoffs and ticket refunds, as well as losing investors due to negative perceptions fueled by social media.
After opening on November 12, the show received overwhelmingly positive reviews, which helped shift public perception. Following the Tony nominations, ticket sales improved significantly, with the show grossing over $1 million during the Christmas holiday.
While it remains uncertain if the show will turn a profit, the Tony Awards are expected to attract more theatergoers. “Maybe Happy Ending” has a unique history, having originated from a concept by co-writer Hue Park in 2014, and has seen successful productions in South Korea, Japan, and China prior to its Broadway debut.
The production faced numerous obstacles, including the COVID-19 pandemic, which delayed its Broadway aspirations. However, the eventual availability of the Belasco Theater and the involvement of Criss helped bring the show to fruition. The creative team celebrated their achievements at the Tony Awards, highlighting the heartfelt and innovative nature of their work.