Tony Award-Winning Musical 'Maybe Happy Ending' Captivates Audiences in Korea

The musical 'Maybe Happy Ending,' which returned to the U.S. with great acclaim, has also captivated audiences in Korea. The show successfully portrays the emotions of love felt by robots in a charming and delicate manner. Critics have praised how the musical convincingly demonstrates its six-award sweep at the 78th Tony Awards.

'Maybe Happy Ending' is a collaborative work by renowned writer Park Chun-hyu and American composer Will Aronson. It falls under the science fiction genre, telling the story of 'outdated helper robots' Oliver and Claire, who learn to cherish each other and discover the emotion of love.

In June, the musical swept six categories at the 78th Tony Awards, including Best Musical, Best Book, Best Score, Best Direction, Best Actor, and Best Scenic Design. The Tony Awards are the most prestigious accolades in the American theater industry.

'Maybe Happy Ending' began in a small theater in Seoul's Daehangno district in 2016. By November of last year, it had made its way to the Belasco Theatre in Manhattan, New York. What started as a small production has now reached Broadway, earning nominations in ten categories at the Tony Awards and being recognized as the 'Best Musical' after nine years.

Oliver and Claire live in the same apartment complex, which houses 'retired helper robots' abandoned by their owners. The apartment is filled with neon signs, and the actors' costumes have magnets attached to them, helping the audience understand the concept of 'rechargeable robots' and immerse themselves in the sci-fi setting.

Though both are robots, Oliver and Claire have distinct personalities akin to humans. Oliver's life is routine; he checks for any malfunctions in the morning, brushes his teeth, greets the mailman, and waters the plants. He dislikes change and follows a set routine. In contrast, Claire is lively and spontaneous, openly expressing her feelings. Their contrasting personalities are explained through the line, 'different versions of robots.' As they interact more, they grow closer, appearing as 'adorable children' to the audience.

Oliver embarks on a journey to find his owner, while Claire seeks romance. Claire, having been abandoned by her owner, tries to dissuade Oliver from his quest, showing that robots, like humans, can be hurt when abandoned. This poignant moment resonates with the audience.

Oliver never reunites with his owner, experiencing the pain of abandonment for the first time. The two robots, who had vowed not to love each other, grow closer through this shared experience. They embrace and kiss, feeling the human emotion of 'love' for each other. The audience watches the two robots with affection as they revel in their newfound happiness.

While a happy ending would be ideal, robots have a 'lifespan.' Just as human relationships eventually face separation through death, Oliver and Claire confront the issue of a robot's lifespan. Audiences, deeply invested in their charming love story, often shed tears at this point. The scene effectively conveys the message, 'Maybe this is a happy ending.'

Having enchanted Broadway, 'Maybe Happy Ending' has returned to its homeland for a special 10th-anniversary performance, selling out every show and drawing immense interest. While many stories revolve around love, this musical stands out with its robot protagonists. Its humanistic and delicate portrayal of robot emotions is a key reason for its acclaim. Coupled with the 'serious questions' it poses to the audience, the musical embodies the trifecta of a great performance.

Sean Patrick Flahaven, a producer who has won three Tony Awards and three Grammy Awards, commented on 'Maybe Happy Ending,' saying, 'Despite its sci-fi setting, the story is specific and accessible to all audiences, making it a work with great potential.' After the show, one audience member remarked, 'This is the sixth season of the performance, and with such empathy and resonance, it seems it will continue to connect with audiences for a long time.'

Reporter: Da-yeon Jeong, TenAsia light@tenasia.co.kr