Maybe Happy Ending – A New Musical at Hollywood Pantages Theatre

A sucker for happy endings? Well, this one’s about to get you on your toes as Broadway’s most human musical takes the stage — MAYBE HAPPY ENDING. It’s a new musical that made its Broadway debut in 2024, adapted from the original South Korean production. Directed by Michael Arden, it opened in November 2024, starring Darren Criss and Helen J. Shen stars as Oliver and Claire, joined by Duron as Gil Brentley, Marcus Choi as James, and Young Mazino and Arden Cho in pre-recorded roles as Suhan and Jiyeon. Received with positive reviews, word spread and audiences came rushing in to catch a glimpse of the show that reminds people what it means to be human — weaving tales of love, connection, and chasing a happy ending.

Set in a neon-lit futuristic Seoul, this new musical comedy reminded audiences about being human, even if its stars are actually two cast-off androids who realize that their robot selves can be swept off their feet. Everyone deserves a chance at love, and these prove that anything is possible.

Sweeping Best Musical accolades at the Tony Awards, it’s an imaginative hit that defines a new era in live entertainment — from the halls of South Korea’s vibrant theater houses to Broadway’s ground-shaking impact. Critics sang praises as the new musical touches on the most human experiences that audiences can easily relate to — hope and taking a chance on love.

Maybe Happy Ending Tickets

A CHANCE ENCOUNTER

It all began when Oliver, a seemingly normal humanoid lived a quiet life in his small apartment. Listening to jazz music and caring for a plant, he’s pretty much lived the mundane human life we’ve all come to know. Also, he pretty much fast-tracked with the whole circle-of-life phase of retirement — a Helperbot 3 model that’s been long retired and considered obsolete. 

Thus enters Claire — a newer Helperbot model with advanced features but consumes much more power and resources. Knocking on Oliver’ door to borrow a battery charger, sparks start flying as they develop a friendship these androids don’t usually expect to have. As the world around them keeps advancing with new models and fast-tracking obsoleteness, these two forgotten bots decided to embark on a road trip to Jeju Island, navigating the most human question of all — is love worth it?

While these two aren’t exactly humans, critics have shared that it might just be the most human Broadway production we’ve seen in modern times. Navigating friendship, connection, adventure, and *maybe* love, who knew that we needed robots to figure this out for us? 

WHY YOU’LL LOVE IT

It’s a story of a lifetime. From living days on repeat to finding themselves in an adventure they never knew they needed, it’s definitely something we could all relate to. Seeking an escape from the everyday mundane? Maybe Happy Ending is surely the musical for you. Its inventive production wrapped around an intimate story yet packs huge emotion and will have your spirits lighted up and in tears. While we aren’t robots, Oliver and Claire’s story definitely hits right home. From programmed loops to discovering free will, let these freed bots guide you to a life worth living — and loving.

The original Korean production was directed by Kim Dong-yeon, and premiered in Seoul’s Lifeway Hall in DCF Daemyung Cultural Factory in 2016. At the Korea Musical Awards, it won six awards, including Best Musical: Small Theatre, Music, Lyrics and Book. Revived multiple times, its story just keeps on resonating with audiences across the nation.

Now, we’ve got an English-language Broadway adaptation of the hit musical, and it was also met with waves of praise from critics. It received a leading ten nominations at the 78th Tony Awards, and won six — including Best Musical, Best Book and Best Score. The Broadway adaptation also won six Drama Desk Awards, proving itself as a great adaptation of the original Korean story. It’s a universal feeling, all of us just want a happy ending. 

Its music was composed by Will Aronson, serving up a classic jazzy vibe throughout the set. With no intermission, you’ll be immersed in the whole story from start to finish. Will they get a happy ending? Well, these robots aren’t programmed for love, yet newfound freedom means endless possibilities beyond code.

WHAT TO EXPECT

• A fresh & original musical charm: Maybe Happy Ending steers away from the usual musical tropes, highlighting sharp dialogue, hilarious comedy, and a charming push-pull chemistry between the two leads. Sounds like a movie? Well, it’s pretty much a full-circle rom-com coming to life.
• A visual feast: Witness the set shift from apartments to neon-lit Seoul, right  before your eyes. Making use of the latest technology, including dazzling lights and clever stage frames, it’s a visual spectacle that’ll immerse you through the journey of closeness and distance in the story of Oliver and Claire.
• Soulful music: With music composed by the award-winning Will Aronson, get ready to hear amazing ballads and mid-century-inspired jazz numbers, wherein every track serves as the perfect emotional pull for these bots’ exhilarating journey outside of their programmed code. Songs like “Goodbye, My Room,” “Then I Can Let You Go,” and “Where You Belong” will have you shedding a tear.

WHAT CRITICS SAY

• “A swoony, refreshingly original darling gem of a show with a big heart and a captivating sideways sensibility. It will fly you to the moon” – The Washington Post

• “Utterly enchanting! The fact that this show is casting its firefly glow on Broadway at all feels like a gift.” – Time Out New York

• “Astonishing, joyful, heartbreaking, cutting-edge, and brilliantly executed. A ravishing addition to the catalog of Broadway nerdicals, directed with breathtaking bravura by Michael Arden.” – The New York Times

• “One of the best musicals in years! Wildly inventive and profoundly moving, thanks to a remarkable pair of lead performances, a lush score and awe-inspiring direction by Tony Award winner Michael Arden.” – USA TODAY.

LIVE AT HOLLYWOOD PANTAGES THEATRE

Situated right in the heart of the Hollywood neighborhood of Los Angeles, the Hollywood Pantages Theatre is an esteemed hall with a glorious past — now one of the greatest landmarks in the Entertainment Capital of the World. The art-deco theater has become home to Broadway musicals and other large-scale theatrical productions. If there’s a musical you’ve been watching out for, it’s definitely coming to the Pantages Theatre.

While its rich history means that it’s been around for close to a century, it packs modern facilities and high-tech lights and sound equipment. Every single production is assured of a smooth run. 

While you’re in the heart of Hollywood, make great use of your time by exploring the bustling City of Angels. There’s plenty of tourist attractions, famous restaurants, great pubs, and family-friendly activities in every corner. There ain’t a dull moment in Hollywood!

If you’re looking for the best deals in town, Ticket Squeeze has you covered. We have the best seats up for grabs, so be sure to check out availability and pricing by clicking the “GET TICKETS” button now!