Archive · 1 Aug 2025
‘Maybe Happy Ending’ Creators Respond to Casting Controversy
The creators of the musical 'Maybe Happy Ending' are responding to some people being upset about a new actor, Andrew Barth Feldman, being cast in the show.
The creators said they were sad that the show caused confusion or anger, as their goal was to create a musical that anyone could perform, no matter their background, while still set in Korea.
One of the actresses, Helen J. Shen, also shared how she feels, explaining how she is proud of her role and acknowledging the community's reactions to the casting choice.
The musical is about two robots, Oliver and Claire, who fall in love in Seoul.
Creators of 'Maybe Happy Ending' responded to the casting of Andrew Barth Feldman.
The musical's creators expressed sadness over the controversy.
The creators aimed for the show to be universally performable while maintaining its Korean setting.
Helen J. Shen, an actress in the show, shared her mixed feelings about the situation.
'Maybe Happy Ending' follows two robots, Oliver and Claire, in late 21st century Seoul.
- Who
- Hue Park, Will Aronson, and Helen J. Shen responded to the discourse regarding the casting of Andrew Barth Feldman.
- What
- Creators of 'Maybe Happy Ending' responded to the casting of Andrew Barth Feldman in the show.
- When
- The response followed discourse regarding the casting.
- Where
- The musical is set in late 21st century Seoul.
- Why
- The creators and actress responded to the discourse around the casting of Andrew Barth Feldman in the musical 'Maybe Happy Ending'.
Backlash View
Creators' View
Casting of Feldman
Backlash View
Casting a white actor in the role of Oliver has caused hurt due to a lack of Asian representation.
Creators' View
The creators aimed for the show to be universally performable while maintaining its Korean setting.
- Musical Title
- 'Maybe Happy Ending'
- Original Role of Oliver
- Darren Criss
- New Actor playing Oliver
- Andrew Barth Feldman
- Setting
- Late 21st century Seoul