All Of It Podcast Summary: "Darren Criss and Helen J. Shen Fall in Love in 'Maybe Happy Ending'"

Episode Release Date: November 26, 2024

Introduction

In this engaging episode of WNYC's All Of It, host Alison Stewart delves into the vibrant world of Broadway's latest sensation, the original musical "Maybe Happy Ending." Featuring an in-depth conversation with stars Darren Criss and Helen J. Shen, the episode explores the intricate layers of the musical, the characters they portray, and the broader themes that resonate with contemporary audiences.

Overview of "Maybe Happy Ending"

All Of It kicks off with Alison Stewart introducing "Maybe Happy Ending", a musical acclaimed by USA Today as “one of the best musicals in years.” Set in Seoul, South Korea, in the year 2064, the story revolves around Oliver and Claire, two retired helper robots. These robots, designed to assist with household tasks, now find themselves living in a complex apartment dedicated to obsolete models. The New York Times lauds the production as “joyful, heartbreaking, [and] cutting edge.”

Character Analysis: Oliver and Claire

Darren Criss and Helen J. Shen provide deep insights into their characters:

• Oliver (Darren Criss): A Series 3 robot, Oliver embodies the early stages of technological evolution. Criss describes Oliver as “a little more robotic” and “less human”, drawing parallels to outdated technology like an iPhone 3 or 4. Oliver's character is static, holding onto the hope that his former owner, James, will return. This enduring wait over 12 years highlights themes of loyalty and obsolescence.

  Darren Criss [03:56]: "Oliver would be something of an iPhone 3 and iPhone 4... he's a little more, for lack of a better adjective, robotic. He's less human."

• Claire (Helen J. Shen): As a Series 5 robot, Claire contrasts Oliver with her nuanced personality. Shen emphasizes Claire's “sarcasm” and “cutting edge”, which balance Oliver’s straightforward nature. Claire's acceptance of life's impermanence and her ability to navigate the "gray areas" of existence add depth to her character.

  Helen Chen [04:00]: "She has more nuance. And I think as the audience meets Oliver for the first time, meeting Claire becomes the way that we can meet the world in an easier way than his..."

Themes and Insights

The episode delves into the core themes of "Maybe Happy Ending," including isolation, purpose, and the essence of being alive. Criss and Shen discuss how their characters’ interactions challenge their initial programming and provoke introspection about what it means to live and love.

• Isolation and Connection: Oliver's reclusive nature and his eventual interaction with Claire highlight the human-like need for connection, even among robots.

  Darren Criss [12:21]: "Helen's character, Claire, kind of disrupts that. Claire provides something that perhaps was lost with his previous owner, and so kind of rewires, add some new ones and zeros to an otherwise presumed finished equation."

• Emotional Evolution: Both actors explore how their characters evolve emotionally, moving from isolation towards a semblance of human-like emotions and relationships.

  Helen Chen [14:07]: "Claire clearly brings out something in Oliver... this rewires, add some new ones and zeros to an otherwise presumed finished equation."

Music and Staging

A significant portion of the discussion focuses on the musical composition and staging, crafted by Hugh Park and Will Aronson.

• Musical Style: Criss praises the musical's “accessibility and sophistication,” noting its seamless integration with the storyline.

  Darren Criss [19:00]: "The music is almost... I can't separate it from the story itself. It's kind of part of the whole aesthetic."

• Modern Staging and Projections: Shen highlights the innovative use of projections and set design, which immerse the actors and audience alike.

  Helen Chen [21:26]: "The set feels like it's happening to you as the actor... it’s very modern, the projections are very modern."

Emotional Impact and Audience Reception

The hosts and guests discuss the profound emotional resonance of the musical, capable of eliciting both tears and joy from the audience.

• Catharsis through Storytelling: Criss underscores the timeless nature of theater in providing emotional catharsis.

  Darren Criss [26:10]: "Human beings have an unavoidable desire to have some kind of catharsis in person. And that is what I think we get to provide here."

• Relatability and Hope: Shen reflects on how the musical addresses universal experiences of isolation and the pursuit of happiness, fostering a deep emotional connection with the audience.

  Helen Chen [24:18]: "Nothing like feeling real hope for the first time, maybe in a while, is something that will be emotional for people."

Conclusion

Alison Stewart wraps up the episode by reaffirming the transformative power of "Maybe Happy Ending." With captivating performances by Darren Criss and Helen J. Shen, the musical stands out as a heartfelt exploration of life, love, and the enduring spirit of humanity—even within the confines of robotic existence. The episode serves not only as a promotion for the musical but also as a thoughtful commentary on the cultural and emotional landscapes that All Of It seeks to explore.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Darren Criss [03:56]: "Oliver would be something of an iPhone 3 and iPhone 4... he's a little more, for lack of a better adjective, robotic. He's less human."

• Helen Chen [04:00]: "She has more nuance. And I think as the audience meets Oliver for the first time, meeting Claire becomes the way that we can meet the world in an easier way than his..."

• Darren Criss [12:21]: "Helen's character, Claire, kind of disrupts that... rewires, add some new ones and zeros to an otherwise presumed finished equation."

• Helen Chen [14:07]: "Claire clearly brings out something in Oliver... this rewires, add some new ones and zeros to an otherwise presumed finished equation."

• Darren Criss [19:00]: "The music is almost... I can't separate it from the story itself. It's kind of part of the whole aesthetic."

• Helen Chen [21:26]: "The set feels like it's happening to you as the actor... it’s very modern, the projections are very modern."

• Darren Criss [26:10]: "Human beings have an unavoidable desire to have some kind of catharsis in person. And that is what I think we get to provide here."

• Helen Chen [24:18]: "Nothing like feeling real hope for the first time, maybe in a while, is something that will be emotional for people."

Final Thoughts

This All Of It episode not only spotlights a groundbreaking musical but also invites listeners to ponder the intersections of technology, emotion, and human experience. Through the voices of Darren Criss and Helen J. Shen, the episode offers a compelling glimpse into the creative processes that bring such narratives to life, underscoring the show's commitment to exploring culture in all its facets.