MAYBE HAPPY ENDING Reviews- Page 21

[MayAudraBlessYou2]

Posted: 7/24/25 at 10:47am

Falsettolands said: "So tell me, would you be completely fine with a white genie? I'm asking earnestly."

With the way the show is currently cast? Yes. Aladdin is not in any way cast realistically in terms of race. Otherwise EVERY character would be played by someone of Middle Eastern descent. They have completely ignored this angle. Instead it's cast like a fairytale where anyone of any race can play the roles. That's why a Black man can play the Genie (a figure that specifically comes from Arabian folklore...I highly doubt Arabian storyellers imagined him as Black or white), why a white man can be Jafar, why white, latino, and south east Asian actors have played the romantic leads and are dancing in the ensemble. 

I think it would be great if ALL the roles in this mega-successful long-running Disney show went to Middle Eastern performers. But that hasn't happened. (I will note that there have been some Middle Eastern actors in the show, including right now. But the production is still cast multi-racially despite the story taking place in specific area and coming from a specific culture). And I think it's curious that Aladdin hasn't suffered this type of social media backlash that Maybe Happy Ending is enduring.

[The Distinctive Baritone]

Posted: 7/24/25 at 11:00am

My take is that the creators and producers want to open the show up to non-white casting so that there can be more regional and school productions in the future. They don’t want to lose money on residuals by making the show harder to cast outside of major cities. If they set the “white actors in these roles is okay!” precedent while the show is on Broadway then it sends a message for the future that their show is not hard to cast and you should absolutely do it at your institution and give them $$$. 

Updated On: 7/24/25 at 11:00 AM

[AC126748]

Posted: 7/24/25 at 11:03am

This is starting to give off strong "Mandy Patinkin as Pierre" vibes, which is unfortunate. The show was developed with a mix of white, black and Asian actors playing the roles in workshops, and there are no clear references to ethnicity in the script. (And again, they're robots.) There are multiple ways in which having Oliver and Claire be physically distinct from each other makes dramaturgical sense. And casting Feldman doesn't preclude Asian actors from playing the role in the future.

[pagereynolds]

Posted: 7/24/25 at 11:05am

AC126748 said: "This is starting to give off strong "Mandy Patinkin as Pierre" vibes, which is unfortunate. The show was developed with a mix of white, black and Asian actors playing the roles in workshops, and there are no clear references to ethnicity in the script. (And again, they're robots.) There are multiple ways in which having Oliver and Claire be physically distinct from each other makes dramaturgical sense. And casting Feldman doesn't preclude Asian actors from playing the role in the future."

And at the same time, MHE did not shy away from celebrating Darren's (and the rest of the cast) ethnicity, and it hasn't been open a year yet. They easily could have chosen an Asian actor.

[Falsettolands]

Posted: 7/24/25 at 11:06am

MayAudraBlessYou2 said: "Falsettolands said: "So tell me, would you be completely fine with a white genie? I'm asking earnestly."

With the way the show is currently cast? Yes. Aladdin is not in any way cast realistically in terms of race. Otherwise EVERY character would be played by someone of Middle Eastern descent. They have completely ignored this angle. Instead it's cast like a fairytale where anyone of any race can play the roles. That's why a Black man can play the Genie (a figure that specifically comes from Arabian folklore...I highly doubt Arabian storyellers imagined him as Black or white), why a white man can be Jafar, why white, latino, and south east Asian actors have played the romantic leads and are dancing in the ensemble.

I think it would be great if ALL the roles in this mega-successful long-running Disney show went to Middle Eastern performers. But that hasn't happened. (I will note that there have beensome Middle Eastern actors in the show, including right now. But the production is still cast multi-racially despite the story taking place in specific area and coming from a specific culture). And I think it's curious that Aladdin hasn't suffered this type of social media backlash that Maybe Happy Ending is enduring."

Thank you for your thoughtful response! I definitely see where you’re coming from and it’s given me a lot to think about that production.

[BorisTomashevsky]

Posted: 7/24/25 at 11:08am

pagereynolds said:
And at the same time, MHE did not shy away from celebrating Darren's (and the rest of the cast) ethnicity, and it hasn't been open a year yet. They easily could have chosen an Asian actor."

Unfortunately that’s what productions have to do now - “Look how diverse we are!” - to satisfy the SJWs sitting at home with their Excel spreadsheets just waiting to pounce on some perceived racial employment quota infringement. 

[Jonathan Cohen]

Posted: 7/24/25 at 11:08am

Falsettolands said: "So tell me, would you be completely fine with a white genie? I'm asking earnestly."

Genie comes the Arabic word "jinni". I'm not advocating for anything but you can certainly make an argument that the role should only be played by Arab actors. 

There are parts where switching up the race of character hurts the coherency of the story's text (Cliff in Cabaret being played by a Black actor). There are roles where switching up the race of character hurts the coherency of the story's subtext (casting a White actor as the lead in Hamilton, even if that's historically accurate). 

I don't see any inherent reason in MHE that only Asians can play robots. Andrew Barth Feldman is great at playing awkward, annoying, and apparently has lots of practice at being romantically interested in Helen J Shen. He seems perfect for the role.

Updated On: 7/24/25 at 11:08 AM

[AC126748]

Posted: 7/24/25 at 11:08am

pagereynolds said: "AC126748 said: "This is starting to give off strong "Mandy Patinkin as Pierre" vibes, which is unfortunate. The show was developed with a mix of white, black and Asian actors playing the roles in workshops, and there are no clear references to ethnicity in the script. (And again, they're robots.) There are multiple ways in which having Oliver and Claire be physically distinct from each other makes dramaturgical sense. And casting Feldman doesn't preclude Asian actors from playing the role in the future."

And at the same time, MHE did not shy away from celebrating Darren's (and the rest of the cast) ethnicity, and it hasn't been open a year yet. They easily could have chosen an Asian actor."

Putting aside the non-sequitur -- they could have chosen hundreds of actors. They chose Feldman. That's how casting works.

[WiCkEDrOcKS]

Posted: 7/24/25 at 11:20am

AC126748 said: "This is starting to give off strong "Mandy Patinkin as Pierre" vibes, which is unfortunate. The show was developed with a mix of white, black and Asian actors playing the roles in workshops, and there are no clear references to ethnicity in the script. (And again, they're robots.) There are multiple ways in which having Oliver and Claire be physically distinct from each other makes dramaturgical sense. And casting Feldman doesn't preclude Asian actors from playing the role in the future."

This. Everyone’s so quick to be up in arms about the stupidest sh*t nowadays.
 

Sweaty Oracle, I’m looking at you. Get a life. 

Updated On: 7/24/25 at 11:20 AM

[GiantsInTheSky2]

Posted: 7/24/25 at 11:20am

“They easily could have chosen an Asian actor.“

It’s a disingenuous argument to think casting solely comes down to just that factor.

Yes, finding an Asian actor is easy. Finding an Asian actor who agrees to the schedule, pay negotiations, has marketability or is a name that sells, even cares to do/about the show, has the availability, will keep sales steady, etc. is not as easy as it is implied. 

Now, a big part of that IS due to the fact that Asian actors have been under represented and historically not given as many opportunities as white counterparts - but this is a temporary business decision. You can’t fault them for doing what they can to keep the show afloat. Andrew will sell more tickets during these slow weeks than a relatively unknown Asian actor. I don’t like that, but it’s the truth. It’s not like this temporary casting whitewashes the entire musical indefinitely. 

As mentioned, performers involved with previous iterations of the musical have not all been of Asian decent, as well as the casting notice which calls for all races. Unfortunately (and I do mean that sincerely), the show will have more wide accessibility and longer life if kept open for non-Asian performers to be involved. It’s not ideal, but again, that’s the reality. 

Updated On: 7/24/25 at 11:20 AM

[Sutton Ross]

Posted: 7/24/25 at 11:28am

Call_me_jorge said: There’s something inherently wrong with your show’s dramaturgy if you have to release a statement like this one."

I disagree. As stated in several people's posts, this role has been played in some capacity by actors of different races and backgrounds. I think he was simply explaining the process behind it. This is a great marketing strategy (couple irl performing a musical together about falling in love), and people will totally buy into it. Ticket prices were much lower for September before today.

Besides, Andrew is leaving when Helen's contract is up in a few months, so they'll be brand new leads for the holiday season. 

[witchoftheeast2]

Posted: 7/24/25 at 11:28am

GiantsInTheSky2 said: "“They easily could have chosen an Asian actor.“

It’s a disingenuous argument to think casting solely comes down to just that factor.

Yes, finding an Asian actor is easy. Finding an Asian actor who agrees to the schedule, pay negotiations, has marketability or is aname that sells, even cares to do/about the show, has the availability, will keep sales steady, etc. is not as easy as it is implied.

Now, a big part of that IS due to the fact that Asian actors have been under represented and historically not given as many opportunities as white counterparts - but this is a temporary business decision. You can’t fault them for doing what they can to keep the show afloat. Andrew will sell more tickets during these slow weeks than a relatively unknown Asian actor. I don’t like that, but it’s the truth.It’s not like this temporary casting whitewashes the entire musical indefinitely.

As mentioned, performers involved with previous iterations of the musical have not all been of Asian decent, as well as thecasting notice which calls for all races. Unfortunately (and I do mean that sincerely), the show will have more wide accessibility and longer life if kept open for non-Asian performers to be involved. It’s not ideal, but again, that’s the reality."

Very well said. 

Updated On: 7/24/25 at 11:28 AM

[chrishuyen]

Posted: 7/24/25 at 11:29am

The short duration of ABF's run makes it clear to me this is a stopgap.  I'd be more curious about who they cast AFTER his run if they have someone who comes in on a longer contract.  In an ideal world, I think this role should be played by Asian actors most of the time (partially because of its setting and partially to support the Asian community in theater), but I think it also opens up the story in new and interesting ways for Oliver (or Claire) to have different racial backgrounds.  Is James's son jealous of Oliver because he's something that he could never be?  Is Claire's owner's husband interested in Claire because of an "exotic" factor in her race? And the feelings that they feel and the journey to recognizing those feelings can and should be a universal story.  So like I said, while it would be nice to have more canonically Asian roles on Broadway, if it helps keep the show afloat or lets people connect with the show differently, I don't mind an occasionally non-Asian actor for the helperbots (if James was cast as non-Asian I think that would be a very different conversation)

[Falsettolands]

Posted: 7/24/25 at 11:32am

What’s interesting too is I’m sure the harsh realities of just pushing this show through to opening night was such a burden emotionally and financially, they hadn’t considered the longterm ramifications of standing on their platform of Asian representation.

they made it this far and now they have to navigate this really tough spot that they put themselves in. I wonder if they could be more transparent about all of the points they considered when making this decision.

[MB124]

Posted: 7/24/25 at 11:35am

WiCkEDrOcKS said: "AC126748 said: "This is starting to give off strong "Mandy Patinkin as Pierre" vibes, which is unfortunate. The show was developed with a mix of white, black and Asian actors playing the roles in workshops, and there are no clear references to ethnicity in the script. (And again, they're robots.) There are multiple ways in which having Oliver and Claire be physically distinct from each other makes dramaturgical sense. And casting Feldman doesn't preclude Asian actors from playing the role in the future."

This. Everyone’s so quick to be up in arms about the stupidest sh*t nowadays.


Sweaty Oracle, I’m looking at you. Get a life."

…and a job. 

[joshdog2014]

Posted: 7/24/25 at 11:42am

Seeing Zachary Noah Piser as Evan Hansen was an unreal experience for me. I think that was the first time I had seen an Asian man leading a show in a role that Asianness was not inherent to. It was a really special experience.

Asianness is not inherent to the role of Oliver. Despite being set in Korea he’s a robot, he can look like anyone. They are not  WRONG to do this. But it was special to see the Maybe Happy Ending cast comprised of principles and understudies that were all Asian in the Korea based roles. There’s something special about casting the show this way when they don’t HAVE to, and it feels a little weird that there seemed to be so much intention in the original casting and then have this as the first replacement. I think the pivot is what feels jarring about this moreso than JUST the exact casting. It’s disappointing, especially when selling power is an argument that will no doubt be made against Asian men, and this is the time when the show doesn’t necessarily need someone with selling power. 

I’m disappointed and I don’t like that this happened, but I’m not MAD about it and I’d hate to see a big backlash against the show. This is the first replacement and it feels very intentional. My own fandom of ABF aside, casting the significant other of Helen who is popular in his own right is fun. This has definitely been brought up as fan casting, it makes sense to have this duo onstage while it’s possible, and it’s only for 9 weeks. I’ll be very interested to see future replacement casting and my tone on this could definitely change.

Also, the weight of Asian leading men’s careers should not be placed on the show that just won the first Tony. I love to see an Asian show casting Asian actors, but in this situation with this role an entire backlash would be more destructive than constructive. I’m fine with (and hope to see) a majority Asian casting in these roles in this show, and I hope to see more Asian casting in others

Updated On: 7/26/25 at 11:42 AM

[BorisTomashevsky]

Posted: 7/24/25 at 12:13pm

The comments on the show’s and Andrew’s Instagram really say a lot about mob mentality. I hope Andrew stays okay mentally through this. “Because this role didn’t go to an actor who we can’t actually name but who we think should have had it, we’re gonna make your life miserable!!!”

[rattleNwoolypenguin]

Posted: 7/24/25 at 12:30pm

Y'all want to justify this, the fact remains- it's a bad look.

It's bad PR for a show that is still a modest ticket seller.

This is not going to be something that gets waved away.

This show is thriving on youth engagement and online engagement and they're pissed about it rightfully.

 "But he's a robot" this is very intentional white casting. They saw their in with Darren away and went for it.

 

Updated On: 7/24/25 at 12:30 PM

[BorisTomashevsky]

Posted: 7/24/25 at 12:48pm

Okay if we’re going to have a problem with this then let’s do it for real. 

Darren’s mother is apparently of Chinese, Filipino, and Spanish descent. Let’s err on the side of caution and say she’s half Chinese and quarter Filipino and quarter Spanish, making her 3/4 Asian. His father is white. So he’s 3/8ths Asian at most, and 2/8ths Asian at least.

Why isn’t anyone taking issue with the fact that a less-than-half-Asian man - none of whom is Korean - is playing a Korean robot? Why is 3/8ths Asian “enough”? Why is “any kind of Asian” okay to play an Asian role? Is it a matter of “Well he LOOKS like he could be Korean”?

This rule can’t just be “Anywhere in Asia can play anywhere else in Asia.” If the rule is going to be exclusionary of whites and blacks and browns from roles, it had better exclude anyone who isn’t that EXACT race. Do you know the Chinese and Japanese hate each other in general? And that the Taiwanese and Chinese don’t get along great either? But here we go, lumping them all together and saying it’ll all come out in the wash. 

The role has been played by a white man once before. Just because Darren is part-Asian doesn’t mean he’s none-white. 

I swear, some of you have no real problems in your lives and it shows. 

Updated On: 7/24/25 at 12:48 PM

[witchoftheeast2]

Posted: 7/24/25 at 1:23pm

MB124 said: "WiCkEDrOcKS said: "AC126748 said: "This is starting to give off strong "Mandy Patinkin as Pierre" vibes, which is unfortunate. The show was developed with a mix of white, black and Asian actors playing the roles in workshops, and there are no clear references to ethnicity in the script. (And again, they're robots.) There are multiple ways in which having Oliver and Claire be physically distinct from each other makes dramaturgical sense. And casting Feldman doesn't preclude Asian actors from playing the role in the future."

This. Everyone’s so quick to be up in arms about the stupidest sh*t nowadays.


Sweaty Oracle, I’m looking at you. Get a life."

…and a job."

Everytime I see one of his posts I have to brace myself for his highly unnecessary yelling. Like stfu 

[ACL2006]

Posted: 7/24/25 at 1:26pm

witchoftheeast2 said: "MB124 said: "WiCkEDrOcKS said: "AC126748 said: "This is starting to give off strong "Mandy Patinkin as Pierre" vibes, which is unfortunate. The show was developed with a mix of white, black and Asian actors playing the roles in workshops, and there are no clear references to ethnicity in the script. (And again, they're robots.) There are multiple ways in which having Oliver and Claire be physically distinct from each other makes dramaturgical sense. And casting Feldman doesn't preclude Asian actors from playing the role in the future."

This. Everyone’s so quick to be up in arms about the stupidest sh*t nowadays.


Sweaty Oracle, I’m looking at you. Get a life."

…and a job."

Everytime I see one of his posts I have to brace myself for his highly unnecessary yelling. Like stfu"

Sadly, influencers don't have real jobs. They run with their gimmick for as long as they can.

[BroadwayNYC2]

Posted: 7/24/25 at 1:32pm

Hey, I think we should all be thankful we don’t have to  suffer through Jordan Fisher in this role

[everythingtaboo]

Posted: 7/24/25 at 2:21pm

GiantsInTheSky2 said: "“They easily could have chosen an Asian actor.“

It’s a disingenuous argument to think casting solely comes down to just that factor.

Yes, finding an Asian actor is easy. Finding an Asian actor who agrees to the schedule, pay negotiations, has marketability or is aname that sells, even cares to do/about the show, has the availability, will keep sales steady, etc. is not as easy as it is implied."

Sorry but I have to call BS on this. I'm really sure that -  if they tried - there would be a line a mile long of Asian actor who would agree to basically anything for the opportunity to be the lead in a Broadway show like this.

I'm not saying they have to cast an Asian, but they should've at least make an effort to keep that door open. Marketing Andrea and Helen's real-life love story? Sorry but I don't care.

[WiCkEDrOcKS]

Posted: 7/24/25 at 3:14pm

BroadwayNYC2 said: "Hey, I think we should all be thankful we don’t have to suffer through Jordan Fisher in this role"

…..yet. 

[pmensky]

Posted: 7/24/25 at 3:36pm

The AAPI community’s strides on Broadway are fragile. This show’s replacement of its lead with a white actor undermines this progress, suggesting that even AAPI success stories aren’t safe from erasure. This isn’t just a casting decision, it’s a stark reminder of the obstacles AAPI performers still face in claiming space on Broadway.