MAYBE HAPPY ENDING Reviews- Page 3

[Ravanne_1]

Posted: 11/13/24 at 7:24am

chrishuyen said: "it's a VERY minor uptick in grosses this week, but considering it was press week which probably resulted in more comps then usual, I'll take it. Also furiously hoping that this magically catches on, though realistically despite these reviews they'd need a huge shift in marketing to get people interested."

We also have to remember that every week that they're taking in less than operating costs just adds to the debt that the show is carrying. It all compounds over time and this is a show that now needs to play to full houses and sell tickets at face value for them to start climbing out of the hole. And they will need many weeks of this. The fact that their opening was delayed twice certainly doesn't help and they've been trying to play catch up ever since.

I agree that marketing is an issue because this show doesn't have the elements that would normally draw an audience to it. There are no major names (sorry but DC doesn't really qualify) and it's not a familiar IP. It's a small show where all the "wow" moments seem to be technologically driven. There are no big dance numbers. They need to take these great reviews and really spend some money on a big advertisement push to pull people into the theater. They have to figure out who their core audience will be and aim their advertising push at it.

And I still think that it was a monumental mistake not to start this show off smaller off-Broadway so that it would have a chance to build an audience. I think that it would have done much better to have had a successful off-Broadway run where it could prove their there was an audience and get theater fans interested in the concept before transferring in time for awards season. Broadway is a business in the end and there is only so long a show can lose money before they shut it down, regardless of what the critics might say.

[GottaGetAGimmick420]

Posted: 11/13/24 at 10:25am

bump

[Ravanne_1]

Posted: 11/13/24 at 2:38pm

corninthesky said: "How do advance sales look?"

Lots of seats available for Saturday (both shows) and Sunday this week. I also looked forward to the Saturday shows on Dec. 21 (right in the middle of the holiday season) and it looks like barely 1/4th of the theater is sold at this stage. The website is using the critic blurbs but we have to see if it's going to reflect in sales.

[BETTY22]

Posted: 11/13/24 at 3:06pm

These RAVE reviews did not result in a huge box office the next day.

So upsetting. I don't know what else they need to do to survive - maybe, add as few Alicia Keys songs..ouch

[Someone in a Tree2]

Posted: 11/13/24 at 3:18pm

We feel so fortunate that we stumbled into this show last Sunday (which had NO seats available at TKTS) after another show plan fell through. This was absolutely magnificent and profound, by far the best show of the 7 we saw this trip, and rightly earns every critical rave it's been getting from the news outlets. Now to reach the audience that would love this if they could just be gotten inside the Belasco doors.

[Theatre_Mom]

Posted: 11/14/24 at 1:34pm

Saw this last night and what a gem of a musical.   Such a sweet story with really solid acting and music.

I hope it was a good sign that the mezz was full because this show deserves a  good run.

 

 

[Ensemble1698878795]

Posted: 11/14/24 at 2:42pm

BETTY22 said: "These RAVE reviews did not result in a huge box office the next day.

So upsetting. I don't know what else they need to do to survive - maybe, add as few Alicia Keys songs..ouch"

The lack of interest is completely on the producing and marketing teams. They pushed the robot narrative on socials and it was confusingly not enticing. The show has fantastic qualities, but they didn't capture it in the ads. A new musical landing on Broadway needs a runway of buzz and fans before it arrives. This one doesn't have that. 

[thatdarnzach]

Posted: 11/14/24 at 2:51pm

Does anyone have any idea why Orch B 101-102 would have been significantly discounted on TodayTix for a few upcoming performances, seemingly at random? I just purchased them because they were shockingly $100 but now I'm wondering if they are folding chairs or directly behind a speaker? Not marked partial view - any guesses?

[MemorableUserName]

Posted: 11/14/24 at 3:06pm

I was looking at similar seats in the front row and was scared off a bit by the photos on A View from My Seat. It seems like the stage is high, and the show has projections that make it seem like you'll be looking up even more. This is B 1, so the equivalent of the seat across the aisle from you, but on the opposite side. In early January dates, the first two center orchestra rows and the first row on the sides are all at that $100 price point. I have to think that's why. 

[ErmengardeStopSniveling]

Posted: 11/14/24 at 6:58pm

Ensemble1698878795 said: "BETTY22 said: "These RAVE reviews did not result in a huge box office the next day.

So upsetting. I don't know what else they need to do to survive - maybe, add as few Alicia Keys songs..ouch"

The lack of interest is completely on the producing and marketing teams. They pushed the robot narrative on socials and it was confusinglynot enticing. The show has fantastic qualities, but they didn't capture it in the ads. A new musical landing on Broadway needs a runway of buzz and fans before it arrives. This one doesn't have that."

I don’t know if hiding the robot element would have helped them at all. At the same time I don’t have a great suggestion for how they could have done a better job promoting it. Might be one of those narratives that’s just tough to promote — but I would have said the same thing about Hadestown and DEH and “the 9/11 musical”, and they all figured out how to sell themselves adequately.

It’s tough when a title makes no sense out of context…I guess Come From Away is at least closer to a real phrase?

[chrishuyen]

Posted: 11/14/24 at 9:40pm

To be fair, when I was trying to tell my friend about it and she heard it was "robots falling in love", she was imagining the type of android often seen in scifi movies, and not necessarily a human-looking domestic servant type of robot, and had a lot more interest once I clarified that.  I think maybe appealing to families with older kids (like preteens/teens) could help, or just fans of Pixar/Studio Ghibli, since those seem to be the closest in comparison for me, and what I've been using to describe the tone of the show.

[VotePeron]

Posted: 11/14/24 at 9:51pm

A chamber musical about robots falling in love has to be one of the hardest sells there is. People want big escapism at the theater right now. I am so burned out on AI and technology that even as a seasoned theater goer I feel like I’ll be dragging myself to see this. The only thing intriguing about it is the raves. 

[HeyMrMusic]

Posted: 11/14/24 at 9:54pm

I saw this tonight and absolutely loved it. It’s so rare to see something on Broadway that is so earnest and heart-on-its-sleeve. The score is lovely and has a nostalgic, Broadway of yesteryear feel. Direction by Michael Arden is top-notch with every element being a knockout. How wonderful, too, to have a wholly original musical on Broadway.

I hope these reviews turn the show’s box office around. It deserves to be seen.

[Leaf Coneybear]

Posted: 11/14/24 at 10:00pm

VotePeron said: "A chamber musical about robots falling in love has to be one of the hardest sells there is. People want big escapism at the theater right now. I am so burned out on AI and technology that even as a seasoned theater goer I feel like I’ll be dragging myself to see this. The only thing intriguing about it is the raves."

I felt the same way until I saw it tonight, it's not really revolved around the fact that they're robots. Obviously it's part of the plot, but the themes are definitely very emotional and human. Count me as one more person who really liked it - Generally I'm more a fan of bigger, splashy shows, but this was just so cute. All the songs were so sweet, it's hard not to smile or say "aw!" during most of the show. 

Shoutout to Darren Criss who is doing some awesome robot acting that doesn't feel super forced. I hope this does well (and gets a cast recording!)

[MemorableUserName]

Posted: 11/14/24 at 10:13pm

WSJ is positive

‘Maybe Happy Ending’ Review: A Robotic Romance of Real Feeling

Darren Criss and Helen J Shen star in a perceptive and moving Broadway musical about two retired ‘Helperbots’ who gradually grow closer.

https://www.wsj.com/articles/maybe-happy-ending-review-a-robotic-romance-of-real-feeling-3df63689?mod=theater_news_article_pos2

[MemorableUserName]

Posted: 11/14/24 at 11:24pm

Geez, even Rex Reed loved it.

‘Maybe Happy Ending’ Is The Most Original, Most Beautiful Musical In Eons

This Broadway show about robots in love has rapturous music and lyrics, innovative staging and a superb cast. In short, an extraordinary work of theatre artistry.

https://observer.com/2024/11/maybe-happy-ending-is-the-most-original-most-beautiful-musical-in-eons/

[broadwaybabywannabe2]

Posted: 11/15/24 at 1:24pm

Theatre_Mom said: "Saw this last night and what a gem of a musical. Such a sweet story with really solid acting and music.

I hope it was a good sign that the mezz was full because this show deserves a good run.

If i may ask how was the view from the Mezz?...i have 2nd row center Mezz. on the right isle...and i cannot wait to see this musical after reading all the reviews
"

 

[TarHeelAlan]

Posted: 11/15/24 at 2:19pm

For anyone interested, Audience Rewards just added a bunch of dates through Feb 8, with good availability. $90 + 1,000 show points for "Select Orchestra" seats. This includes Wed matinees and Sat evenings, but not Fri evenings or weekend matinees. 

Updated On: 11/15/24 at 02:19 PM

[ErmengardeStopSniveling]

Posted: 11/15/24 at 2:31pm

TarHeelAlan said: "For anyone interested, TDF just added a bunch of dates through Feb 8, with good availability. $90 + 1,000 show points for "Select Orchestra" seats. This includes Wed matinees and Sat evenings, but not Fri evenings or weekend matinees."

Do you mean Audience Rewards? Looks like it's not on TDF anymore.

It's of course silly to read into anything, but I'll do it anyways...wonder if Feb 8 is deliberate. aka, "must vacate by then for an April show." It's currently on sale through May 25th.

Updated On: 11/15/24 at 02:31 PM

[CoffeeBreak]

Posted: 11/15/24 at 3:20pm

It could also very possible it not make it to February.   They will refund your tickets.

[ErmengardeStopSniveling]

Posted: 11/15/24 at 3:34pm

CoffeeBreak said: "It could also very possible it not make it to February. They will refund your tickets."

Yes, obviously that is a distinct possibility.

[BETTY22]

Posted: 11/15/24 at 3:47pm

I am optimistic that audiences will find this little gem of a show.

It's adorable - feels like a quirky off Broadway show with a big Broadway set.......

[ErmengardeStopSniveling]

Posted: 11/15/24 at 4:34pm

BETTY22 said: "I am optimistic that audiences will find this little gem of a show."

That optimism feels out of line with what you reported the other day about the poor box office performance after reviews came out?

[HeyMrMusic]

Posted: 11/15/24 at 4:42pm

broadwaybabywannabe2 said: "If i may ask how was the view from the Mezz?...i have 2nd row center Mezz. on the right isle...and i cannot wait to see this musical after reading all the reviews"

I was row G center mezz and the view was perfect. And yes, the mezzanine was full! So glad to see any section in any theatre that full.

[TarHeelAlan]

Posted: 11/15/24 at 4:55pm

ErmengardeStopSniveling said: "TarHeelAlan said: "For anyone interested, TDF just added a bunch of dates through Feb 8, with good availability. $90 + 1,000 show points for "Select Orchestra" seats. This includes Wed matinees and Sat evenings, but not Fri evenings or weekend matinees."

Do you mean Audience Rewards? Looks like it's not on TDF anymore.

It's of course silly to read into anything, but I'll do it anyways...wonder if Feb 8 is deliberate. aka, "must vacate by then for an Aprilshow."It's currently on sale through May 25th."

Yes, you're right it was Audience Rewards, sorry. I fixed it in my original post.