MAYBE HAPPY ENDING Reviews- Page 36

[kdogg36]

Posted: 8/1/25 at 11:26am

YankeeDani said: "How "both sides" of you."

There are some cases where one side (MAGA scum) is pure evil, and therefore any "both sides" argument fails. There are other cases where honest disagreement is possible and neither side deserves to be demonized. This situation falls into the latter category.

I believe the producers made a terrible mistake in not casting an Asian actor to take over the role of Oliver. It was a bad move both morally and in terms of public relations. I am squarely on your side. However, I'm not going to say that this is a case where those who disagree are (necessarily) lacking in understanding or acting in bad faith. If you require me not only to agree with you, but also to condemn those who don't, then you're just asking too much.

[GottaGetAGimmick420]

Posted: 8/1/25 at 11:26am

Crusty Bagel said: "This was the best thing that could have happened for this show. They get some press out of it, and people will end up buying tickets in support of the anti woke casting"

Yeah and all of that press has been negative. And in the middle of their raise for the tour capitalization (lol)

[BorisTomashevsky]

Posted: 8/1/25 at 11:33am

GottaGetAGimmick420 said: "Crusty Bagel said: "This was the best thing that could have happened for this show. They get some press out of it, and people will end up buying tickets in support of the anti woke casting"

Yeah and all of that press has been negative. And in the middle of their raise for the tour capitalization (lol)"

The press about this issue has been totally unbalanced and everyone can see that. Fundraising won’t be affected. The tech will be simplified for the tour and it will be cheaper to run. It will do just fine on tour and even if it loses a bit, consider it a loss leader for the killing they’ll make in licensing, just like Come From Away is now. Every second town over is doing it. 

[GottaGetAGimmick420]

Posted: 8/1/25 at 11:48am

Boris must be a sour investor/producer, with this level of knowledge

[BorisTomashevsky]

Posted: 8/1/25 at 12:04pm

“Boris must be a sour investor/producer, with this level of knowledge.”


I’m neither, but if I was, I’d be sleeping just fine at night.

Meanwhile, over on Reddit they’ve compiled a list showing that absolutely ZERO Asian actors have played leading roles on Broadway ever. So when the complainers say “Darren Criss playing the robot made me feel like I was finally part of the community”, they’re telling the truth. 

Just kidding. There’s been a sh!t ton of Asians in leading roles. It also reminded me about Kimiko Glenn in Waitress and Philippa Soo in Amelie, which I’d left off my list the other day. Plus PLENTY more! 

https://www.reddit.com/r/Broadway/s/YjknSiElwV

Updated On: 8/1/25 at 12:04 PM

[MemorableUserName]

Posted: 8/1/25 at 12:13pm

kdogg36 said: "
I believe the producers made a terrible mistake in not casting an Asian actor to take over the role of Oliver. It was a bad move both morally and in terms of public relations. I am squarely on your side."

And yet you also believe that saying a decent person wouldn't have taken an opportunity from an underrepresented minority is the stupidest thing you've read in the thread? Okay.

 

[Jonathan Cohen]

Posted: 8/1/25 at 12:28pm

Crusty Bagel said: "This was the best thing that could have happened for this show. They get some press out of it, and people will end up buying tickets in support of the anti woke casting"

Republicans will see Broadway shows, I'm not suggesting otherwise, but I can't think of a single example of a show that succeeded on Broadway because conservatives mobilized around it. Even with David Mamet, he can still get revivals on Broadway, but as he became increasingly right wing, his newer plays aren't getting anywhere near Broadway.

Anti woke messaging is a great business model for selling MAGA hats, not Broadway tickets. 

[THDavis]

Posted: 8/1/25 at 12:33pm

This thread has helped me realize why Democrats (my own party) lost the election. Seriously - we’ve turned into cannibals. We are so morally conflicted between what is right/just and what is worth the battle. We’ve opted to take on every battle to the point that we’re fine losing the war as long as we feel right and vindicated at the end of the day. And if someone won’t take on that fight with us, they’re just as bad as MAGA. 
 

Things will continue to go MAGAs way if we don’t learn how to band together instead of fall apart. While I know some are fine with it all burning down if we can’t get our way, just know that there are more people out there still going to vote GOP while we meltdown over robot casting.

[Ensemble1698878795]

Posted: 8/1/25 at 1:09pm

Crusty Bagel said: "This was the best thing that could have happened for this show. They get some press out of it, and people will end up buying tickets in support of the anti woke casting"

You chose the perfect username. 

[hicaesar]

Posted: 8/1/25 at 1:23pm

Honest question - do you think the Producers who invested (the show has still not recouped so they are all still at a loss) planned this as some evil scheme? We are going to invest in a show nobody has heard of, and as soon as it wins a Tony we are going to replace one white looking guy for an actual white guy and THEN we will make so much money!!!! 

Like do you think that's what the plan was all along? 

Don't we want Producers to make money so they will continue to invest in shows? (Most shows never recoup... meaning most producers continue to lose and lose and lose before they ever win big on something like a Hamilton or Wicked). 

[THDavis]

Posted: 8/1/25 at 1:37pm

I also appreciate all of the concern for Asian American voices EXCEPT for where Helen J Shen is concerned.

We’ve basically said Conrad, Telly, and Jose have the authoritative voice along with the newspapers (and the screamers here on BWW, of course) and one of the pinnacle voices (and most under-recognized in multiple ways) attached to this production warrants no consideration or gravity. Who are we to get to say that? Seriously. How do we have the upper hand and warrant more of a say than she does?

[kdogg36]

Posted: 8/1/25 at 1:38pm

MemorableUserName said: "And yet you also believe that saying a decent person wouldn't have taken an opportunity from an underrepresented minority is the stupidest thing you've read in the thread? Okay."

Well, I wish I hadn't used the word "stupid," but, yes, those thoughts are completely compatible.

[hicaesar]

Posted: 8/1/25 at 1:44pm

THDavis said: "I also appreciate all of the concern for Asian American voices EXCEPT for where Helen J Shen is concerned.

We’ve basically said Conrad, Telly, and Jose have the authoritative voice along with the newspapers (and the screamers here on BWW, of course)and one of the pinnacle voices(and most under-recognized in multipleways)attached to this production warrantsno consideration or gravity. Who are we to get to say that? Seriously. How do we have the upper hand and warrant more of a say than she does?"

To be fair.. she really danced around the subject.  Basically said - I understand how I would feel if I was a little girl but my boyfriend is perfect.

I do feel bad for her and Andrew - neither of them signed up for this. If "We Had A World" was opening this fall and he couldn't have said yes to this - none of this would have happened. Such weird timing.  Darren was leaving, Helen was staying, Andrew was available. 

 

[Ensemble1726583963]

Posted: 8/1/25 at 3:37pm

THDavis said: "I also appreciate all of the concern for Asian American voices EXCEPT for where Helen J Shen is concerned.

We’ve basically said Conrad, Telly, and Jose have the authoritative voice along with the newspapers (and the screamers here on BWW, of course)and one of the pinnacle voices(and most under-recognized in multipleways)attached to this production warrantsno consideration or gravity. Who are we to get to say that? Seriously. How do we have the upper hand and warrant more of a say than she does?"

Not to mention Hue Park, the Korean man who co-wrote the piece. And Christopher Tamayo, the Fil-Am Oliver understudy, who spoke to the fact that much of the conversation has gone off the rails and could result in several Asian actors out of work (while still acknowledging why people are upset), and was subsequently eviscerated in the comments. I don't at all blame people for being upset, but the only voices many seem to want to hear are those they agree with.

[dramamama611]

Posted: 8/1/25 at 6:08pm

Why should b'way fans be any different then the vast majority of 'Mericans?

[YankeeDani]

Posted: 8/1/25 at 11:33pm

BorisTomashevsky said: "“Boris must be a sour investor/producer, with this level of knowledge.”


I’m neither, but if I was, I’d be sleeping just fine at night.

Meanwhile, over on Reddit they’ve compiled a list showing that absolutely ZERO Asian actors have played leading roles on Broadway ever. So when the complainers say “Darren Criss playing the robot made me feel like I was finally part of the community”, they’re telling the truth.

Just kidding. There’s been a sh!t ton of Asians in leading roles. It also reminded me about Kimiko Glenn in Waitress and Philippa Soo in Amelie, which I’d left off my list the other day. Plus PLENTY more!

https://www.reddit.com/r/Broadway/s/YjknSiElwV"

 

85% of your list is Asian woman. You are WEIRD. 

 

 

[YankeeDani]

Posted: 8/1/25 at 11:34pm

THDavis said: "This thread has helped me realize why Democrats (my own party) lost the election. Seriously - we’ve turned into cannibals. We are so morallyconflicted between what is right/justand what is worth the battle.We’ve opted to take on every battle to the point that we’re fine losing the war as long as we feel right and vindicated at the end of the day. And if someone won’t take on that fight with us, they’re just as bad as MAGA.


Things will continue to go MAGAs way if we don’t learn how to band together instead of fall apart. While I know some are fine with it all burning down if we can’t get our way, just know that there are more people out there still going to vote GOP while we meltdown over robot casting."

what are you specifically referring to? 

FYI, this type of attitude if it's anti what the AAPI community is saying is why so many POC moved away last election. 

[YankeeDani]

Posted: 8/1/25 at 11:35pm

PaigeTurner2 said: "

Not to mention Hue Park, the Korean man who co-wrote the piece. And Christopher Tamayo, the Fil-Am Oliver understudy, who spoke to the fact that much of the conversation has gone off the rails and could result in several Asian actors out of work (while still acknowledging why people are upset), and was subsequently eviscerated in the comments. I don't at all blame people for being upset, but theonly voices many seem towant to hear are those they agree with."

 

oh GEE yes I wonder WHY these 3 specifically are so defensive about this awful casting choice? HMMM what could be the reason?? 

So FYI you're saying a few Asian actors out of work is more important than what this signifies for FUTURE GENERATIONS for years to come who would perform Maybe Happy ending.

 

Educate yourself. 

[MezzoDiva47]

Posted: 8/1/25 at 11:41pm

 

this thread is exhibit a as to why we ended up stuck with trump as president

again

there are still people on here who think they can argue their way out of a woke issue

the path does not exist and that is on purpose

the point is to burn it all down

if this show hadnt won best musical the controversy could easily have resulted in its premature closing

putting the very people the social justice warriors are claiming to protect out of their jobs

weve seen this scenario several times before

you white saviors may be surprised to learn there are those who identify as asian who are embarrassed by this entire brouhaha

while u will find some ppl who would appreciate having two asian leads and buy tickets for that specific reason there is not such an overwhelming demand that would result in a critical mass to extend the life of the show

ppl in general want to see a well made show and maybe even be entertained or inspired through the communal experience of live theatre

and all of this controversy will do is make producers more reluctant to invest in these very types of shows which feature underrepresented groups

completely backfiring on what these angry and jealous basement dwelling no talents claim to want

the creative team forgot one of the main rules of woke

once you cast a minority in any lead role you can never ever cast a white person to succeed them

that should just be added to the equity bylaws at this point

im sure ppl like yankeedummy wont agree with my post but they are part of the woke circular firing squad ruining everything

santiy has returned to the landscape and ppl are no longer willing to tolerate this type of nonsense

 

MezzoDiva47 has spoken

bow down accordingly

 

Updated On: 8/2/25 at 11:41 PM

[YankeeDani]

Posted: 8/2/25 at 1:30am

MezzoDiva47 said: "

this thread is exhibit a as to why we ended up stuck with trump as president

again

there are still people on here who think they can argue their way out of a woke issue

the path does not exist and that is on purpose

the point is to burn it all down

if this show hadnt won best musical the controversy could easily have resulted in itspremature closing

putting the very people the social justice warriors are claiming to protect out of their jobs

weve seen this scenario several times before

you white saviors may be surprised to learn there are those who identify as asian who are embarrassed by this entire brouhaha

while u will find some ppl who wouldappreciate having two asian leads and buy tickets for that specific reason there is not such an overwhelmingdemand that would result in a critical mass to extend the life of the show

ppl in general want to see a well made show and maybe even be entertained or inspired through the communal experience of live theatre

and all of this controversy will do is make producers more reluctant to invest in these very types of shows whichfeature underrepresented groups

completely backfiring on what these angry and jealous basement dwelling no talents claim to want

the creative team forgot one of the main rules of woke

once you cast a minority in any lead role you can never ever cast a white person to succeed them

that should just be added to the equity bylaws at this point

im sure ppl like yankeedummy wont agree with my post but they are part of the woke circular firing squad ruining everything

santiy has returned to the landscape and ppl are no longer willing to tolerate this type of nonsense



MezzoDiva47 has spoken

bow down accordingly

"

you sound unhinged. YOU and this type of attitude is exactly why things are how they are. Total disrespect and disregard for human decency and taking others for granted. 

 

[MezzoDiva47]

Posted: 8/2/25 at 1:39am

 

YankeeDani said:

"you sound unhinged. YOU and this type of attitude is exactly why things are how they are. Total disrespect and disregard for human decency and taking others for granted."

 

wrong

 

[YankeeDani]

Posted: 8/2/25 at 2:38am

MezzoDiva47 said: "

YankeeDani said:

"you sound unhinged. YOU and this type of attitude is exactly why things are how they are. Total disrespect and disregard for human decency and taking others for granted."



wrong

"

ignorance. 

[MezzoDiva47]

Posted: 8/2/25 at 7:12am

YankeeDani said: "MezzoDiva47 said: "

YankeeDani said:

"you sound unhinged. YOU and this type of attitude is exactly why things are how they are. Total disrespect and disregard for human decency and taking others for granted."



wrong

"

ignorance."



who made _you_ judge?

u created an account just to come on here and flame everyone else

i have the utmost respect and regard for human decency and i do not take anyone for granted

just like ppl trapped in the maga cult u need to break free of the woke cult and join the rest of us in the land of reasonable

until then you remain aligned with biased closed-minded arrogant elites who dont even realize that your views are predetermined by your own prejudices

u r part of the same flock who has tried to shove latinx down the throat of a community who never asked for it

the irony here is that the most liked post on this thread by far is the one which advocates for the same rational and levelheaded approach i am pleading for but admittedly is more eloquently written

the ppl who liked that post but havent posted in agreement are part of the underground who know they cant speak out without getting canceled by ppl like u

i hope that glass house u live in has air conditioning

 

MezzoDiva47 has spoken

bow down accordingly

 

[ColorTheHours048]

Posted: 8/2/25 at 7:24am

Uh-oh. The trolls found each other.

[BorisTomashevsky]

Posted: 8/2/25 at 8:11am

YankeeDani said: "BorisTomashevsky said: "“Boris must be a sour investor/producer, with this level of knowledge.”


I’m neither, but if I was, I’d be sleeping just fine at night.

Meanwhile, over on Reddit they’ve compiled a list showing that absolutely ZERO Asian actors have played leading roles on Broadway ever. So when the complainers say “Darren Criss playing the robot made me feel like I was finally part of the community”, they’re telling the truth.

Just kidding. There’s been a sh!t ton of Asians in leading roles. It also reminded me about Kimiko Glenn in Waitress and Philippa Soo in Amelie, which I’d left off my list the other day. Plus PLENTY more!

https://www.reddit.com/r/Broadway/s/YjknSiElwV"



85% of your list is Asian woman. You are WEIRD.
"
 

Here we go again with the expectation of equal proportions and percentages for all! Would 50% satisfy the mob?

It’s well known that there are more women vying for theatre roles than men. Just go sit at Pearl Studios and look at the difference between a men’s audition call and a women’s call. Women easily make up 85% of the people auditioning. 

Aren’t you going to demand trans and non-binary inclusion as well? You’re doing other genders a disservice by leaving them out and showing us all you’re the true bigot here. Do better, Dani! 


“once you cast a minority in any lead role you can never ever cast a white person to succeed them
that should just be added to the equity bylaws at this point”

True, Mezzo. How many young ‘uns would be surprised to learn that John in Miss Saigon was once played by a white man (Greek specifically) and never again since a black man played it on Broadway…? I have no problem with it of course - Hugh Maynard is a friend and Billy Porter once hit on me, so call me “in with the Johns” - but it proves your point entirely. No one even a bit ivory will play that part again. 

Updated On: 8/2/25 at 08:11 AM