Even before the casting controversy, there has always been a question how the Maybe Happy Ending producers would replace Darren Criss. In theory, that didn't seem impossible, as Criss - despite his credits in TV and theater going back more than a decade and skill at playing Oliver - has never been regarded as the sort of actor who could carry a show's box office - including this one at the beginning.
The box office frenzy in the wake of Tony Awards victories for the musical and Criss himself makes the rush to see the original cast is understandable, so a dropoff after he leaves the show was to be expected.
But how much of a dropoff? And how will that be interpreted? I have been of the view that Maybe Happy Ending is a strong enough show to survive Criss' departure. But that theory has never been tested. And despite his role in the Jennifer Lawrence movie a few years ago, Andrew Barth Feldman - despite his talents - is not a name with box office drawing power.
While I have been sympathetic to the Asian-American actors and creatives who have criticized his selection, I also agree with those who have said that theatergoers haven't been flocking to see Maybe Happy Ending because they support the idea of seeing Asian-American actors on a Broadway stage. Many people, even folks reasonably well-versed in theater, thought Darren Criss was white. The musical works because it's not only entertaining but because its darker themes are relatable to many people.
So now the producers, as I feared, may have created a trap of their own making. Feldman isn't enough of a draw to attract people who like to watch stars. The musical has been sharply criticized for casting a white actor. The show's producers have gone into hiding after its writers and co-star released statements online. They aren't even promoting, or acknowledging on their own website, the fact that Feldman will soon be Oliver. To the extent he was picked because he's Helen J. Shen's partner in real life (who helped her rehearse) and it's a cute story, they aren't promoting that either. Maybe they will try that soon, but that will require navigating tricky questions about a controversy that Shen herself has acknowledged.
It's hard these days to read too much into advance sales data, because people don't buy too far ahead of time unless there's a compelling reason to do so. Without the casting mistake, the Maybe Happy Ending producers would be promoting the hell out of the show and touting all the reasons theatergoers should see it. But their behavior suggests they believe they're trapped.
Updated On: 8/16/25 at 08:29 PM
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