The Korean original musical "Maybe Happy Ending" set a new record by winning six awards at the Drama Desk Awards in the United States, making it the most awarded production at the ceremony. This achievement is seen as significantly increasing the chances of strong results at the Tony Awards, the most prestigious theater awards in the U.S., scheduled for June 8 (local time).
At the 69th Drama Desk Awards held on June 2 (local time) in New York, "Maybe Happy Ending" won in six musical categories: Outstanding Musical, Outstanding Direction of a Musical, Outstanding Music, Outstanding Lyrics, Outstanding Book of a Musical, and Outstanding Scenic Design of a Musical.
The Drama Desk is an organization composed of theater critics, writers, and publishing industry professionals. Since 1955, it has hosted the Drama Desk Awards to honor achievements in the performing arts.
Previously, "Maybe Happy Ending" won four awards at the 75th Outer Critics Circle Awards, including Outstanding New Broadway Musical, Outstanding Director, Outstanding Score, and Outstanding Book. It also received the Outstanding Musical award from the New York Drama Critics' Circle.
With a series of wins for Best Musical, expectations are rising for a victory at the Tony Awards. "Maybe Happy Ending" is the most nominated musical at this year's Tonys, having secured nominations in a total of ten categories: Best Musical, Best Direction, Best Book, Best Leading Actor, Best Score (Music and Lyrics), Best Orchestrations, Best Scenic Design, Best Costume Design, Best Lighting Design, and Best Sound Design.
Set in the near future, "Maybe Happy Ending" tells the story of Oliver and Claire, robots known as "Helperbots" designed to assist humans. Oliver and Claire were once loved by their human owners but are now depicted as obsolete and abandoned Helperbots.
This production premiered in December 2016 at Daehakro through the creative support program of the Wooran Foundation. It has enjoyed steady popularity, completing five successful seasons in Korea through last year, and is set to open its sixth season at the end of this year.
On Broadway in New York, preview performances began at the Belasco Theatre on October 16 last year, followed by the official opening on November 12, about a month later.
According to Broadway-specialized website Playbill, the show has been a box office hit, surpassing $1 million in weekly ticket sales for three consecutive weeks.
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