Darren Criss to return to Broadway’s Maybe Happy Ending in November

Darren Criss will return to Broadway this fall in Maybe Happy Ending after controversy surrounding the musical’s casting.

Producers confirmed on August 20 that Criss, 38, will reprise his role as Oliver, a humanoid robot, beginning November 5. The announcement followed backlash after creators Will Aronson and Hue Park temporarily recast the half-Filipino actor with Andrew Barth Feldman, who is not of Asian descent.

Although insiders noted that Criss was scheduled for a two-month leave of absence and Feldman’s casting was a limited nine-week engagement, the decision drew criticism. Playwright and actor BD Wong penned an open letter condemning the choice, saying it highlighted ongoing concerns about race and representation in Broadway casting. His essay gathered more than 2,400 signatures.

Aronson and Park later expressed regret, saying they were “extremely saddened” that their decision caused anger or confusion. They explained their vision was for the Korean-set allegorical story to one day be performed universally, but acknowledged the importance of community concerns.

Criss, who has played Oliver since the show’s Broadway debut, made history in June when he became the first Asian American to win the Tony Award for Best Actor in a Musical for his performance. Maybe Happy Ending also won Best Musical at the 2025 Tony Awards.

The show, which premiered in Seoul in 2016 before arriving on Broadway, follows two companion robots, Oliver (Criss) and Claire (Helen J. Shen), as they form a bond in futuristic Seoul.

Criss will resume the role November 5 at the Belasco Theatre, where the production continues its award-winning run.