MAYBE HAPPY ENDING Reviews — Page 32

My thinking is they never thought this show would be a hit, so they opened with a strong statement about AAPI representation in their casting choices. But now that the show's a hit, they're worried about future Broadway casting giving the hint of a show for Asian audiences only, because that might turn off future general audiences, or future productions.

To me, their future-proofing their inviestment, and their long-term residuals off the thing.

FranklinDickson2018 said: "Putting it out there that Andrew should resign or be otherwise removed? Predicting it, urging it, saying how "lovely" it would be.

Would you want that to happen to you? That a mob of cyber folks lost you a well paying job? If you have a choice of 50K or what everhe gets for the 9 weeks would you gladly give it up because of mob pressure or opinion. Opinions certainly not shared by all?



A decent person wouldn't have accepted it in the first place.

I already posted a link to the Hellboy example, where the white actor who was cast as a traditionally Asian character withdrew from the role, likely giving up more than 50k. It's about doing what's right.

One either has grace and class, or doesn't.


Be careful what you are saying. Andrew is a talented actor. He is obviously welcoming the gig and the salary that goes with it. And the chance to perform with his girlfriend and the resultant publicity that will go with it.


An actor of Asian descent obviously would have welcomed the gig and the salary that goes with it, as well as the publicity. (Is the girlfriend the deciding factor?)


Your hurtful words, specifically in this thread,shouldn't ever rob someone of the chance to make a living. Not even as a conjecture. Complain all you want but please do not wish for someone to losea well-paying job.


No one's robbing him of the chance to make a living, considering he has so many more opportunities to do so than Asian actors are given. He's been working consistently for years. There are a multitude of roles he can be considered for. Do you really think the same is true for actors of Asian descent?


The understudies that could have replaced him will still get their salary will they not? And perhaps their own chance to play the lead some day. Please give Andrew his chance. It is 9 weeks - not a lifetime. And I have no doubt that the understudies will eventually get their day in the sun.


If one of the understudies had taken his place, another actor of Asian descent could have been hired as the new understudy, giving two actors of Asian descent the opportunity.

If they didn't get their day now, what indication is they will eventually get it. (And "eventually"? Why do they have to wait? They already have been...)

Updated On: 7/31/25 at 02:27 PM

YankeeDani said: "Had to make an account here just to say how utterly disappointed I am in some of these messages defending the MHE team. I can start from here, but some of the absurd responses show a total lack of awareness for AAPI visibility and inclusion. On a BROADWAY WORLD message board? It's absolutely shocking."

I believe in AAPI visibility and inclusion, but how many members of that community will lose their jobs if this brouhaha results in the show closing?

YankeeDani said: "Had to make an account here just to say how utterly disappointed I am in some of these messages defending the MHE team. I can start from here, but some of the absurd responses show a total lack of awareness for AAPI visibility and inclusion. On a BROADWAY WORLD message board? It's absolutely shocking."

Oh don’t worry, they’re plenty visible now, they’ve made sure of that! In fact, can we drop the “PI” from this discussion? The Tongans and Samoans are probably like, leave us out of this bullsh!t.

I hope Andrew and Helen have a bunch of kids who go on to be industry leaders who play the Engineer and Korean robots and Song Liling and who then look at everyone who persecuted Andrew and say “How dare you do that to my dad, out with you!”. I mean seriously, this man could be the father of Asian performing artists. Ease up people.

I can't believe social media mob ganging up on the show which not only clawed its way to the box office success but also has won 6 Tony awards. Did everyone forget their struggle for at least 3 months until good WOM and stellar reviews started to catch up? Why are people the way that they are? Andrew is going to be there for just a few weeks and may actually bring extra sparkle to this musical since he's in relationship with Helen. For me, early Hadestown was magical Because of Eva and Reeve's chemistry as a real life couple. My god, we're going to lose one of the only 4 successful new musicals of this season, aren't we?

Updated On: 7/31/25 at 03:32 PM

SeanD2 said: "YankeeDani said: "Had to make an account here just to say how utterly disappointed I am in some of these messages defending the MHE team. I can start from here, but some of the absurd responses show a total lack of awareness for AAPI visibility and inclusion. On a BROADWAY WORLD message board? It's absolutely shocking."

I believe in AAPI visibility and inclusion, but how many members of that community will lose their jobs if this brouhaha results in the show closing?"



Why are you assuming a change in cast member would result in closing? In fact it may drive even more people especially POC's to come support and see the show.



And once again, forgetting the bigger picture of what this means for AAPI visibility long term.

YankeeDani said: "SeanD2 said: "YankeeDani said: "Had to make an account here just to say how utterly disappointed I am in some of these messages defending the MHE team. I can start from here, but some of the absurd responses show a total lack of awareness for AAPI visibility and inclusion. On a BROADWAY WORLD message board? It's absolutely shocking."

I believe in AAPI visibility and inclusion, but how many members of that community will lose their jobs if this brouhaha results in the show closing?"



Why are you assuming a change in cast member would result in closing? In fact it may drive even more people especially POC's to come support and see the show.



And once again, forgetting the bigger picture of what this means for AAPI visibility long term."

This "controversy" is hurting the show's brand which could lead to its closing (look at the similar situation of Great Comet).

“Did everyone forget their struggle for at least 3 months until good WOM and stellar reviews started to catch up?”

You make a great point, gibsons. And it makes me wonder, can everyone complaining about this casting demonstrate that they were there for, or promoted, MHE during its time of need?
Probably not, because the M.O. these days is “everyone owes me, I want free things or discounts on everything, and no one is getting anything from me.” No one cares about stuff until it concerns THEMMMM.

I wouldn’t be surprised if some of the woke mob didn’t wish the show to fail early on, simply because they weren’t part of it or didn’t get an audition for it. “If I’m not in it, I don’t care if it lives or dies!”

FolliesCabaret said: "BorisTomashevsky said: "Iwouldn't be surprised if some of the woke mob didn’t wish the show to fail early on, simply because they weren’t part of it or didn’t get an audition for it. “If I’m not in it, I don’t care if it lives or dies!”"

A genuinelyuglyjump to conclusions here."

I’m eager to see screenshots of stories or posts where members of the affronted community promoted or supported MHE during its “life support” weeks.

‘Maybe Happy Ending’ Casting Change Ignites Debate About Representation



https://www.nytimes.com/2025/07/31/theater/maybe-happy-ending-casting-controversy.html?unlocked_article_code=1.ak8.qf9I.k1IOT_0yPFyt&smid=nytcore-android-share

“If they changed lead members with someone of AAPI descent who is a name in theater, ticket sales would be very supportive”

I’m repeating myself here, but people across the board are forgetting that it takes two to tango with casting. The offer can be made, but might not be accepted. Name actors, especially, are not usually enthusiastic to replace another name actor. This appeal decreases even more when the previous actor has won a major award for it.

So anyone screaming “just get an Asian name to do it!” doesn’t realize that the name has to be willing, and available, and agree to the payment terms. Those can be big hurdles.


“I do agree however that continuing down this road will lead to less support for the show”

Less support from the offended people who weren’t even planning to see it, maybe. But this publicity will help in the long run. Ticket sales for Andrew’s early performances are selling well now. Streisand Effect, anyone?

Wayman_Wong said: "New York Times: 'Maybe Happy Ending' Casting Change Ignites Debate About Asian Representation

https://www.nytimes.com/2025/07/31/theater/maybe-happy-ending-casting-controversy.html"

So the Times will interview Ricamora, Wong, and quote from the Coalition’s statement and the production’s statement, but was unable to find anyone to interview who supports Andrew’s casting? To quote the woke mob, “Do better!”

Vulture: Maybe Happy Ending’s Unhappy Casting Choice

The show’s writers defend casting a white actor to play a role originated by an Asian American actor in a musical set in Seoul.

https://www.vulture.com/article/maybe-happy-ending-casting-controversy.html