Tony nominee Darren Criss expresses deep gratitude for his latest theatrical journey in the heartfelt Broadway musical Maybe Happy Ending. Recognized for his portrayal of “Model-3 Helperbot” Oliver, Criss celebrates both critical acclaim and the profound audience connection the show has inspired.
“I’m just, at a very base level, always so grateful to be getting to do this — that is the true win,” Criss shared. Maybe Happy Ending earned an impressive 10 Tony nominations, but for Criss, the emotional resonance with audiences remains the most meaningful reward.
The Power of Human Connection Through Art
Criss believes that the ultimate purpose of art is to help people reconnect with their shared human experiences. In an interview with Gold Derby, he stated, “What art can and should do at its highest function, is connect people to their own human experience with other humans.”
The role of Oliver marks a career milestone for Criss: it’s the first time he’s originated a character in a Broadway production. “You can’t dream up something like this,” he admits. “Its presence in my life is absolutely miraculous.”
Crafting a Believable Android
Creating Oliver required a delicate physical performance that balanced robotic precision with emotional nuance. Criss studied the psychological concept of the “uncanny valley,” explaining, “The closer [androids] are to humans, the more we’re endeared to them. But there’s a threshold — once it’s too close, it becomes repulsive.”
Drawing from his training in Commedia dell’arte, clowning, mime, and mask work, Criss used expressive body language to portray a non-human entity with very human emotions. “There’s no subtlety with expression. Everything is telegraphed very explicitly,” he noted. “That actually is a really fun playground for an actor.”
Emotion Through Memory and Experience
One of the show’s most powerful effects is its ability to evoke deeply personal emotions in viewers. Criss explains that this is because the story doesn’t rely on specific memories but rather on the emotional impact they leave behind. “I do remember—the hard drive remembers—the feelings and how they make you think and act,” he said, echoing the musical’s exploration of memory and identity.
A Career of Transformation
Criss’s performance in Maybe Happy Ending follows a string of acclaimed roles. He won a Critics Choice Award, Golden Globe, Screen Actors Guild Award, and Emmy for The Assassination of Gianni Versace: American Crime Story. He also received an Emmy nomination for his original song “Dreams Come True” from Glee.
As Criss continues to evolve as an artist, his role in Maybe Happy Ending highlights his passion for storytelling that resonates across boundaries — even between humans and machines.
