‘Maybe Happy Ending’ star Helen J Shen brings humanity to an android in her Broadway debut: ‘There’s a freedom to her realism’

Ben Stanton Sheds Light On His Lighting Design For “Maybe Happy Ending”

Lighting designer Ben Staton is a four-time Tony Award-nominee, whose work can be seen this season in the new Broadway musical, “Maybe Happy Ending.” Stanton spoke to Theater Pizzazz about how lighting helps to tell this musical’s story and how he incorporated his design concept into the production’s high-tech set. Stanton also reveals how his background in music has influenced his career as a lighting designer. TP: What was your inspiration for…

‘Maybe Happy Ending’ star Helen J Shen brings humanity to an android in her Broadway debut: ‘There’s a freedom to her realism’

Helen J Shen is having a whirlwind year on stage. The 25-year-old actress made her Broadway debut — and earned rave reviews — for the hit new musical Maybe Happy Ending, which opened in November. She portrays Claire, a "HelperBot" with obsolete parts, living out her remaining days in a robot retirement facility before she powers down for good. Claire meets another bot named Oliver, played by Darren Criss, and the two flee the facility for one la…