We are everyday robots on our phones / In the process of getting home, Albarn sings.
Theyd observed a similar affliction among their peers.
But he admits being skeptical initially about the premise.
DO ANDROIDS DREAM?The leads of Broadway’sMaybe Happy Ending:Darren Criss, in Saint Laurent by Anthony Vaccarello, and Helen J Shen in Michael Kors Collection. Swarovski ring. Gabriel & Co. bracelet. Hair, Edward Lampley; makeup, Kuma. Photographed by Norman Jean Roy. Fashion Editor: Edward Bowleg III.Vogue, March 2025.
I thought, Robots?
But this was one of the most human musicals Ive ever encountered.
Hes observed Broadway audiences reacting similarly.
GROUP INTELLIGENCEShen and Criss are joined in the cast by Dez Duron (center left) and Marcus Choi (center right). Costume design by Clint Ramos. Hair and wig design, Craig Franklin Miller; makeup, Suki Tsujimoto.
Stereotypical modern acting is about what youdontsee, and what Im doing here is what youdosee, Criss says.
His robot had been programmed to display unsubtle emotions: happy face, sad face, surprised face.
Costume design by Clint Ramos.
Hair and wig design, Craig Franklin Miller; makeup, Suki Tsujimoto.
The backstage mechanics are so unbelievably intricate, Arden says.
My hope is that its working so well the audience doesnt even notice.
The emphasis was on containing and focusing the audiences point of view, Arden explains.
Youre watching a classic Burt Bacharach musical, even though were driving aflying car.
The team has been floored by the rabid army of fans.
(Arden calls her a fabulous silent diva who appeals to wallflowers in the audience.)
(South Korea has the worlds highest density of robot workers.)
The offbeat premise and ingenious staging prove that no algorithm can yet prescribe a hit Broadway musical.
And thats why we go to the theaterto learn something new about what it is to be alive.
How delightful that its possible in a musical about robots.
In this story: Jacqui Bennett at Carol Ai Studio Tailors.
Produced by BOOM PRODUCTIONS INC.
