This week we take a look at the shows nominated for 2025 Tony Awards.
NEW YORK — There isn’t a sweeter Broadway show than “Maybe Happy Ending.”
Featuring just four actors, a fascinating set and heartwarming songs, it tells the story of two Helperbots (or robots) who find themselves retired, searching for purpose.
While both go through routines they had when they were in their owners’ employ, they know there must be something more.
A random encounter prompts them to share time (and chargers) before taking one of those “Great Adventure” trips “Kimberly Akimbo” plotted. In her car, they head out for fireflies, passwords and some sort of connection.
Because he’s an older robot (able to hold a charge longer), Oliver (Darren Criss) thinks he has the upper hand in what could be a relationship. Claire, however, is savvier and less, um, robotic.
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Claire (Helen J Shen) moves more effortlessly; Oliver has the plastic look of an early iteration. Still, there’s something there for each of them. He introduces her to his owner’s favorite jazz artist; she tries to convince him hoping doesn’t always make something true.
It’s a simple relationship that has so much goodness to offer.

Helen J Shen as Claire (left) and Darren Criss as Oliver in "Maybe Happy Ending." (Matthew Murphy and Evan Zimmerman/Broadway/TNS)
Director Michael Arden doesn’t make this an “obvious attraction” piece but a growth examination that lets floating apartments, buzzing fireflies and Dez Duron’s Gil Brentley work their mid-century magic on the couple. It’s a perfect blend of technical elements set to some charming Hue Park and Will Aronson songs.
This isn’t a show with power ballads; it’s storytelling that sometimes comes with notes.
As much as it seems like a rom-com, “Maybe Happy Ending” could have something to say to those in other stages of life — including retirement. It pitches the idea of happier tomorrows and doesn’t let reality get in the way.
Criss and Shen are a perfect team. She’s anxious, he’s confident. When the roles reverse, it’s easy to see how real relationships fit the Helperbot mode. A supporting appearance by a plant named Hwaboon all but steals the focus. And when that “maybe” turns into something more, the “happy ending” is everything you think it could be.
The Tony Awards air Sunday night on CBS.
 Bruce Miller is editor of the Sioux City Journal.Â