By Jeon Misun

The original Korean musical "Maybe Happy Ending," now running on Broadway, has received or been nominated for a series of accolades in the U.S. including four Outer Critics Circle Awards.

The production on May 16 won Outstanding Production of a Musical and Outstanding Direction of a Musical at this year's Drama League Awards in New York.

Launched in 1935, the honors are the oldest performing arts awards in the U.S. and represents New York's theater and musical community including Broadway.

Earlier on May 12, "Maybe Happy Ending" won four Outer Critics Circle Awards of the U.S.: Outstanding New Broadway Musical, Outstanding Book of a Musical, Outstanding Score and Outstanding Direction of a Musical. The awards ceremony is slated for May 22 at Bruno Walter Auditorium of the New York Public Library for the Performing Arts.

The story is set in a futuristic Seoul and follows Oliver and Claire, two helper robots who experience love. Created by playwright and lyricist Park Chun-hue and American composer Will Aronson, the work premiered in Korea in 2016 and on Broadway in November last year.

"Maybe Happy Ending" is also nominated for 10 Tony Awards, the top honors in American performing arts, including Best Musical, Best Direction of a Musical, Best Book and Best Original Score. The ceremony is scheduled for June 8 at Radio City Music Hall in the Big Apple.

msjeon22@korea.kr