Steven Huynh '21 made his Broadway debut in the one-act show "Maybe Happy Ending," serving as standby to Darren Criss in the popular musical, playing now at the Belasco Theatre.
A mere three years after graduation, Baldwin Wallace University music theatre alumnus Steven Huynh '21 has already made his debut on America's most famous stage in the critically acclaimed robotic rom-com "Maybe Happy Ending."
The one-act, South Korean musical premiered officially on Broadway on November 12 and tells the story of two obsolete, human-like "Helperbots" named Oliver and Claire who form a deep connection together as they navigate loneliness, love and what it means to be human.
Huynh is a standby in the Broadway musical, serving as the primary cover for Oliver, played by Darren Criss, and the secondary cover for James/Junseo. In an event where the main actor is unable to perform, it is Huynh's job to step in and play their role.
"One of the most exciting moments for me is witnessing the response and reception to the production — the rave reviews, our expanding fan base, and its meteoric-like rise in popularity — and knowing I get to be a vital part of this special gem of a Broadway show," Huynh said.
Huynh described the show as funny and charming but also deep and meaningful, saying it is similar to watching a Disney or Pixar film on stage. He added that the musical "renews our sense of wonder and beauty" in the world as it answers the question, "Why love?"
"There's something so incredibly human about choosing to love despite our own mortality and the inevitability of loss, pain and grief," Huynh said.
Huynh said the strong foundation and training he received from Baldwin Wallace allowed him to "hit the ground running" when he entered show business after graduating, helping him to grow into his artistry.
"My time at Baldwin Wallace and within the music theatre program provided an opportune environment to develop performance-related hard skills like competence with music theory and solfege, knowledge in vocal health and pedagogy, and confidence in my personal acting technique," Huynh said.
Huynh also added that the community he was surrounded by during his time at the University greatly contributed to his development as a performer.
"My friends, classmates and professors challenged me to work hard and improve upon myself every day, inspired me to dare and to try and gave me the courage to fail," Huynh said.
As for current BW students aspiring to Broadway success, Huynh said he would tell them to treat their career as a "marathon rather than a sprint."
"You are running your own race, and it helps to find patience in the process, to have steadfast faith in your ability to succeed and to surround yourself with the support of people who believe in you, too," Huynh said.
He believes his journey to Broadway was a "culmination of small victories," and opportunities that are meant for you won't pass you by.
"If you are auditioning, if you are receiving callbacks, if you are booking work, making connections and leaving a positive effect on the people you meet and work with, you are sowing the seeds for your success. Trust that one day, you'll reap the rewards," Huynh said.
