Ep358 - Helen J. Shen: Finding Humanity Playing Robots on Broadway

The Theatre Podcast with Alan Seales

Rising star Helen J. Shen, who is making her Broadway debut in Maybe Happy Ending opposite Darren Criss, dives into her journey from a classical piano prodigy to a Broadway performer, reflecting on the intense years of piano competitions and how those skills have shaped her approach to musical theater. She shares stories from her time at the University of Michigan, where her passion for theater solidified, and talks about the thrill of playing a robot in her Broadway debut.

Helen also opens up about the creative process behind Maybe Happy Ending and how she's putting her personal spin on a role previously staged in Korea and Asia. She reflects on what it’s like working alongside Darren Criss and the supportive environment of her team. They discuss the unique challenge of playing robots and how the production explores themes of mortality, connection, and what it means to be human.

Helen J. Shen is an actor, musician, and writer. Before her Broadway debut in Maybe Happy Ending, she starred in The Lonely Few at MCC Theater and captivated audiences in Teeth at Playwrights Horizons. Her regional credits include Man of God at Williamstown Theater Festival and Sunset Boulevard at ACT of Connecticut.

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