Marcus Choi Shares Backstage Routines, Moments, and More From MAYBE HAPPY ENDING

We all know how much hard work goes into the performances that audiences see eight times a week on Broadway. When they're not giving it their all onstage, most performers are backstage doing what it takes to stay happy, healthy, and ready to go between scenes. In Words From The Wings, BroadwayWorld is taking fans behind the curtain to shine a spotlight on the everyday routines that keep Broadway stars moving. 

In this edition, we catch up Marcus Choi, who is currently appearing in Maybe Happy Ending on Broadway. Below, Marcus takes us backstage at the Belasco Theatre (with photos by BroadwayWorld's Jennifer Broski) to share some of his favorite backstage stories, moments, routines and more.

What’s the first thing you do when you arrive to the theatre?

The first thing I do when I arrive to the theater is say my hellos and take a moment to decompress in my room a bit. I usually arrive early because my preshow starts at 15 minutes before curtain. I usually get my humidifier going with either eucalyptus or some citrus oil and water my plants (thank you Olivia Oguma). I share the same floor with Helen J Shen and Stage Management and I like to check in with them on how their day went and how everyone is doing. Usually there are some laughs at funny things that happened the previous night's performance. Then I turn on some music and start my prep. I'm obsessing over The Rescues right now! Shout out to them and their journey with bringing The Lost Boys to the stage! 

What’s the last thing you do before you go on stage?

The last thing I do before I go on stage is go to my castmates rooms and wish them a good show. I have a different handshake with everyone and since i start the show 15 minutes early, I like to check in and say hi. I love a good circle up before a show and this is my way of doing that. 

What’s your must-have backstage snack?

I make a mixture of pressed raw ginger, pineapple juice and coconut water that I have before each show. It good for my immunity during these winter months! I also must have a tin of Grethers Pastilles at all times. Shout out to Grethers. They are wonderful for the vocal chords and absolutely a yummy treat. Then I usually have an assortment of trail mix and rx bars for that midshow boost! 

Pre-show ritual that others may think is weird?

I don't know if it's weird but I usually do a full body stretch to get ready for the show even though I don't have any choreography. I just think it's good to stay limber and it keeps me centered and focused. 

What are five must-haves in your dressing room?

My five must-haves are my couch and blanket for sure. I'm a huge napper so I gotta have a comfy place to lay down between shows. As I mentioned earlier, I gotta have my humidifier. I traveled with my humidifier and air purifier while I was on tour, so it just became a necessary thing for me. I love coffee as well so I have my kettle and french press ready to go at all times and last but not least, I gotta have my bar set up. Our cast member Daniel May affectionately named my dressing room Barcus and once we opened the show, our SNOB was ready to go in dressing room 4! I think that's more than 5 things, but things I must have in my room nonetheless!

What’s your favorite moment from the show to watch from the wings?

My favorite moment to watch from the wings is the song "What I learned from people". It's one of my favorite songs and it's the moment when Claire shares her memory of her past owner with Oliver. I love the projection sequence of that moment and it's just a joy to see Helen get better and better timing her conversation with the holograms. 

What has been your favorite backstage moment in your time with this show so far?

I have a couple. I call the first one my mid show dance break. When Oliver and Claire get to the ferry for the first time there is a 16 bar cut of music that is uptempo and my amazing stage managers and I are having a dance party before i have to run and be the dock worker. 

And my second moment is at the end of the show while I'm playing the piano and Dez is singing the Sentimental Person reprise. Once the Oliver unit passes us we're usually laughing or joking about something. It's just a nice moment to finish the show together. 

About Maybe Happy Ending

Maybe Happy Ending stars Emmy and Golden Globe Award-winner Darren Criss, Helen J Shen, Dez Duron, and Marcus Choi. The cast also includes: Steven Huynh, Hannah Kevitt, Daniel May, and Christopher James Tamayo who round out the production as the understudies.

Inside a one-room apartment on the outskirts of Seoul, Oliver (Criss) lives a happily quiet life listening to jazz records and caring for his favorite plant. But what else is there to do when you’re a HelperBot 3, a robot that has long been retired and considered obsolete? When his fellow HelperBot neighbor Claire (Shen) asks to borrow his charger, what starts as an awkward encounter leads to a unique friendship, a surprising adventure, and maybe even...love? Winner of the Richard Rodgers Award, Maybe Happy Ending is the offbeat and captivating story of two outcasts near the end of their warranty who discover that even robots can be swept off their feet. Helmed by visionary director and Tony Award winner Michael Arden (Parade, Once on This Island), with a dazzling scenic design by Dane Laffrey (A Christmas Carol) and book, music, and lyrics by the internationally acclaimed duo Will Aronson and Hue Park, Maybe Happy Ending is a fresh, original musical about the small things that make any life worth living.

Maybe Happy Ending was written in both Korean and English-language versions. The Korean-language version opened in December of 2016 at DaeMyung Culture Factory in Seoul and subsequently won six Korean Musical Awards including Best Musical. The English-language version was awarded the 2017 Richard Rodgers Production Award and had its U.S. premiere at the Alliance Theatre in Atlanta in the 2019-2020 season under the direction of Michael Arden. 

About Marcus Choi

Marcus Choi is so grateful to be returning to Broadway in this beautiful piece. He most recently played the role of “George Washington” in Hamilton on the Philip tour. Broadway credits include original companies of Wicked, Flower Drum Song, Allegiance and The Times They Are A Changin. Revival of Miss Saigon and Sweet Charity starring Christina Applegate. Select TV: Blue Eye Samurai, Luke Cage, The OA, FBI, Chicago PD, Blind Spot, Homeland, The Last Ship, The Fosters. Socials @marcuschoi11. Always thankful to God, family and friends.