Stella Cole to Make Broadway Debut in Maybe Happy Ending
The performer joins the cast of the musical at the Belasco Theatre on October 20.
Updated on Oct. 16, 2026 in Arts Theater — General
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Stella Cole will step into the role of Gil Brentley in the Broadway production of Maybe Happy Ending starting October 20. For the duration of her run, the character will be portrayed as female.
Why it matters
This casting update coincides with a scheduled leave of absence for Dez Duron, who is currently appearing in the production. The changes arrive shortly after the musical began performances at the Belasco Theatre in November 2024.
The production of Maybe Happy Ending received 10 Tony award nominations during the 2024-2025 season. Casting for the show is managed by Craig Burns of Telsey & Co.
The players
Stella Cole
She is a performer making her debut as Gil Brentley in the Broadway musical Maybe Happy Ending.
Dez Duron
He is an actor in the production who is taking a temporary leave of absence.
Savy Jackson
She is an actress joining the company to play the character Claire.
Will Aronson
He is a composer who accompanied Stella Cole in a promotional performance of the song Then I Can Let You Go.
Craig Burns
He is a casting director at Telsey & Co. who manages talent selection for the production.
The details
Stella Cole recently showcased her vocal performance of the song Then I Can Let You Go in a promotional video accompanied by composer Will Aronson. Beyond the change in the role of Gil Brentley, additional company adjustments include Savy Jackson stepping into the role of Claire on November 20.
Timeline
Musical opened at the Belasco Theatre on November 12, 2024.
Stella Cole makes her Broadway debut on October 20.
Dez Duron returns to the company on November 17.
Savy Jackson joins the cast on November 20.
Industry Dynamics
The Tony Awards serves as a benchmark for production success and critical recognition in professional theater. This musical's casting updates follow its high-profile standing as a contender with 10 nominations during the 2024-2025 season.
Theatergoers planning to see the musical at the Belasco Theatre should note the upcoming changes in the lead cast starting October 20. Performance schedules may fluctuate during the transition period as actors take leaves of absence and new performers join the company.
The takeaway
Casting shifts are a standard component of long-running Broadway shows as companies manage scheduling needs for their performers. Audiences can expect consistent updates to the ensemble throughout the season as productions rotate talent to maintain performance quality.
Further reading
For more information on current Broadway productions, visit Arts Theater — General.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Playbill.
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