After a very successful run on the West End, “Paddington” creators hoped to bring the show across the pond to Broadway.
Their wish is coming true!
“Paddington The Musical” is set to premiere at the Al Hirschfeld Theatre beginning March 30 with the official opening on April 18.
In 2022, Paddington had the honour of sharing a marmalade sandwich with Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.
Based on the books by Michael Bond and subsequent films, the stage production uses state-of-the-art puppetry to bring the loveable orange marmalade eating bear to life. The voice of Paddington is voiced by a second actor off stage.
The West End crew will be reprising their creative roles with Olivier Award winner Luke Sheppard directing the musical. Ellen Kane, Matt Brind, Tom Pye, Gabriella Slade, Tahra Zafar, Neil Austin, Gareth Owen, Ash J, and Campbell Young Associates will also be coming to Broadway to help bring Paddington Bear to life.
Casting for the musical will be announced at a later date.
“Paddington The Musical” took home seven Olivier Awards this year including Best Musical.
“The excitement around the show and the sort of joy that it seems to be bringing people has put wind in our sails and marmalade in our suitcases,” says director Luke Sheppard.
“It has been the greatest adventure of my career to be entrusted with bringing Paddington’s story to life on stage alongside my brilliant creative collaborators Jessica, Luke, and our producers Sonia and Eliza,” says Tom Fletcher in a statement. “The response from West End audiences of all ages has been unlike anything I’ve ever experienced. It’s a great privilege to welcome New York audiences into Paddington’s world of curiosity and I am absolutely thrilled at the opportunity for this very rare and special bear to be on Broadway.”
“I couldn’t be more excited to bring Paddington to New York,” adds Jessica Swale. “As a city that breathes theatre, storytelling, and imagination, Broadway is the perfect place to celebrate this exuberant and heart-filled story. I can’t wait. Let’s just hope Paddington loves Big Apples as much as he loves oranges.”