“Paddington: The Musical,” a family-friendly stage adaptation based on the beloved British children’s character, is set to open on Broadway next spring following its successful London run. The show, which began performances in London last fall, has received critical acclaim and commercial success, including winning the Olivier Award for Best New Musical.

The story follows Paddington, a kind-hearted and marmalade-loving bear from Peru, who is found at a London train station and taken in by a local family. The character originated in Michael Bond’s 1958 children’s book series and has been featured in three recent film adaptations. The musical presents a fresh retelling of these stories, blending adventure with heart and humor.

Producers Sonia Friedman, Studiocanal, and Eliza Lumley Productions are bringing the production to Broadway, with previews set to begin on March 30 and an official opening scheduled for April 18 at the Al Hirschfeld Theater. The venue, which seats roughly 1,400 people, becomes available after the current show, “Moulin Rouge! The Musical,” closes on August 30. Luke Sheppard, known for directing “& Juliet,” helms the production, while Tom Fletcher provides the music and Jessica Swale the book.

Friedman and Lumley have indicated plans for some adjustments to the show prior to its Broadway debut. These include refining elements that were not fully realized in the London staging and moderating certain British cultural references that might not resonate with American audiences. Despite these changes, the producers intend to maintain the show’s distinctly British identity rather than localizing the setting. Friedman emphasized that the production will avoid extensive adaptations, stating, “We’re not going to suddenly be setting it in Brooklyn.”

A notable feature of the musical’s staging is its portrayal of Paddington. After extensive development spanning over six years, the creative team chose a unique approach whereby Paddington is played by a short-statured actor in costume, while a separate actor, usually offstage, provides the bear’s voice. This approach replaced earlier puppetry experiments to better convey the character’s isolation and emotional depth on stage. The pair of performers who bring Paddington to life are considered the show’s joint stars.

The producers attribute the musical’s success to the character’s universal qualities. Lumley remarked that Paddington’s optimistic nature and ability to see the best in people have especially resonated amid today’s challenging global climate. “As the world has become darker, the lightness and joy of the story have become more relevant,” she said.

Friedman acknowledged the financial challenges of producing a musical on Broadway, noting the rising costs and concerns about ticket prices. To address this, tickets for “Paddington: The Musical” on Broadway will start at $69, making it more accessible than many other productions. “Broadway is the home of the musical, and obviously New York has to be part of our plan,” Friedman said. “If we didn’t do it, I couldn’t call myself a producer.”