‘Paddington the Musical’ brings beloved bear to life on stage

'Paddington the Musical' is a theatrical retelling of the beloved children's books written by Michael Bond. from Paddington the Musical London —

When ‘ Paddington the Musical’ — a theatrical retelling of the British children’s classic — was announced, fans had one big question. How could Paddington Bear exist in a theater?

It is one thing to imagine a polite, talking bear who loves marmalade sandwiches in a book or to create one in a movie through the magic of CGI. It is quite another to bring it to life on stage.

But photos and videos released by the musical’s makers on its opening night Saturday have finally revealed exactly how the creative team managed to create a believable bear capable of entrancing an audience.

Two actors play the little bear from Peru — Arti Shah