Tony Hale, the acclaimed actor known for his roles in popular television series such as “Veep” and “Arrested Development,” is set to make his debut on Broadway in the upcoming musical “Paddington The Musical.” The production is scheduled to begin previews on 30 March 2027, with an official opening on 18 April at the Al Hirschfeld Theatre in New York City.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(jpeg)/tony-hale-paddington-110926-870ac838895d4f59a2829e4ba88976ba.jpg)
Hale will portray the character of Mr. Curry, Paddington’s notoriously grumpy neighbour, a role that promises to showcase his comedic talents. Joining him in this star-studded cast are esteemed performers like Jessie Mueller, who will take on the role of Mrs. Brown, and Karen Ziemba as Mrs. Bird. Other notable names include Drew Gehling as Mr. Brown, Chip Zien as Mr. Gruber, and Leslie Rodriguez Kritzer, a Tony nominee, who will play the villainess Millicent Clyde.
This role represents a significant new chapter in Hale’s career, which spans television, film, and voice acting. Known for his portrayal of Buster Bluth in “Arrested Development” and Gary Walsh in “Veep,” Hale’s presence in the musical is highly anticipated. His extensive experience in different genres of performance has prepared him well for the Broadway stage. Coincidentally, Julia Louis-Dreyfus, his co-star from “Veep,” also made her Broadway debut this season in a revival of “Other Desert Cities.”
“Paddington The Musical,” based on Michael Bond’s beloved children’s books and the popular Paddington films, tells the story of a young bear’s journey from Peru to London in search of a home. When Paddington meets the Brown family, he begins a series of whimsical adventures that ultimately strengthen their family bonds. Complications arise with the introduction of Millicent Clyde, who has her own intentions regarding Paddington, pushing the Brown family to unite in order to protect their new friend.
While the cast features many accomplished actors, the character of Paddington himself will be embodied by two performers. James Hameed and Arti Shah, who originally played Paddington in London’s West End, will reprise their roles on Broadway. Hameed will provide the bear’s voice and manipulate elements of the character through remote puppetry, while Shah will portray Paddington’s physical movements on stage. Together, they won the Olivier Award for Best Actor in a Musical in 2026 and received substantial acclaim for their performances.
The cast also introduces Kelvin Dukes, recognised for his quarterfinalist stint on “America’s Got Talent” in 2020, who will make his Broadway debut as Tony. Additional cast members include Allison Guinn as Lady Sloane, J. Quinton Johnson as Grant, Zonya Love as Tanya, and Serena Parrish as Judy Brown, with Parrish also making her Broadway debut in this production.
Producers Sonia Friedman and Eliza Lumley have expressed their excitement about the assembled cast, stating, “We really do have a dream company,” highlighting the talent and dedication each actor brings to the production. Both producers commended Hameed and Shah for their years of hard work shaping Paddington’s character alongside the creative team.
“Paddington The Musical” first premiered in London’s West End in November 2025 at the Savoy Theatre, where it quickly became a commercial success and garnered critical acclaim. The production won seven Olivier Awards, including Best New Musical and Best Director for Luke Sheppard, making it one of the most decorated musicals in Olivier history. Following its success, the London run has been extended through June 2028, and an adaptation is set to debut in Sydney in September 2027.
The musical features original music and lyrics by Tom Fletcher of the pop-rock band McFly, coupled with a book by Jessica Swale and direction by Luke Sheppard. The visual design of Paddington’s character is crafted by Tahra Zafar, showcasing the enchanting world of the beloved bear.
Paddington has been a cherished figure in children’s literature since the release of the first book in 1958, with over 35 million copies sold globally. The character’s popularity surged with the successful film adaptations released in 2014 and 2017, which introduced Paddington to a new generation. A third film, “Paddington in Peru,” is set for a 2024 release, while another animated feature is also in production.
Friedman and Lumley praised Paddington’s enduring nature, stating that he embodies qualities such as kindness and empathy. They expressed their excitement about bringing the musical to Broadway, which they deemed the ideal setting for a production aimed at inspiring joy and connection. “As the home of so many of the world’s great musicals, there is no more exciting place to produce new work than New York,” they remarked.
Tickets for “Paddington The Musical” are currently on sale, and with its enchanting storyline and a talented cast, the production is poised to capture the hearts of audiences when it arrives on Broadway.
About the Author
