Paddington at the Al Hirschfeld- Page 3
Paddington at the Al Hirschfeld
Paddington at the Al Hirschfeld#50
Posted: 4/13/26 at 9:44pm
malcs98 said: "Dolly80 said: "Expect an announcement very soon.. even as soon asthis weekend when it wins at the Oliviers."
How do you know this? Do you have a solid inside source?"
Sometimes you should just believe
Paddington at the Al Hirschfeld#51
Posted: 4/13/26 at 10:04pm
With all the awards it won I was looking at tickets this fall and front orchestra seats are £345!
Paddington at the Al Hirschfeld#52
Posted: 4/14/26 at 6:32am
Felt exactly the same, but judging by most reactions, we are in the minority on this one. Definitely curious to see how Broadway will feel about it.
Paddington at the Al Hirschfeld#53
Posted: 4/14/26 at 2:53pm
With this all but confirmed coming to NYC, I’d hope that we get most or all of the original cast members transferring with it.
... but, if they didn’t end up going that route … who does everyone want to see in this? Whose your dream Millicent Clyde?
Paddington at the Al Hirschfeld#54
Posted: 4/14/26 at 2:56pm
DiscoCrows said: "With this all but confirmed coming to NYC, I’d hope that we get most or all of the original cast members transferring with it.
... but, if theydidn’tend up going that route …who does everyone want to see in this? Whose your dream Millicent Clyde?"
I’m imagining a Bonnie Milligan “Pretty Little Dead Things” and it feels right
Paddington at the Al Hirschfeld#55
Posted: 4/14/26 at 3:11pm
DiscoCrows said: "With this all but confirmed coming to NYC, I’d hope that we get most or all of the original cast members transferring with it.
... but, if theydidn’tend up going that route …who does everyone want to see in this? Who’s your dream Millicent Clyde?"
First up on my replacement list is Grace McLean.
Or, if it doesn’t last that long, she can do it on tour if it’s Equity.
Paddington at the Al Hirschfeld#56
Posted: 4/15/26 at 3:27am
I returned to see Paddington again for the 2nd time (first was a very early preview), first performance since the Olivier win. The audience was actually quite 'general', clearly almost everyone had just booked tickets to see the show as a matter of general business rather than as I did waiting for this moment (which makes sense because the show is selling so well unless people thought to do this months in advance they wouldn't get a ticket, they are now advertising best availability next year which I've never seen before in London or even New York - was Hamilton like this?).
I have been wondering for a few months whether Paddington is a little overhyped because the standards of London new musicals are typically lower than New York. The show IS surprisingly long, and I wondered how much of the score I really like vs filler.
Well, the show was even better than I remembered it to be. I really do think it's excellent - physical design is absolutely stunning and one of the best I've ever seen. The amount of detail, creativity and money that has been poured into it is overwhelming. We just don't see this in new musicals anymore.
The show is very well written, with a clear story, reasonably fleshed out characters for this kind of show, more than a few smart and funny lyrics, a score full of hits that I do believe mostly forward the story, with a couple of breaks for perhaps light entertainment but even then I'm so impressed how they manage to weave in the book. For example, the way they setup "Marmalade" or "It's Never Too Late" within the context of the story and characters. The show unlike many new British musicals (e.g. Standing on the Sky's Edge) does not 'break the New York rules' of what makes a good musical. Unlike many musicals, I didn't really switch off in Act Two or thought they struggled to find a story to tell.
Almost every single person in the cast is EXCEPTIONAL. Amy Ellen Richardson almost made her case for why she should have won the Olivier over Victoria, her performance much more emotional and deep than I remembered it to be last time. And really important to setup the motivation behind the story. Victoria Hamilton-Barritt's exceptional sultry gorgeous vocals and charismatic stage presence continues to bring the house down and her song "Pretty Little Dead Things" is one of the best new musical songs I've heard in years. Bonnie Langford also makes a case for winning an Olivier (why wasn't she nominated)? And I must admit I did find it incredibly moving to see the staging again of a Rose in Gypsy style 'MRS BIRD' given she was Lansbury's Baby June. They also make so many hilarious references to her legend status about being in Cats and being a West End Star. How will it work without her?
The speaking and singing voice of Paddington is so pure, clean and clearly intentional. I am convinced the director (Luke Shepherd) has New York-style sensibilities about vocal quality and timbre because many of his shows (e.g. the London & Juliet and Starlight express productions) bring a quality I see much more common in New York than London.
I also think that the show is an extremely moving love letter to London and the United Kingdom, which is desperately needed at the moment in the current political and economic environment. We do need to be reminded of what makes London a great place, and subtle details such as the NHS badge on Tony's immigrant mother, well integrated multi-ethnic communities, the LGBT lanyard on the train workers at Paddington station, the celebration of British culture in the Rhythm of London etc.. is well appreciated and not lost on me.. I'm not sure if Americans will really feel much here, but I feel it deeply.
This show is a new Les Mis, a new Phantom, a new Hamilton. I usually think they should recast most London transfers with New York actors but in this instance I believe the entire original cast should transfer to New York City, and maybe it'll flop but who cares at this point. So many shows flop let people sink money into it if they want to.
At the end, the lead actor gave a speech and they handed out the Olivier awards around the actors. The cast were absolutely ecstatic
I believe I have been part of theatre history right now. 
Paddington at the Al Hirschfeld#57
Posted: 4/16/26 at 9:23pm
DiscoCrows said: "With this all but confirmed coming to NYC, I’d hope that we get most or all of the original cast members transferring with it.
... but, if theydidn’tend up going that route …who does everyone want to see in this? Whose your dream Millicent Clyde?"
I'm not sure Victoria Hamilton-Barritt will transfer, as she has two little ones, but I do hope she does. If not, I'd love to see Lesli Margherita finally win a Tony Award...
Broadway Legend Joined: 11/9/04
Paddington at the Al Hirschfeld#58
Posted: 4/16/26 at 10:10pm
Ptero2 said: "DiscoCrows said: "With this all but confirmed coming to NYC, I’d hope that we get most or all of the original cast members transferring with it.
... but, if theydidn’tend up going that route …who does everyone want to see in this? Whose your dream Millicent Clyde?"
I’m imagining a Bonnie Milligan “Pretty Little Dead Things” and it feels right"
I suppose Carolee is too old now. But oh, she'd sing the heck out of it.
Paddington at the Al Hirschfeld#59
Posted: 4/17/26 at 7:19am
Nolan LuPone said: "I'm not sure Victoria Hamilton-Barritt will transfer, as she has two little ones, but I do hope she does. If not, I'd love to see Lesli Margherita finally win a Tony Award..."
Ugh I’m so conflicted about Lesli. Her style of comedy either works beautifully (Matilda) or comes off as horribly grating (Gypsy). I found her Tessie to be painfully unfunny, but know that I’m in a minority there.
Bonnie Milligan would be excellent. But given this is Sonia Friedman, I would wager most if not all of the principal cast will come over with it. She’s exceptionally loyal to her original casts. (Though Vanessa Redgrave definitely THOUGHT she was coming to Broadway with The Inheritance and, well, that was just never going to happen after the stories from the West End run).
Paddington at the Al Hirschfeld#60
Posted: 4/17/26 at 10:08am
(Though Vanessa Redgrave definitely THOUGHT she was coming to Broadway with The Inheritance and, well, that was just never going to happen after the stories from the West End run).
I don't want to steer the thread in another direction, but I'm curious to hear more about this! My DMs are open ;)
Paddington at the Al Hirschfeld#61
Posted: 4/17/26 at 10:45am
I saw this last night and it’s definitely my favorite children’s show. I’m looking forward to when this transfers to NYC. I’m pretty sure there were a few covers on. Mr. and Mrs. Brown, and Ms. Bird. They were all fantastic. Victoria HB was one of the standouts for me. I loved her in Murder Ballad years ago and I’m so glad I was able to see her again. I’d love for her to transfer with the production.
Updated On: 4/17/26 at 10:45 AM
Broadway Legend Joined: 9/20/18
Paddington at the Al Hirschfeld#62
Posted: 4/17/26 at 11:19am
There are Americans who could credibly play every role in this, but I really hope Tom Edden comes over.
Jen Simard could make a meal out of the VHB role. Bonnie Milligan might be better for Amy Booth-Steel's role (who also got an Olivier nom).
Paddington at the Al Hirschfeld#63
Posted: 4/17/26 at 11:31am
Nothing would make me happier than having VHB in NYC and becoming a Broadway star. If she doesn’t come with this show though, for some reason in my mind I just picture Laura Benanti making a meal out of the role.
Broadway Star Joined: 3/21/07
Paddington at the Al Hirschfeld#64
Posted: 4/17/26 at 12:08pm
I’d be delighted to see the full cast transfer here, but with the show already being on the pricier side, I have my doubts that they’d be willing to take on the extra expense of housing everyone in NYC. I could definitely see the four actors who won Oliviers being offered the chance to transfer, though.
Paddington at the Al Hirschfeld#65
Posted: 4/17/26 at 12:49pm
EDSOSLO858 said: "DiscoCrows said: "With this all but confirmed coming to NYC, I’d hope that we get most or all of the original cast members transferring with it.
... but, if theydidn’tend up going that route …who does everyone want to see in this? Who’syour dream Millicent Clyde?"
First up on my replacement list is Grace McLean.
YESSSSS!!! I've literally been saying the exact same thing...and it's about time she got more recognition, but in all honesty I wouldn't make her the replacement. I personally think they should have her be the standby or alternate for VHB (should she transfer with the production) every time I hear Pretty Little Dead Things, I hear so much of Grace McLean
Broadway Legend Joined: 9/20/18
Paddington at the Al Hirschfeld#66
Posted: 4/17/26 at 12:53pm
David Patrick Kelly as the older gent with the beard?
Paddington at the Al Hirschfeld#67
Posted: 4/17/26 at 12:54pm
ErmengardeStopSniveling said: "David Patrick Kelly as the older gent with the beard?"
You mean Mr. Gruber?
I could also see John Rubinstein if he’s still doing stage work. Kelly might be working on WARRIORS.
Broadway Legend Joined: 11/19/05
Paddington at the Al Hirschfeld#68
Posted: 4/17/26 at 1:05pm
There seems to be no need to transfer any of the West End cast, and spend that expense, for an audience who wouldn't know them anyway.
Paddington at the Al Hirschfeld#69
Posted: 4/17/26 at 1:57pm
EDSOSLO858 said: "ErmengardeStopSniveling said: "David Patrick Kelly as the older gent with the beard?"
You mean Mr. Gruber?
I could also see John Rubinstein if he’s still doing stage work. Kelly might be working on WARRIORS."
Yeah I could totally see John Rubenstein doing it, and he's definitely still doing stage work, last I saw him was in an off broadway solo show called "Eisenhower: This Piece of Ground" a couple years ago...makes sense Kelly would do WARRIORS as he was on the concept album and im pretty sure some of the people on the album would end up doing the show...
Broadway Legend Joined: 9/20/18
Paddington at the Al Hirschfeld#70
Posted: 4/17/26 at 2:23pm
malcs98 said: "makes sense Kelly would do WARRIORS as he was on the concept album and im pretty sure some of the people on the album would end up doing the show..."
DPK was also in the WARRIORS movie so it'd be something of a full-circle moment!
He's someone I would love to finally get a Tony nom/win!!
Paddington at the Al Hirschfeld#71
Posted: 4/17/26 at 4:13pm
Slightly off topic. But I'll be in London in May. The date I was hoping to see this looks like it's sold out. What are the chances I'll be able to find a ticket somehow? Wasn't sure if West End does something where tickets may be available somehow? Whether it's rush or lottery?
Paddington at the Al Hirschfeld#72
Posted: 4/17/26 at 4:19pm
They already released tickets for the lottery for May and also the Mastercard Priceless First Row Tickets. Your best bet would be to setup alerts on Twickets for the days you would like to attend and monitor the Paddington website. A few weeks ago I was able to get a first row ticket through the official ticketing site for 65 pounds by checking the day before.
Updated On: 4/17/26 at 04:19 PMPaddington at the Al Hirschfeld#73
Posted: 4/21/26 at 8:51pm
Jordan Catalano said: "Nothing would make me happier than having VHB in NYC and becoming a Broadway star. If she doesn’t come with this show though, for some reason in my mind I just picture Laura Benanti making a meal out of the role."
I saw the show last Thursday evening and absolutely adored it. I cannot wait for the transfer. VHB was especially amazing. It’s been years since I saw her live and she continues to be incredible.
Paddington at the Al Hirschfeld#74
Posted: 4/21/26 at 9:11pm
I would love to see James Hameed and Arti Shah make their Broadway debuts, they both are great. They could also coach the other Paddingtons for when they take over fully.
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