Director Behind the Magic of India's Beloved Masha and The Bear Live Show

When the live theatrical adaptation of the Nick Jr. show Masha and The Bear premiered in India in December 2023, it took the country by storm. The show, aimed at young children, quickly became a favorite among both kids and parents alike.

As the current season of the show's all-India tour nears its end, we had the opportunity to catch up with Vishaal Asrani, the director of the show, to discuss the intricacies of creating and directing live theatrical experiences for children that blend magic, entertainment, and education seamlessly. In a lively and informative chat with WION, Vishaal shed light on the unique challenges and joys of writing and directing a show like Masha and The Bear that aims to captivate and engage young audiences. Drawing from his vast experience directing stage adaptations of popular movies such as Madagascar, The Jungle Book, and Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, Vishaal highlighted the importance of pacing and energy in keeping kids entertained.

He emphasized the need to strike a balance between high-energy performances and simple storytelling that is easy for young children to follow. One of the key elements of the Masha and The Bear live show is its visual appeal and interactive nature. With dance sequences, music, costume changes, visual effects, and magic on stage, the show offers a multi-sensory experience for young audiences.

Vishaal and his team have worked hard to ensure that the actors on stage embody the essence of the beloved characters from the TV show, making them recognizable and endearing to children. Adapting a popular TV show like Masha and The Bear for the stage comes with its own set of challenges, particularly in maintaining the authenticity and charm of the original characters. Vishaal mentioned that ensuring the actors' movements, voices, and appearance closely matched those of the animated characters was a key focus during the production.

Additionally, managing large costumes and special effects while keeping the show engaging for young viewers required careful planning and execution. Despite these challenges, Vishaal expressed his delight in seeing the enthusiastic response from children and parents alike. The joy and excitement on the faces of young audience members as they watch their favorite characters come to life on stage is a rewarding experience for him.

The show's interactive nature, coupled with audience participation, often leads to parents joining in the fun, creating a nostalgic and heartwarming atmosphere for all. When asked about his favorite character from the show, Vishaal humorously compared it to choosing a favorite child. He shared that while he doesn’t have a specific favorite, he appreciates the unique traits and qualities of each character.

From Masha's loyalty to Bear's protective nature, Panda's cuteness to Rosie the Piggy's playful antics, each character brings something special to the show. Vishaal emphasized the importance of the show's underlying messages of friendship, loyalty, diversity, and respect for all living beings, which serve as valuable lessons for young viewers. As the Masha and The Bear live show prepares for its upcoming performances in Mumbai, Vishaal invited audiences to join in the fun and experience the magic of the show firsthand.

With three shows scheduled each day on March 16 and 17 at the Balgandharva Rang Mandir auditorium in Bandra, Mumbai, there are plenty of opportunities for families to immerse themselves in the whimsical world of Masha and her furry friends. Looking towards the future, Vishaal expressed his eagerness to take the show beyond India and share it with audiences worldwide. With its universal appeal, engaging storytelling, and vibrant performances, Masha and The Bear has the potential to captivate children and families across the globe.

Vishaal's vision of taking the show on an international tour reflects his passion for creating unforgettable theatrical experiences for young audiences everywhere.