It’s not easy entertaining the little ones. They can easily get bored or lose interest in whatever they are doing and move on to something else. When Nick Jr. show Masha and The Bear debuted in India with its live theatrical adaptation in December 2023, it became a rage for kids and parents alike.

Now in its last leg of the all-India tour for this season, we got in touch with Vishaal Asrani, director of the show who spoke about writing-directing such live theatrical shows&nbsp;that help transport children to a world of magic, entertain them and educate them through the ride.&nbsp;

Here are the excerpts from our chat:&nbsp;

WION: Writing for kids needs a special skill – you have to break it down and make it really simple while also staying true to entertainment. What did you have in mind while directing Masha and The Bear?

Vishaal: Kids are the toughest audience to please. If you can’t keep them glued to the action for even a few moments, you’ve lost their interest. I have directed a number of stage adaptations of internationally acclaimed movies such as, DreamWorks’ Madagascar, Rudyard Kipling’s The Jungle Book, The Little Mermaid, Snow White and the 7 Dwarfs to name a few. So, while directing Masha, I had to make sure it was correctly paced. I wanted the show to be high on energy and yet simple enough for the little ones to understand.&nbsp;

Each scene has dance, music, costume changes, visual effects and of course magic on stage.

<img alt="Masha" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="b6240e1d-0559-4e6e-933c-580c6a0133e1" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/HORIZONS%20-%202024-03-15T162844.568.jpg" />

WION: ⁠It’s a widely watched TV show by kids worldwide, were there any challenges in adapting it for Indian audiences?

Vishaal: While adapting anything for the stage, when it is already so popular on TV, one has to maintain the characteristics of the characters that made them such a phenomenon in the first place. I wanted the actors on stage to be as close in look, movement and voice to the originals in the show. It was challenging to make actors move around in 8 foot high costumes and be in charge of gimmicks and special effects too.

Other than that, there wasn’t much of a challenge adapting it for the “Indian audience” per se, as now the audiences are the same worldwide.

WION: What do you love the most about the response to the show by kids?

Vishaal: The squeals of joy when they see their favourite characters appear on stage. The show is highly interactive and is full of audience participation. The cutest is seeing the parents dance and sing along with the kids too, mimicking the choreography that we have set on stage. It’s like watching the adults in the audience go back to their childhood days.

<img alt="Masha" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="97c77fb1-a7b7-4a56-bc94-4dbfe0114bd4" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/HORIZONS%20-%202024-03-15T162930.162.jpg" />

WION: Who is your favourite among the characters?

Vishaal: It’s like asking a parent to choose a favourite among their children! I have no favourite, but I do have favourite traits of each character I love. The loyalty of Masha to her friends, the fatherly protective nature of the Bear, the cuteness of Panda, the wild side of Rosie the Piggy, &nbsp;the strong bonds of friendship that Snowy and Masha share, the craziness of Professor Nonbelievious and so much more. I think what’s most important is that the all characters have something nice about them and teach children many important life lessons, such as the significance of friends, loyalty, acceptance, diversity and respect for all living beings.&nbsp;

WION: When is the next set of performances and where?

Vishaal: The next set of performances are in Mumbai on March 16 and 17 at Balgandharva Rang Mandir auditorium in Bandra, Mumbai. We have 3 shows each day. 11:30 am| 2:30 pm| and 6:00 pm.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/bollywood/news-in-pics-priyanka-chopra-is-a-proud-mama-as-she-brings-daughter-malti-marie-to-india-700236">In pics: Priyanka Chopra is a proud mama as she brings daughter Malti Marie to India</a>

WION: Would you like to take it outside of India?

Vishaal: Sure! It’s &nbsp;a world class show and we would love to take it all over the globe if it can be worked out. I’m sure audiences world over will love it.

It’s not easy entertaining the little ones. They can easily get bored or lose interest in whatever they are doing and move on to something else. When Nick Jr. show Masha and The Bear debuted in India with its live theatrical adaptation in December 2023, it became a rage for kids and parents alike.

It’s not easy entertaining the little ones. They can easily get bored or lose interest in whatever they are doing and move on to something else. When Nick Jr. show Masha and The Bear debuted in India with its live theatrical adaptation in December 2023, it became a rage for kids and parents alike. Now in its last leg of the all-India tour for this season, we got in touch with Vishaal Asrani, director of the show who spoke about writing-directing such live theatrical shows that help transport children to a world of magic, entertain them and educate them through the ride. Here are the excerpts from our chat: WION: Writing for kids needs a special skill – you have to break it down and make it really simple while also staying true to entertainment. What did you have in mind while directing Masha and The Bear? Vishaal: Kids are the toughest audience to please. If you can’t keep them glued to the action for even a few moments, you’ve lost their interest. I have directed a number of stage adaptations of internationally acclaimed movies such as, DreamWorks’ Madagascar, Rudyard Kipling’s The Jungle Book, The Little Mermaid, Snow White and the 7 Dwarfs to name a few. So, while directing Masha, I had to make sure it was correctly paced. I wanted the show to be high on energy and yet simple enough for the little ones to understand. Each scene has dance, music, costume changes, visual effects and of course magic on stage. WION: ⁠It’s a widely watched TV show by kids worldwide, were there any challenges in adapting it for Indian audiences? Vishaal: While adapting anything for the stage, when it is already so popular on TV, one has to maintain the characteristics of the characters that made them such a phenomenon in the first place. I wanted the actors on stage to be as close in look, movement and voice to the originals in the show. It was challenging to make actors move around in 8 foot high costumes and be in charge of gimmicks and special effects too. Other than that, there wasn’t much of a challenge adapting it for the “Indian audience” per se, as now the audiences are the same worldwide. WION: What do you love the most about the response to the show by kids? Vishaal: The squeals of joy when they see their favourite characters appear on stage. The show is highly interactive and is full of audience participation. The cutest is seeing the parents dance and sing along with the kids too, mimicking the choreography that we have set on stage. It’s like watching the adults in the audience go back to their childhood days. WION: Who is your favourite among the characters? Vishaal: It’s like asking a parent to choose a favourite among their children! I have no favourite, but I do have favourite traits of each character I love. The loyalty of Masha to her friends, the fatherly protective nature of the Bear, the cuteness of Panda, the wild side of Rosie the Piggy, the strong bonds of friendship that Snowy and Masha share, the craziness of Professor Nonbelievious and so much more. I think what’s most important is that the all characters have something nice about them and teach children many important life lessons, such as the significance of friends, loyalty, acceptance, diversity and respect for all living beings. WION: When is the next set of performances and where? Vishaal: The next set of performances are in Mumbai on March 16 and 17 at Balgandharva Rang Mandir auditorium in Bandra, Mumbai. We have 3 shows each day. 11:30 am| 2:30 pm| and 6:00 pm. Also read: In pics: Priyanka Chopra is a proud mama as she brings daughter Malti Marie to India WION: Would you like to take it outside of India? Vishaal: Sure! It’s a world class show and we would love to take it all over the globe if it can be worked out. I’m sure audiences world over will love it.

Masha and The Bear LIVE director Vishaal Asrani speaks on adaptation of world's most beloved kids TV show

A new live theatrical adaptation of the famed animated series on Nick Jr., Masha and the Bear&nbsp;is set to debut in India. Building on the success of the Peppa Pig musical that returned earlier this year, the one-of-its-kind entertainment experience with the young, spirited girl and the bear will be making its debut in India. The tour will go on an incredible journey across the country, commencing in Mumbai on 23 December 2023, followed by performances in Bengaluru, Delhi, and Hyderabad and thereafter concluding its tour in Mumbai in March 2024.

Packed with music, dance, and a strong narrative around ‘A Very Detective Story’, to make it suit and appeal to children of all ages, the show will provide the audience with an interactive experience where Masha and The Bear will need the audience’s help to solve this mystery together.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/bollywood/news-dunki-drop-2-shah-rukh-khan-tries-to-woo-taapsee-pannu-in-new-song-lutt-putt-gaya-661480">Dunki: Drop 2: Shah Rukh Khan tries to woo Taapsee Pannu in new song Lutt Putt Gaya&nbsp;</a>

Featuring various characters from the show, Masha and the Bear LIVE is a musical story that will revolve around Masha, The Bear, Professor Nonbelevious, Rosie, the Panda, Sly Fox and Silly Fox &amp; more, who will join Masha to solve the mystery of missing items from her home. With stunning visuals, engaging storytelling, and delightful music, the extravaganza will transport children into the beloved animated world of Masha and her best friend, the Bear, leaving everyone satisfied with solving this mystery with their favourite characters.&nbsp;

A new live theatrical adaptation of the famed animated series on Nick Jr., Masha and the Bear is set to debut in India. Building on the success of the Peppa Pig musical that returned earlier this year, the one-of-its-kind entertainment experience with the young, spirited girl and the bear will be making its debut in India.

A new live theatrical adaptation of the famed animated series on Nick Jr., Masha and the Bear is set to debut in India. Building on the success of the Peppa Pig musical that returned earlier this year, the one-of-its-kind entertainment experience with the young, spirited girl and the bear will be making its debut in India. The tour will go on an incredible journey across the country, commencing in Mumbai on 23 December 2023, followed by performances in Bengaluru, Delhi, and Hyderabad and thereafter concluding its tour in Mumbai in March 2024. Packed with music, dance, and a strong narrative around ‘A Very Detective Story’, to make it suit and appeal to children of all ages, the show will provide the audience with an interactive experience where Masha and The Bear will need the audience’s help to solve this mystery together. Also read: Dunki: Drop 2: Shah Rukh Khan tries to woo Taapsee Pannu in new song Lutt Putt Gaya Featuring various characters from the show, Masha and the Bear LIVE is a musical story that will revolve around Masha, The Bear, Professor Nonbelevious, Rosie, the Panda, Sly Fox and Silly Fox & more, who will join Masha to solve the mystery of missing items from her home. With stunning visuals, engaging storytelling, and delightful music, the extravaganza will transport children into the beloved animated world of Masha and her best friend, the Bear, leaving everyone satisfied with solving this mystery with their favourite characters.

Nick Jr. show Masha and the Bear LIVE to debut in India

Russia-made super hit cartoon 'Masha and The Bear' is going to enter the big screens of cinemas across the UK marking its 10th anniversary.

Cinemas will show the latest episodes of the third season of the well-known Russian cartoon produced by Animaccord.

'Masha and the Bear' has been recently translated into 36 languages and broadcast in over 100 countries by digital platforms such as Netflix, NBCUniversal, Sony Pictures Television and more.

The CEO of Animaccord, Alexander Goncharov, said that apart from the post-Soviet states, the cartoon is especially popular in Italy, France, Brazil, Mexico and countries in the Middle East and South-East Asia. Goncharov added that they will focus on Chinese and Japanese markets in the following years.

Animaccord is a pioneer-company in Russia in terms of such multi-continental partnership, said Goncharov. The CEO also expects a successful premiere of 'Masha and The Bear' on UK's big screens, saying that British TV channels have already actively broadcast 'Masha and the Bear'.

Natalia Malgina, one of four directors of the cartoon, said the series shows interaction between adults and children in the form which is easy to understand by everyone regardless of culture. In her opinion, it is key to the cartoon's success.

'Masha and the Bear' is listed as 'the most viewed family cartoon' on Youtube in the Guinness World Record's Book in 2019. Over four billion viewers have already watched the episode 'Recipe for Disaster'.

Russia-made super hit cartoon 'Masha and The Bear' is going to enter the big screens of cinemas across the UK marking its 10th anniversary. Cinemas will show the latest episodes of the third season of the well-known Russian cartoon produced by Animaccord.

Russia-made super hit cartoon 'Masha and The Bear' is going to enter the big screens of cinemas across the UK marking its 10th anniversary. Cinemas will show the latest episodes of the third season of the well-known Russian cartoon produced by Animaccord. 'Masha and the Bear' has been recently translated into 36 languages and broadcast in over 100 countries by digital platforms such as Netflix, NBCUniversal, Sony Pictures Television and more. The CEO of Animaccord, Alexander Goncharov, said that apart from the post-Soviet states, the cartoon is especially popular in Italy, France, Brazil, Mexico and countries in the Middle East and South-East Asia. Goncharov added that they will focus on Chinese and Japanese markets in the following years. Animaccord is a pioneer-company in Russia in terms of such multi-continental partnership, said Goncharov. The CEO also expects a successful premiere of 'Masha and The Bear' on UK's big screens, saying that British TV channels have already actively broadcast 'Masha and the Bear'. Natalia Malgina, one of four directors of the cartoon, said the series shows interaction between adults and children in the form which is easy to understand by everyone regardless of culture. In her opinion, it is key to the cartoon's success. 'Masha and the Bear' is listed as 'the most viewed family cartoon' on Youtube in the Guinness World Record's Book in 2019. Over four billion viewers have already watched the episode 'Recipe for Disaster'.

Popular animation 'Masha and The Bear' to premiere on UK big screens