'Masha and the Bear' Hits the Stage'Masha and the Bear' Hits the Stage

Popular Russian kids' series launches live show across Italy.

The animated series "Masha and the Bear" will take the stage in cities across Italy beginning this month, in a new live show developed by Italian licensee EMA and managed by EMA Eventi.

The deal was brokered by the brand's Italian licensing agent Maurizio Distefano Licensing.

Presented under its Italian name, "Masha e Orso Live" combines songs, dances and state-of-the-art digital technology as Masha and her friends journey around the world to find Dasha, Tiger, Penguin, Panda and Santa Claus and invite them to Bear’s birthday party.

"Masha e Orso Live" began its tour Oct. 3 in Salerno at the Teatro Diana in Nocera Inferiore. From there it will cross the country through May 2016, visiting a number of major cities including Naples, Bologna, Florence, Trieste and Milan as well as Lugano in Switzerland, totaling more than 100 shows.

“It is clear that the humor, charm and sense of fun that made 'Masha and the Bear' such a hit with kids on TV make it ideal for a stage show," says Maurizio Distefano, founder and director, MD Licensing. "EMA, with a powerful reputation for both creating and staging major shows for all ages, was the perfect choice to bring this delightful show to the Italian stage. We’re sure it will be a massive success.”