BOB BAKER MARIONETTE THEATER’S THE NUTCRACKER
What a happy and satisfying day my friend Roz and I just had in Sierra Madre. And it all began at the Sierra Madre Playhouse.
I had, unfortunately, not been to that theatre in well over a year, (as Mr. X always says about me, I’ve been overbooked,) so I returned earlier this week for the most delightful of reasons—to see Bob Baker Marionette Theater’s version of The Nutcracker!
Photo by Karen Salkin, as is the one at the top of this page.
I chose the perfect pal to join me, (you do not need to bring a child with you—just your own inner one!,) because I knew that, since Roz grew up here in LA, she would be familiar with the famous marionettes from the time she was little. And I was correct! She was so excited to see them again after all these years; she said she remembers how “extremely enchanting” that company was back then, and, as we discovered, still is today.
Throughout the entire performance, we both kept saying words like “magical,” “adorable,” and “sooo pretty.”
Since it is performed by puppets, and is under an hour long, it’s, of course, a very abbreviated version of The Nutcracker, which is perfect not only for youngsters but for us uber-busy grown-ups, as well.
Photo by Karen Salkin.
All of the marionettes are charming and creative, but my faves were the colorful cakes and amusing chefs. And the ice skaters were a fun surprise.
And let me give major props to the puppeteers, who are so talented, and displayed love for what they were doing. They were all dressed in red, which made the whole presentation that much more festive. And some of them entertained the children in front of the Playhouse both before and after the show. I honestly thought Roz was going to sit on the sidewalk so the puppets would walk over to her!
Photo by Winona Bechtle.
One of the hallmarks of any Nutcracker is the growing of the Christmas tree right in front of our eyes. And I’m happy to report that the one on this stage did just that! I’ve seen a few ballets of it recently, in which the tree was disappointing, so I oohed and ahhed along with the rest of the audience when it grew here.
One thing to listen for is the kind-of crazy soundtrack. A lot of it is a jazzy rendition of Tchaikovsky’s composition, and some of it even features dialogue! It definitely sounds old-timey, like on those little records from the fifties or maybe even before then. We spoke with one of the puppeteers after, and he said that is correct. So the production is a joy for the eyes and the ears!
The beginning of the show reminded me of the classic Disney movie Fantasia, with a conductor, (who is a puppet in this case, of course,) leading a cartoonish orchestra in silhouette that’s projected on the backdrop. I loved it!
I actually loved all of it. And the price is so reasonable! It’s just about the only entertainment I’ve found all season that a family of four can afford, augmented by complimentary ice cream as we exit, and free parking in a lot off the street behind the theatre. And the entire staff there is pleasant and happy to help.
The famous Waltz of the Flowers. Photo by Karen Salkin.
More good news is that the audience is allowed to take pictures of this show, as long as they’re not flash. (I always think that people should just enjoy an event, and not view it through a camera, so I suggest you take only a few pix, if any.)
I adored being back at the Playhouse; it was lovely. The whole experience was, actually. If you’d like to recreate our fun day, here’s what we did: First of all, the performance we went to was on Monday at 4:30, and let me tell you—I was surprised at how packed it was! Sharing it with so many happy audience members, especially the kids, makes it extra-fun.
The puppeteers entertaining the crowd in front of SMP before the show. Photo by Karen Salkin.
When the show is over, everyone gets that ice cream I mentioned. There’s a choice of those little sundae cups you get at the circus, so, of course, I also loved that. After we mingled in the SMP lobby while we enjoyed the dessert, we explored the charming town of Sierra Madre for a bit. (Native LA girl Roz had never been there before!!!) We walked around the corner from the theatre, and Roz got some hot tea while I enjoyed patrons admiring my special holiday sweater. Then we had large slices of delicious pizza on that same festive street.
And, on the way out of town, we drove up and down the streets of Hastings Ranch, admiring all the gorgeous holiday decorations, which Roz said were “just amazing.” They really do them up right there! (In case you’re not familiar with that appealing city, look-up the Upper Hastings Ranch neighborhood, which is north of Sierra Madre Boulevard and east of Michillinda Avenue.)
Bob Baker Marionette Theater’s The Nutcracker would have been enough of a wonderful time for us, but with all the added attractions in the area of the Sierra Madre Playhouse, this was a perfect day. I’m wishing you all the same when you go.
Bob Baker Marionette Theater’s The Nutcracker runs through January 5, 2025
Sierra Madre Playhouse 87 W. Sierra Madre Blvd. Sierra Madre
626-355-4318 www.sierramadreplayhouse.org
