Schedule
HostsWays to Give
HomePlaylistSchedule
HostsEventsOn DemandOur StoryOur TeamWays to Give Become a Sponsor
How to ListenVisit Help CenterContact Us

Find Us on Social Media:

Logo image

Find Us on Social Media:

Download Our Mobile App:

google play icon

About

HomePlaylistSchedule
HostsOn DemandOur StoryOur Team

Community

EventsWays to Give Become a SponsorPressDiversity StatementCareersAnnual EEO ReportDigital Accessibility

Help

How to ListenVisit Help CenterContact Us

©2025 Classical California

Sweepstakes RulesFCC ComplianceLocal Public FilesCPB ComplianceAnnual EEO ReportPrivacy PolicyCode of Integrity

articles / Music History

One More Trip to the Bob Baker Marionette Theater

Music HistoryPop CultureArts Alive BlogNutcrackerTheater

All photos by Kelsey McConnell

For 55 years the Bob Baker Marionette Theater has been delighting kids and adults alike with twirling puppets and post-show ice cream. But soon (the day after Thanksgiving to be exact), the theater will close its doors for good. The show will go on, though. First with a five week run of Bob Baker’s Nutcracker show at the Pasadena Playhouse, and later at a new permanent home yet to be named.


Baker himself passed away in 2014 at the age of 90. But in 2012, we found him spry and still very much devoted to his puppets during an Arts Alive interview at the theater. In honor of the theater’s closing chapter, here is that interview.

Hit play below to listen to our bonus Arts Alive feature with Bob Baker.

One More Trip to the Bob Baker Marionette Theater
00:00
Music HistoryPop CultureArts Alive BlogNutcrackerTheater
Written by:
Kelsey McConnell
Kelsey McConnell
Published on 04.01.2019
Loading...

MORE LIKE THIS

The Story Behind “The Star-Spangled Banner”

The Story Behind “The Star-Spangled Banner”

One of this year's more surprising news stories was around the collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge, named for the famed poet whose words became the lyrics of our national anthem, “The Star-Spangled Banner.”

06/30/2024
Henry Purcell’s “King Arthur” Gets a Dramatic Makeover

Henry Purcell’s “King Arthur” Gets a Dramatic Makeover

Long Beach Opera collaborates with Musica Angelica and Culture Clash to reimagine Henry Purcell's semi-opera, King Arthur, as a superhero story. Performances in January at Beverly O’Neill Theater.

01/10/2020
The ABC’s of Opera: Verdi’s “Aida”

The ABC’s of Opera: Verdi’s “Aida”

Explore the grand opera "Aida" by Giuseppe Verdi, its historical context, plot, and enduring popularity. Discover its tale of forbidden love set in Ancient Egypt.

07/23/2019
An Entire City Must “Shh!”

An Entire City Must “Shh!”

Explore how Cremona, home to the world's finest violins, strives to preserve their unique sound amidst the challenges of a bustling medieval town.

06/03/2019
Turning Tragedy into Art

Turning Tragedy into Art

This article explores the life of Paul Wittgenstein, a one-armed pianist who commissioned works from renowned composers, and the unique music created for him.

04/01/2019
More Arts for the Arts District

More Arts for the Arts District

The Santa Monica Museum of Art, now the Institute of Contemporary Art, Los Angeles, has relocated to DTLA's Arts District, featuring works by Martín Ramírez, Abigail DeVille, and Sarah Cain.

09/28/2017