Step Right Up! Bob Baker Marionette Theater Brings ‘The Circus’ Back to Town
Are you looking for a magical, family-friendly activity in Los Angeles this summer? Well, look no further. The Circus is back at the iconic Bob Baker Marionette Theater and it’s bigger, brighter, and more joyful than ever. From April 26 to August 31, the historic and beloved puppet show returns to the historic theater’s mainstage, featuring a variety of handcrafted marionettes performing in a whimsical celebration of classic circus arts.
Originally conceived in 1948 by the legendary Bob Baker himself, The Circus is one of the most cherished and historic shows in the Bob Baker catalog. A riot of color and whimsy, it’s unabashedly old school, in the best way possible — a time capsule of joy, imagination, and careful craft that holds up not just as entertainment, but as art. With dancing animals, daring acrobats, and mischievous clowns, this musical puppet show captures the wonder of the golden age of live entertainment.
This year’s return of The Circus follows on the heels of Bob Baker Day 2025, the Theater’s beloved annual celebration held every April at the Los Angeles State Historic Park. With a theme of Recovery Through the Arts, the 11th installment of the festival brought thousands of Angelenos together through puppet shows, parades, and healing community arts programming. If you missed it, don't worry — the spirit of Bob Baker Day continues all summer long inside the Theater, one puppet string at a time.
This is one show that spans generations and is perfect for introducing little ones to the magic of marionettes for the first time and reliving your own childhood memories. Led by a marionette Ringmaster, The Circus delivers an hour of pure joy and nostalgia. This classic show is a living time capsule of Los Angeles theater history, crafted with care and presented with heart.
On Thursday, June 6, the Theater will host Los Angeles Community Fridges (LACF) during the 7:30 PM performance. Before and after the show, LACF will be set up in the lobby to share information about their grassroots food justice effort and will be handing out circus-themed treats to add even more fun to the night.
For those unfamiliar, LACF is a mutual aid network operating free community fridges and pantries across L.A. County. They redistribute food and vital supplies to neighborhoods in need, and their presence at Bob Baker is part of the Theater’s ongoing commitment to art, accessibility, and local impact.
In keeping with Bob Baker’s vision of an inclusive, joy-filled space for all, the Theater is also offering a sensory-friendly performance of The Circus on Saturday, July 12 at 10:30 AM. This showing is designed for guests on the autism spectrum or anyone who finds traditional performances overwhelming or overstimulating. The modified environment includes adjusted sound and lighting cues, as well as sensory modifications for those who prefer a lower-stimulation experience.
Audience members who prefer not to be approached by the puppets can choose specific seating on the left-hand side of the theater (blue and orange sections) to enjoy the show comfortably. If you have questions about the sensory-friendly puppet show, you can always reach out to the team at hello@bobbakermarionettetheater.com.
The Bob Baker Marionette Theater is a vital part of Los Angeles arts and culture, dedicated to preserving the legacy of puppetry while reimagining it for future generations. Their mission is to educate, innovate, and create inclusive community spaces through the magic of puppets and the Allied Arts. They also recognize that they operate on the traditional lands of the Gabrieleno/Tongva peoples and actively honor that stewardship through land acknowledgments, anti-discrimination policies, and a commitment to radical inclusion.
The Theater’s core belief is hat life is a birthday cake — “baked with care, frosted with imagination and intent, served across generations as a sanctuary of sweet, sprinkled with a little stardust.”
You can’t argue with that.
