All Aboard the Choo Choo Revue: Bob Baker Marionette Theater (Softly) Unveils Its First Original Show in Four Decades
A brand-new train is pulling into the station at Bob Baker Marionette Theater — and it’s got some exciting passengers on board. Choo Choo Revue, the theater’s first fully original production in 40 years, is currently in development, with sneak peek performances slated for June 18 and June 25. These special previews will feature brand-new, hand-built puppets and a short performance, followed by a behind-the-scenes discussion with the show’s creative team. Think of it as a miniature variety show with a side of marionette magic — and a rare look under the hood at how a new Bob Baker production comes to life.
If the name rings a bell, that’s because the theater offered an early teaser during Bob Baker Day back in April, giving longtime fans and curious newcomers alike a first look at the whimsical world Choo Choo Revue is beginning to build. Now, the team is inviting audiences in again — not just to witness the process, but to help shape it. Feedback from these previews will directly inform the show’s evolution, and yes, light refreshments will be served.
In the meantime, the theater is currently running The Circus, the very first show ever created by Bob Baker himself, giving visitors a chance to revisit a foundational piece of LA’s puppet legacy while the next chapter is being born.
For those unfamiliar, Bob Baker Marionette Theater has been a Los Angeles institution since 1963. It was co-founded by Bob Baker, a legendary puppeteer who worked on everything from Star Trek to Bedknobs and Broomsticks. The theater has endured for decades, outliving its original location and adapting to a new era while preserving the joy, craft, and offbeat charm that make it a city treasure. New shows at BBMT aren’t just new shows—they’re historic. This isn’t Broadway-style turnover. This is a rare creative milestone at a place that takes its time—and for good reason.
Both events are free with RSVP — tickets for June 18 and tickets for June 25 are available now, offering two chances to experience this unique behind-the-scenes moment as the show takes its form for the big stage. Choo Choo Revue isn’t just another addition to the Bob Baker Marionette Theater repertoire — it marks the launch of a bold, imaginative chapter for one of LA’s most beloved cultural landmarks, and invites audiences to actively participate in the creation of its first fully original production in decades
Photo — Bob Baker Marionette Theater
