Meet the Makers and Stories Behind Bob Baker Marionette Theater’s first new show in 40 years (Photo – BBMT)
Some of L.A.’s most beloved performers are the puppets and marionettes at Bob Baker Marionette Theater (BBMT), which has called Highland Park home for more than 60 years. And like all great performers, they have plenty of backstage stories to tell.
By Melanie Hooks
In case you haven’t heard, the beloved theater troupe is staging its first completely new show in 40 years: Choo Choo Revue. On Sunday, July 19, the minds, and hands, behind the production will take center stage after the 4:30 pm performance for Choo Choo Talkback, a special conversation about how they brought the new show to life.
Choo Choo Revue
All aboard! Travel through rolling hills, towering mountain peaks, and dazzling deserts as the BBMT stage transforms into a magical train journey. Along the way, you’ll meet dancing luggage, singing mushrooms, and a cicada jug band. Packed with more than 100 handcrafted new puppets, this hour-long production showcases the theater’s signature blend of theatrical spectacle, artistry, and imagination.
Choo Choo Talkback
Hosted by Rody N. Lopez, executive director of Craft Contemporary, the post-show conversation offers a behind-the-scenes look at the creation of Choo Choo Revue. Lopez will be joined by director Alex Evans, head of puppet fabrication Kevin Beltz, and puppeteers Ginger Duncan, Kahbia Sada, Sean Wejebe, and Elena Humpherys.
Tickets are $28. Purchase them online for this one-night-only celebration of puppetry, craftsmanship, and the balance between preservation and innovation.
Choo Choo Revue & Talkback Sunday, July 19, 2026 4:30 pm performance with talkback following Location Bob Baker Marionette Theater 4949 York Boulevard Los Angeles, CA 90042 Purchase ($28) tickets online.
Leave a Reply