Bob Baker Marionette Theater

This is a place I used to drive past when I lived in Los Feliz to go into Downtown L.A. 

I mean, for years I would drive past it and I was always curious but somehow never made it inside. It's funny how that happens. Time flies by and we can so easily miss the treasures in our midst! It makes me think of those people you hear about who live in California but have never seen the Pacific Ocean!

Anyway, after living in L.A. for more than 2 decades, I was invited to a birthday party at the Bob Baker Marionette Theater. I was so excited to finally be going! Wouldn't you?

I'd heard something about developers turning the property into condos and that the theater would be closing at some point. Then I heard maybe they would have the theater somehow incorporated into the condos or apartments. At another point I read that there was perhaps going to be a little "dedication" to the theater somewhere in the new development. Hmm.

I know they have another show up right now and hopefully they are still trying to save it. And save it they should! In June of 2009 the Los Angeles City Council gave it its historic monument designation. 

Bob Baker himself passed in 2014 at the age of 90. So much joy and laughter he's given to our city since 1963!

Below, the birthday boy Jacamo is mesmerized by all the activity before the show. ... So sweet!

One of the virtues of being very young 

is that you don't let the facts get in the way of your imagination.

~Sam Levenson

This is the birthday party room! So fun!

At the beginning of the show they called all the birthday kids on stage. This sweet boy had no problem going up in front of everyone!
"How old are you turning?"
Clear and loud enough for the entire audience to hear, he said "2!"

Here he is on stage, in front of a huge crowd of people in his cute overalls, checking out the puppets!

The show was funny and cute with lots of tongue in cheek humor for the adults in the audience.

These are some great short videos about the Theater and the puppeteers!

This particular show's theme was about the history of Los Angeles and was called "Hurray L.A." I guess they bring back certain shows.  The hand crafted puppets pretty incredible!

Here's one more video with some cute clips from the shows, some of the history of the theater, and a peak back in the storage area where all the puppets hang out when their not being ... puppeted? 

Isn't she cute?!

Jacamo had a great 2nd birthday celebration at the Bob Baker Marionette Theater. Although, what do you do for your 3rd birthday?! Maybe go back!

For more information about the Bob Baker Marionette Theater, click here.

I've gotten so busy painting and running around I haven't been posting or visiting my blogging friends but I'll make it around soon! Hope everyone is having a lovely summer and surviving the heat!

Many blessing and light!

In every real man a child is hidden

that wants to play.

~Friedrich Nietzsche