Theatre Review: Bob Baker’s Nutcracker

Bob Baker’s Nutcracker is the marionette adaptation of a ballet classic and Bob’s most beloved Holiday show since its opening in 1969. This year, they’re thrilled to present more magical merriment at the Sierra Madre Playhouse, an intimate 99-seat venue serving the San Gabriel Valley. Take an adventure through the wizardry of strings and into the enchanted world of the fantastic.

The family friendly show warms up with a musical overture depicted by shadow puppets doused in a colorful rotation of lights. Reminiscent of Walt Disney’s 1940 “Fantasia” live action sequences with the orchestra tuning their instruments. Calling back to a simple charm pulling away from modern distractions.

A 30 minute presentation is broken into three acts loosely following the respective story beats of “Nutcracker”. Clara, along with her little brother and parents, celebrate Christmas Eve with dancing Christmas trees. The little girl is gifted a nutcracker which she immediately adores. Upon being sent to bed, Clara dreams of shrinking down to the size of a toy where menacing rats kidnap her to be their queen. The nutcracker comes to life in order to do battle with the rat king.

Whisked away by the handsome nutcracker, they travel by cloud, open mysterious doors, dance with sugar plum fairies, indulge in the land of candy, play notes with flutes, waltz with shimmering flowers, and rock out with slamming drums and piano keys.

Puppeteers are dressed in red, matching the color of the show curtain, so as to blend in the background allowing the audience to focus on the performance of the puppet characters themselves. The crew of eleven bring the puppets to life with choreographed movements demonstrated by careful hand eye coordination. Cast of characters have an old-school appeal that can be appreciated by anyone delighted with practical craftsmanship. From the sculpture to the wardrobe, the fanciful movement pulls the show to life. Before navigating the aisles, the theater reminds the audience that the puppets are delicate being 50 years old.

Sound and audio is a throwback to a mix and match of nostalgic holiday television specials of yesteryore. The elegant narration of “Frosty the Snowman” (1969). The glamor of festive music and loving artistry of “Rudolph the Red-nosed Reindeer” (1964). The cheerful joy of Christmas spirit from “How the Grinch Stole Christmas” (1966) The recorded narration and delivery manifests a pleasant warmth that hits the right spot for the holiday season. Children, parents, and grandparents will delight in the carefree simpleness of the animated characters set to the backdrop of a wholesome holiday tale, sweeping music, and inviting voice work.

For more information about Sierra Madre Playhouse including ticket sales, visit https://www.sierramadreplayhouse.org/

For more information on Bob Baker’s Marionette Theater including new upcoming shows, visit https://www.bobbakermarionettetheater.com/

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