Bob Baker’s Nutcracker, Bob Baker Marionette Theater’s (BBMT) delightful and spellbinding 1969 marionette adaptation of the beloved ballet classic, returns to Sierra Madre Playhouse, bringing joy and merriment to the holidays with 50 performances running from November 29, 2025, through January 4, 2026. The enchanting production – a cherished yuletide tradition for Angelenos of all age – features more than 100 handcrafted puppets, including original characters from the ballet, such as Clara, the Nutcracker, the Rat King, and the Sugar Plum Fairy, along with many of Baker’s own whimsical creations.
“We are thrilled to welcome back Bob Baker’s Nutcracker,” says Sierra Madre Playhouse Artistic and Executive Director Matt Cook. “The production transforms the historic venue into holiday central, drawing multi-generational families, couples on date nights, as well as those seeking a festive seasonal performance.”
Bob’s original Nutcracker show, created in 1969, was performed with hand-and-rod puppets, but over the years, BBMT’s talented team of artisans and craftspeople carefully preserved and adapted the ballet, transforming it into a fanciful dreamscape featuring large-scale marionettes and intricate sets.
Critics call Bob Baker’s Nutcracker “Christmas magic” (Broadway World) and “a congregation of imagination” (LA Dance Chronicle). LA Theatrix proclaims, "The cutely intimate Sierra Madre Playhouse, with its throwback red velvet seats and curtain, seems ideally suited for this vintage feeling show.”
Bob Baker’s Nutcracker is co-presented by Bob Baker Marionette Theater and Sierra Madre Playhouse.
Other holiday programs featured at Sierra Madre Playhouse in December include a hilarious musical mash-up of Home Alone, condensed into a rapid-fire, music-packed distillation of the cult-classic film presented with tongue-in-cheek charm by the acclaimed comedy troupe 30MM (30 Minute Musicals), December 6, 7, and 14, at 7:30 pm. Matt Johnson and the New Jet Set return to The Playhouse with “Jet Set Christmas!” for two performances, December 20 and 21, at 8:00 pm. Their cool yuletide celebration delivers a sleigh full of holiday classics, Christmas carols and audience singalongs drenched in tinsel, jazz and joy.
Tickets for all holiday programs at Sierra Madre Playhouse are just $25. For tickets and information, please call 626.355.4318 or visit www.sierramadreplayhouse.org. Sierra Madre Playhouse is located at 87 West Sierra Madre Boulevard, Sierra Madre, CA 91024.