Bob Baker Marionette Theatre (BBMT) returns to the Sierra Madre Playhouse for 50 performances of Baker’s version of the enchanting Christmas classic ballet Nutcracker created in 1892 with music by the Russian composer Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky and choreography by Marius Petipa. Running from November 29, 2025, through January 4, 2026, Baker’s Nutcracker has become a yuletide tradition that has captivated audiences of all ages since it premiered in 1969. This wonderful tale of Christmas fantasies features 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 Baker’s Marionette Theatre – The Nutcracker – Photo courtesy of BBMT.
Baker’s Nutcracker was originally performed with hand-and-rod puppets, but while preserving his original vision, BBMT’s gifted team of artists and craftspeople have refurbished Nutcracker into the current exciting and dreamlike story with large-scale marionettes and intricate sets.
Bob Baker’s Marionette Theatre – The Nutcracker – Photo by Winona Bechtle.
Critics call Bob Baker’s Nutcracker “Christmas magic” (Broadway World) and “The cutely intimate Sierra Madre Playhouse, with its throwback red velvet seats and curtain, seems ideally suited for this vintage feeling show.” (LA Theatrix)
Bob Baker’s Nutcracker is co-presented by Bob Baker Marionette Theater and Sierra Madre Playhouse.
Bob Baker’s Marionette Theatre – The Nutcracker – Photo by Winona Bechtle.
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.
Bob Baker’s Marionette Theatre – The Nutcracker – Photo by Winona Bechtle.
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WHAT:
Sierra Madre Playhouse Presents Holidays @ the Playhouse: Bob Baker’s Nutcracker
WHEN:
50 shows run from November 29, 2025, to January 4, 2026
Saturday, Nov 29 (10:30 AM, 1:30 PM, 4:30 PM)
Sunday, Nov 30 (10:30 AM, 1:30 PM)
Saturday, Dec 6 (10:30 AM, 1:30 PM, 4:30 PM)
Sunday, Dec 7 (10:30 A M, 1:30 PM)
Saturday, Dec 13 (10:30 AM, 1:30 PM, 4:30 PM)
Sunday, Dec 14 (10:30 AM, 1:30 PM, 4:30 PM)
Tuesday, Dec 16 (4:30 PM, 7:30 PM)
Wednesday, Dec 17 (4:30 PM, 7:30 PM)
Thursday, Dec 18 (4:30 PM, 7:30 PM)
Friday, Dec 19 (4:30 PM, 7:30 PM)
Saturday, Dec 20 (10:30 AM, 1:30 PM, 4:30 PM)
Sunday, Dec 21 (10:30 AM, 1:30 PM, 4:30 PM)
Tuesday, Dec 23 (1:30 PM, 4:30 PM, 7:30 PM)
Saturday, Dec 27 (10:30 AM, 1:30 PM, 4:30 PM)
Sunday, Dec 28 (10:30 AM, 1:30 PM, 4:30 PM)
Tuesday, Dec 30 (1:30 PM, 4:30 PM, 7:30 PM)
Friday, Jan 2 (4:30 PM + 7:30 PM)
Saturday, Jan 3 (10:30 AM, 1:30 PM, 4:30 PM)
Sunday, Jan 4 (10:30 AM, 1:30 PM, 4:30 PM)
WHERE:
Sierra Madre Playhouse
87 West Sierra Madre Boulevard
Sierra Madre, CA 91024
TICKETS AND INFORMATION:
$25
(626) 355-4318
www.sierramadreplayhouse.org
Written and compiled by Jeff Slayton for LA Dance Chronicle from information provided by the Sierra Madre Playhouse.
Featured image: Bob Baker’s Marionette Theatre – The Nutcracker – Photo by Winona Bechtle.
