ENCHANTED STRINGS: The History of BOB BAKER MARIONETTE THEATER
About this Event
As the grand finale of YesterdayLA, a month-long exploration of the people, places, and works of art that have become part of the fabric of Los Angeles history, the Philosophical Research Society is thrilled and delighted to present a special evening celebrating one of our fair city's most beloved and enduring cultural treasures—ENCHANTED STRINGS: THE HISTORY OF BOB BAKER MARIONETTE THEATER, with your host, Charles Phoenix!
For more than six decades, the Bob Baker Marionette Theater has occupied a singular place in the heart of Los Angeles. Founded in 1963 by legendary puppeteer Bob Baker and his longtime collaborator Alton Wood, the theater has delighted generations of children and adults alike with
its handcrafted marionettes, exuberant productions, and irrepressible imagination. A true original, Baker pioneered the concept of marionette theater-in-the-round, creating a joyfully participatory experience unlike anything that had come before it and putting audiences up close and personal (sometimes even in their own laps!) with the eclectic cast of colorful characters that were unmistakably BBMT . Through the years, he, his collaborators, and his company built not merely a theater, but a cherished landmark and a fount of joy for generations of Angelenos.
Using author Randal J. Metz's richly illustrated and deeply researched book, Enchanted Strings: Bob Baker Marionette Theater (from our friends at Angel City Press), as a jumping-off point, this special evening will explore the remarkable story of the theater, its visionary creator, its extraordinary resurgence, and its exciting future ahead. Through rare photographs, archival footage, and conversation, we'll trace the Bob Baker Marionette Theater from its origins in the boundless imagination of Bob Baker to its rebirth as a thriving cultural institution, lovingly carried forward by a new generation of artists and caretakers dedicated to preservation, education, and innovation at the intersection of puppetry and the allied arts.
Hosted by the ever-effervescent pop culture historian and champion of Southern California's vernacular treasures Charles Phoenix, the program will feature a panel discussion with the theater's core creative team—Co-Executive Director and Artistic Director Alex Evans, Co-Executive Director Mary Fagot, and Director of Partnerships Winona Bechtle—alongside author Randal J. Metz, who will join remotely to discuss his years of research into Bob Baker's life, work, and enduring legacy. And because no celebration of the Bob Baker Marionette Theater would be complete without them, the evening will be punctuated by appearances from the Bob Baker Marionettes themselves, bringing the theater's history vividly to life.
Join us as we celebrate the past, present, and future of this dearly beloved gem of Los Angeles, proudly "In L.A. to Stay… FOREVER!", and its devoted caretakers—protectors of imagination and creativity in a time when it's in short supply and living proof that wonder still endures in our City of Angels.
TICKETS: $15 (In Person Event Only)
Please email [email protected] or phone 323-663-2167 with any questions
Banner photo credit: Ian Byers.
Photo courtesy of the BBMT archive
Photo credit: Mary Costa
Photo courtesy of the BBMT archive
Photo courtesy of the BBMT archive
Photo credit: Chloe Rice
Photo credit: Chloe Rice
The evening's host, Charles Phoenix | Photo credit: Diego James Robles
ABOUT BOB BAKER MARIONETTE THEATER
Bob Baker Marionette Theater is an iconic Los Angeles institution that has served its community with creativity, joy, and imagination since 1963. As a nonprofit theater and a designated Los Angeles Cultural-Historical Monument, their mission is to preserve, educate, and innovate at the intersection of puppetry and the allied arts. The Theater serves an intergenerational audience of over 125,000 people annually through its cultural and educational programs and impactful, immersive performances.
Check out their website and follow them on Instagram!
CHARLES PHOENIX
Mid-century pop culture expert, Charles Phoenix is a performer, author, explorer, and collector celebrating classic and kitschy American life and style. He is known for his spirited live “slide show” performances, classic car JOYRIDE videos, colorful coffee table books, and fun “field trip” tours. On TV, he has appeared on Jay Leno’s Garage, Martha Stewart, Conan, Storage Wars, and judging on Cake Wars Christmas, and Nailed It. The New York Times says: “Call him the King of Retro.” Check out his website and follow him on instagram!
RANDAL J. METZ
Randal J. Metz is the founder of the Puppet Company, based in the San Francisco Bay Area. He and puppet partner Rhonda Godwin perform shows throughout California. Since 1991, Randal has been the resident puppet master for The Storybook Puppet Theater at Children’s Fairyland in Oakland. The Storybook Puppet Theater is the oldest continuously running puppet theater in the United States. Metz has also authored several history books on Fairyland and the history of puppetry in California.
ABOUT YesterdayLA
This July, the Philosophical Research Society celebrates our beloved city’s rich and diverse past with YesterdayLA, a month-long exploration of unique stories and works of art that have become part of the fabric of Los Angeles history. The landscape of our city is changing faster than ever before. By examining the LA of yesterday, we invite Angelenos to gather together to not only look back but forward to the possibilities of our great city’s tomorrow.
Throughout its 90+ year history The Philosophical Research Society has stood as a sanctuary for those seeking truth and enlightenment, with its doors open to Angelenos who have created great works of art and innovation, political movements, and spiritual evolutions across the eras. YesterdayLA will explore the fascinating stories of our city’s past with the continued spirit of curiosity that has stood as the pillar of PRS’s mission.
CONTENT DISCLAIMER
The views, opinions, and thoughts expressed within exhibited works are solely those of their creators and may not represent those of the Philosophical Research Society (PRS), its affiliates, or any individuals associated with PRS. Screenings are intended for educational and entertainment purposes.
ACCESSIBILITY
PRS wants all guests to be able to enjoy our events safely and comfortably. If you require any accessibility accommodation, please reach out to [email protected] before showtime and we will be happy to assist you.
REFUND POLICIES
All sales are final. There are no refunds for PRS events , except in the event of a medical emergency, including but not limited to a positive COVID-19 test. Ticket exchanges may be granted on a case by case basis, pending circumstances.
In the event that PRS is forced to cancel an event entirely, tickets will be refunded or vouchers offered for a rescheduled event.
PARKING
Limited parking is available onsite at PRS in both the front lot (entry from Los Feliz Blvd. when heading east), as well as street parking on Griffith Park Blvd. and (after 7 PM) on Los Feliz Blvd. We encourage attendees to consider carpooling, walking or biking to events if possible, and please be considerate of our Los Feliz neighbors when parking.
PRS EVENT POLICIES
- We reserve the right to refuse service to anyone.
- Events are subject to change without notice, including guest speakers and/or performers.
- We encourage you to arrive at least 30 min. before the scheduled event start time to find parking, enjoy the Bookstore and take your seats.
- Please turn off all mobile devices before the show. Talking and texting are not allowed during the events.
- No filming, audio recording or mobile phone recording of events, screenings, concerts or other programs by audience members is allowed without permission.
- There is no smoking permitted on PRS grounds.
- We strongly encourage guests to wear masks to PRS events to prevent the spread of infectious diseases.
- PRS allows Service Animals into the facility under ADA and state guidelines. For further details please visit www.ADA.gov. No animals permitted whose sole function is to provide comfort or emotional support, under ADA guidelines and CA Health Code.
- Please do not bring outside food or drink into PRS events.
- Weapons are strictly prohibited at PRS events.
Where is it happening?
Event Location & Nearby Stays:
USD 17.85
