“Bob Baker’s Nutcracker,” Bob Baker Marionette Theater’s (BBMT) 1969 marionette adaptation of the ballet classic, returns to Sierra Madre Playhouse with 50 performances running from Nov. 29 through Jan. 4, 2026. The production 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 team of artisans and craftspeople carefully preserved and adapted the ballet, transforming it into a fanciful dreamscape featuring large-scale marionettes and intricate sets.
Other holiday programs featured at Sierra Madre Playhouse in December include a 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 comedy troupe 30MM (30 Minute Musicals), Dec. 6, 7, and 14, at 7:30 p.m. Matt Johnson and the New Jet Set return to The Playhouse with “Jet Set Christmas!” for two performances, Dec. 20 and 21, at 8 p.m. Their 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, call 626-355-4318 or visit www.sierramadreplayhouse.org. Sierra Madre Playhouse is located at 87 W. Sierra Madre Blvd., Sierra Madre, CA 91024.
