REVIEW: Bob Baker’s Peek-a-Boo Stroll Thru
October 24, 2020
REVIEW: Bob Baker’s Peek-a-Boo Stroll Thru
The history of Bob Baker’s revolutionary world of marionettes is deeply embedded in the world of entertainment in Los Angeles. Founded in 1963 by Bob Baker and Alton Wood, the marionette theater went on to produce thousands of shows and also influenced Disney (where Baker worked as an animation advisor), Bewitched, Star Trek, and Close Encounters of the Third Kind. It is very evident that Bob Baker's signature handcrafted puppets and style have influenced multiple generations throughout the entertainment industry.
The Bob Baker Marionette Theater has had a tough few years. They were evicted from their long time home in historic Filipinotown for a now defunct condo development (sadly, this building is now for sale and sits empty, neglected, and vandalized). While this move was very difficult, the Bob Baker crew found a new home in an empty silent film theater on Highland Park’s York Blvd. Then, the pandemic created a new set of troubles and uncertainty about how to successfully adapt to the new rules of public safety. This included how to host their annual “HaLLoWe'eN SpoOkTaCuLaR” show. We are happy to report that this issue has been resolved and audiences can enjoy their new pop-up, covid-safe walkthrough that is absolutely incredible: “Peek-a-Boo Stroll Thru”.
Honestly, this walkthrough is the closest we have felt to being back on a Fantasyland dark ride at Disneyland. We were surrounded by hundreds of puppets and hand-painted backdrops as we traveled along the walkthrough tour of the theater. (Similar to Disneyland’s Jungle Cruise, each part of the walkthrough has a disembodied voice who guides visitors to different sections.) The walkthrough offers many different vignettes featuring Baker’s marionettes who perform, dance, and interact with guests through various mechanical tricks. We were thrilled to see many of the SpoOkTaCuLaR marionettes (Dracula, the flying witch, the dancing blacklight skeletons, and more) make a much-needed seasonal appearance.
The work and dedication that the Bob Baker crew has put into this Stroll Thru is truly amazing. The Baker signature lighting, color palette, and aesthetic are all present and give evidence to what makes this marionette theater truly unique.
We highly recommend a visit to the Peek-a-Boo Stroll Thru. This is a wonderful experience for visitors of all ages and provides both inspiration and entertainment to counter these anxiety-ridden times.
VC
October 24, 2020
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