Winona Bechtle (Photo courtesy the Bob Baker Marionette Theater)
Reviewed by Lovell Estell III
Sierra Madre Playhouse
Through January 4
RECOMMENDED
At this festal time of the year, you can count on plenty of yuletide-themed entertainment that will appeal to both kiddies and adults, as there’s an ample selection of Nutcrackers and Scrooges on local stages to enliven your holidays. Among the array, you can’t go wrong with a stop in at the Sierra Madre Playhouse to see Bob Baker’s Nutcracker, an enchanting show now returning to this venue for a second year.
Since 1969, The Bob Baker Marionette Theater has been charming Christmas audiences with their hallmark puppet wizardry in their adaptation of Tchaikovsky treasured ballet. Over the years, the production has undergone some innovative changes that have made the show even more alluring. Initially, hand and rod puppets were used, but the company’s creative team “have created a dreamscape adaptation of the ballet with large scale marionettes and intricate sets,” according to the company’s website.
The story is about Clara who is gifted a Nutcracker doll for Christmas. In a dream, the Nutcracker comes to life and battles the evil Mouse King before he transforms into a prince and leads Clara on a journey to the land of sweets. Yes, this child-friendly version leaves a lot out, but it’s filled with lots of stimulating eye-candy that will hold the young ones attention (The show runs about an hour).
The meticulously crafted puppets and their handlers are a real treat, and the traditional characters are all here: The Mouse King, the Sugar Plum Fairy, The Reed Flutes and more, plus many creative additions, like a rock concert, complete with drummer and puppets on electric guitars! The music is a blend of styles and genres; there’s a fair amount of popular big band tunes, and of course, Tchaikovsky’ immediately recognizable melodies from the ballet.
Sierra Madre Playhouse, 87 W. Sierra Madre Blvd., Sierra Madre. Check website for schedule; thru Jan. 4 www.sierramadreplayhouse.org . Running time: one hour.
