Bob Baker Marionettes Head to Coachella

The Bob Baker Marionettes, a Los Angeles-based puppet troupe, are preparing for a landmark performance at the Coachella Valley Music & Arts Festival. The troupe will be performing over both weekends of the festival, marking what they consider their biggest show to date.

A Legacy of Puppetry

Founded in 1963

Established in 1963, the Bob Baker Marionettes hold the distinction of being the longest continuously running puppet theater in the United States. For 63 years, the theater has delighted audiences with its unique performances.

Excitement and Preparation

The troupe previously performed at Coachella last year, but this year’s appearance is anticipated to be even more impactful. “We think that our joyful energy and the creativity we bring will be appealing to everyone,” said MJ Thompson, director of communications for the Bob Baker Marionettes.

Thompson noted the natural fit between the festival’s spirit and the troupe’s artistry. “We were invited to perform and we’re super excited. We’ve done festivals before and we often perform with musicians so it seemed like a totally natural fit and a great stage to share the joy that the Bob Baker Marionettes theater brings,” she said.

What to Expect at Coachella

The Bob Baker Marionettes regularly perform marionette shows at their Highland Park home every weekend. These shows feature a diverse range of performances, including skits, variety shows, musicals, and holiday specials, with thousands of puppets interacting with the audience.

The troupe is currently in daily rehearsals, creating a new stage and preparing special performances for Coachella. “We’ve been picking some fan favorite numbers plus some Coachella-only numbers that they will see,” Thompson added. More than 10 puppeteers will be on stage for each performance.

“I think Coachella has always been about interesting acts and exciting new things so I think we fit right into that,” Thompson stated.