From: "Alan Cook" <alangregorycook-AT-msn.com>
To: bob.pool-AT-latimes.com
Date: Fri, 06 Feb 2009 17:09:40 GMT
Cc: puptcrit-AT-puptcrit.org
Subject: [Puptcrit] Bob Baker Marionette Theater


I was unable to be present at L.A, City Hall yesterday to support the request for landmark status on behalf of the Bob Baker Marionette Theater, but I did send an e-mail pointing out Bob's importance to American puppetry.

Bob himself should be designated a walking cultural monument, having contributed in so many ways to the Los Angeles' Cultural Scene. His theater is the longest-running puppet theater in Los Angeles. The Turnabout Theater where both marionette musical plays and live performers were featured,  opened in 1941, running about 15 years, making it the previous record holder for longevity.

Storybook Theater at Children's Fairyland Park at the edge of Lake Merritt in Oakland, California is a bit older than Bob's Theater, but it's current Director Randy Metz once worked at the Baker Theatre as a puppeteer.

I'm not sure where the oldest puppet theatre is in this country. The Swedish Cottage in Central Park, New York City has long had puppet shows. But one thing for sure, the Baker Theater is one of the oldest.

ALAN COOK
International Puppetry Museum
www.puppetrymuseum.org
Pasadena CA

Los Angeles is historically one of five areas in the USA with a long puppetry history

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