What to Know”Choo Choo Revue”Bob Baker Marionette Theater4949 York Boulevard, Los AngelesMay 16-Aug. 30, 2026 (select dates)$28; chairs and criss-cross apple sauce (floor seats) are available

A theatrical revival is a thing to be treasured, especially if you’ve heard your parents talking about a special show or a friend who was lucky enough to behold a live production was first presented.

The Bob Baker Marionette Theater, a merry mainstay on the Southern California entertainment scene, has revived many of its precious puppet-centric spectaculars over the decades, giving today’s kids the cheery chance to savor some of the same nifty numbers that their mom or even grandmom might have enjoyed back in the 1960s or ’70s.

Something special is burbling at the vintage York Boulevard venue, however, and it is totally new in vibe, spirit, and character: The troupe’s first fresh show in four decades will prance onto the brightly carpeted Highland Park stage in May.

Well, maybe not “prance” but “chugga-chugga”: It’s the “Choo Choo Revue,” an on-the-go extravaganza featuring over 100 new puppets.

This major mounting is a huge feat for the hardworking theater, an effort that has been in the whimsical works for years.

While the “All Aboard!” is sounding May 14, you have a bit of time to catch this lively locomotive: It’ll be charming audiences through Aug. 30 on select dates.

“Through the train window of BBMT’s stage, travel across rolling hills, mountainous peaks, and dazzling deserts,” is the come-one-come-all promise of the spunky show.

“Meet dancing luggage, singing mushrooms, and a cicada jugband” as you go on an exploratory one-hour adventure by rails.

The upcoming unveiling of this new zazzy bit of string-laden stagecraft will add an extra twinkle to the upcoming Bob Baker Day at Los Angeles State Historic Park.

The April 12 festival, which is free, will boast puppet performances, live music, food trucks, and a host of convivial activities, sights, and sweet moments made for youngsters, parents, and everyone who is wowed by the enduring and uplifting theater, a true slice of LA-style enchantment.