Bob Baker was 8 years old when he first learned how to make puppets come to life. He went on to work as an animation advisor for Walt Disney and other film studios. After World War II, he opened the Bob Baker Marionette Theater, home to a dazzling array of hand-painted entertainers. Bob Baker's 85th Birthday Party and Puppet Show Celebration honors the master of puppets with a slideshow tribute by bow-tie-wearing entertainer Charles Phoenix, followed by a performance of Something to Crow About, Baker's classic 1957 barnyard-thumbed musical starring dozens of vintage marionettes. Mr. Baker himself will perform, then it's cake, ice cream and happiness.

Fri., Feb. 6, 8:30 p.m.; Sat., Feb. 7, 8:30 p.m., 2009

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