End of an era for puppet theater
Marionettes wait backstage before a performance at the Bob Baker Marionette Theater in Los Angeles, California, Oct. 17, 2014.
The playhouse started in 1960, has 2,000 marionettes and is the oldest continually running marionette theater in the U.S.
It was recently bought by a developer who wants to turn the historic landmark into a 104-unit apartment complex.
Los Angeles
Puppeteers control marionettes during a performance at the Bob Baker Marionette Theater in Los Angeles, Oct. 17, 2014.
Los Angeles
Jean Matsusaka, 84, smiles as a marionette waves to her during a performance at the Bob Baker Marionette Theater, Oct. 17, 2014.
Los Angeles
Marionettes backstage before a performance at the Bob Baker Marionette Theater in Los Angeles, Oct. 17, 2014.
Los Angeles
The exterior of the Bob Baker Marionette Theater in Los Angeles, Oct. 17, 2014.
Los Angeles
Puppeteers control marionettes during a performance at the Bob Baker Marionette Theater in Los Angeles, Oct. 17, 2014.
Los Angeles
Puppeteers control marionettes during a performance at the Bob Baker Marionette Theater in Los Angeles, Oct. 17, 2014.
Los Angeles
Puppeteers control marionettes during a performance at the Bob Baker Marionette Theater in Los Angeles, Oct. 17, 2014.
Los Angeles
Marionettes backstage before a performance at the Bob Baker Marionette Theater in Los Angeles, Oct. 17, 2014.
Los Angeles
Posters advertising shows at the Bob Baker Marionette Theater in its lobby in Los Angeles, Oct. 17, 2014.
Los Angeles
One of 2,000 marionettes sits in a storage area at the Bob Baker Marionette Theater in Los Angeles, Oct. 17, 2014.
Los Angeles
Puppeteers control disco-theme marionettes during a performance at the Bob Baker Marionette Theater in Los Angeles, Oct. 17, 2014.
Los Angeles
Marionettes hang in a storage area at the Bob Baker Marionette Theater in Los Angeles, Oct. 17, 2014.
Los Angeles
One of 2,000 marionettes lies in a storage area at the Bob Baker Marionette Theater in Los Angeles, Oct. 17, 2014.
Los Angeles
The exterior of the Bob Baker Marionette Theater is seen in Los Angeles, Oct. 17, 2014.
Started in 1960, it is the oldest continually running marionette theater in the country. It was recently bought by a developer who wants to turn the historic landmark into a 104-unit apartment complex.