Just Hangin’ Around

It might be the shaggy, playful little pup, romping about, pink tongue lolling, stopping to scratch behind a floppy ear. Or it might be the clanking parade of creatures inventively created out of muffin pans, feather dusters, potato mashers, buckets and dustpans. It might even be the six tiny penguins warbling a winter song, wrapped in woolen mufflers and furry hoods.

With so many puppet marvels, it’s hard to choose a favorite in the Bob Baker Marionette Theatre’s latest offering, “The Enchanted Toy Shop,” a brand-new show with a holiday feel and a captivating freshness.

There’s no stinting in this cozy concoction, a perfect show for a theater space that rather resembles a toy box interior itself. The number and variety of marionettes includes skating snowmen, Jack-in-the-boxes, teddy bears doing tricks, fairies, elves, rag dolls, toy soldiers, knights in armor, plumed horses, little drums that industriously play themselves and many more.

Children and adults can enjoy the antics (and the post-show ice cream treat); adults can admire the puppets themselves: Vividly painted, lavishly costumed (by Ursula Heine), with quirky surprises in store, they reflect the artistry and wit that has earned Bob Baker a national reputation for excellence.

Another admirable and essential element is the lighting, which is designer Art Ruiz’s skilled contribution. It includes black light and one of the company’s signature ingredients--an elaborate performance of musically accompanied, multicolored dancing lights.

The story--a brother and sister and their dog Shambles take refuge from a sudden snowstorm in a magical toy shop--is just a framework for the puppet parade, directed by Bob Baker, set to old jazz and pop tunes.

Most importantly, the show doesn’t keep its distance from young audience members; the marionettes, at the hands of one of Baker’s best teams of puppeteers in recent years, sit in laps, tickle chins, give kisses, exchange repartee and make birthday celebrants king or queen for the day.

The puppeteers, whose energy and skill bring it all to life, are Michael Brachfeld, Susan Gayle, Steven Loeb, Eugene Sereogen, Ray Veitia and Yuliya Yemelina.

It’s a pleasure to see this historical theater company--35 years old--adding renewed sparkle to its trademark charm.

* “The Enchanted Toy Shop,” Bob Baker Marionette Theatre, 1345 W. 1st St., Los Angeles, Tuesdays-Fridays, 10:30 a.m.; Saturdays-Sundays, 2:30 p.m. Runs indefinitely. (213) 250-9995. $8-$10. Running time: 1 hour.

Rabbit Tales: Best-selling and critically acclaimed children’s book author-illustrator Rosemary Wells is perhaps best known for her delightful tales about Max, a chubby, impish little bunny, and family. Wells will make an appearance on Saturday at Storyopolis Art Gallery and Bookstore to celebrate the opening of “The Art of Rosemary Wells,” an exhibition of her original work, which will run through May 9.

A “Bunny Bonanza Craft & Story Hour” will also be held Saturday, and a costumed Max the Bunny character will be on hand for a photo opportunity.

* “The Art of Rosemary Wells,” Storyopolis Art Gallery and Bookstore, 116 N. Robertson Blvd., Plaza A, Saturday through May 9; hours: Mondays-Saturdays, 10 a.m.-6 p.m.; Sundays, 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Free. (310) 358-2500. Appearance by Wells and “Bunny Bonanza Craft & Story Hour,” Saturday 11:30 a.m. Craft (optional), $6 fee. (310) 358-2512.