Do you remember the Puppet Theater when you were little? Using your imagination to make those puppets real?
I sure do.
The Arizona Puppet Theater is a gem. Located in Phoenix, it’s one of a kind. For a special night out for your little one, consider a puppet show instead of a movie. It’s reasonably priced and the memories will be long-lasting.
Tickets are $8 for children and $12 for adults. Children under 2 are free only with the purchase of another child’s ticket. Members receive $2 off admission.
Adult-only puppet slams are $12 in advance and $15 at the door.
All tickets are purchased at the theater but advanced family reservations may be made by calling 602-262-2050 ext. 4. School and group rates must make arrangements in advance. Most of our shows in the theater are just under an hour.
Hotel Saguaro – Feb 12 – Mar 8, Wed-Fri at 10 am only
Sat 10am & 2pm, Sun 2pm. (602) 262-2050 for reservations
Grandpa Saguaro tells little Sammy Saguaro the importance of the saguaro cactus in the desert and to the many animals that live there too. This award-winning show was originally created with The Desert Botanical Garden. Recommended for ages 5 – 12. Download the study guide here.
Creepy, Crawly, Wild and Wooly – Mar 11 – Mar 15, Wed-Fri at 10 am only
Sat 10am & 2pm, Sun 2pm (602) 262-2050 for reservations
This environmental award-winning show features stories about endangered species in Arizona – including the Arizona Ridge-nosed Rattlesnake, the California Condor, Sanborn’s Long-nosed Bat, and a desert tortoise. Performed with beautiful rod puppets, this show is recommended for ages 5 and up.
Japan Week Celebration – Mar 18 – Mar 22, Wed-Fri at 10 am only
Sat 10am & 2pm, Sun 2pm (602) 262-2050 for reservations
Performers from the Internationally renowned Japanese troupe, Yumemi Trunk, visit us in collaboration with the Japanese Friendship Garden to present their magical version of “Kaguya Hime,” a folk tale known throughout Japan that speaks to all ages. *March 21st is a special Day of Puppetry event hosted in collaboration with the Phoenix Guild of Puppetry. Details and showtimes coming soon!*
Jack Rabbit and the Easter Basket – Mar 25 – Apr 12, Wed-Fri at 10 am only
Sat 10am & 2pm, Sun 2pm (602) 262-2050 for reservations
Lost Canyon, Arizona is too far away for the Easter Bunny, so he gets his cousin, Jack Rabbit to help deliver Sally Johnson’s Easter basket. But it’s awful far and kind of dangerous! This charming musical is played with large rod puppets on the big stage! Recommended for ages 3 and up.
Bird’s and the Bee’s Puppet Slam (Adults Only) – Apr 3 – Apr 4, 8 pm Fri and Sat Nights (602) 262-2050 for reservations
Tickets are $12 in advance or $15 day of the show. We highly recommend making reservations. Drinks are available for a suggested donation for those who are 21 and up.
Goldilock – Apr 15 – Apr 26, Wed-Fri at 10am only Sat 10am & 2pm, Sun 2pm (602) 262-2050 for reservations
The classic story of the little girl who unexpectedly meets up with the three bears. Told with hand puppets and rod puppets this adorable show is a delight. Recommended for ages 3 and up. Download the study and activity guide here.
Old Mother Hubbard and Her Dog – Apr 29 – May 3, Wed-Fri at 10 am only
Sat 10am & 2pm, Sun 2pm (602) 262-2050 for reservations
Mesner Puppet Theater presents the story of Old Mother Hubbard and her beloved dog, based on the well-known children’s poem. Mother Hubbard does her best to provide her dog with all the canine comforts he could ever want. The dog proves to have a very active imagination, for every time Hubbard leaves the room, the dog sets off on a variety of adventures! He imagines himself as a crooning rockstar, a cowboy in the wild west, and even as Luke Dogwalker from Star Wars!
A Timey Wimey Puppet Show – May 1 – May 2, 7 pm Fri and Sat Nights (602) 262-2050 for reservations
A Timey Wimey Puppet show presents “Daleks and Doctors and Oods…Oh, My” by Mike Horner! The world’s only Punch and Judy inspired Doctor Who parody show!
Little Red Riding Hood – May 6 – May 24, Wed-Fri at 10 am only
Sat 10am & 2pm, Sun 2pm (602) 262-2050 for reservations
Enjoy the beautiful, classic tale of Red Riding Hood who gets more than she bargained for while on a trip to her grandmother’s house. Told with original music and large rod puppets. Recommended for K and up.