On a small, side street stands a brick building. Black shutters hug the windows while the flower window boxes above loom over the sidewalk below, waiting for an audience. A Historic Marker proclaims that a famous puppeteer was born nearby. The white door left slightly ajar wears a sign, "Sold Out." Some places might feel forlorn wearing those words, but not here--this is the home of Lancaster Marionette Theater. From the moment you walk into Lancaster Marionette Theater, the magic surrounds you, and what Robert Brock has created on Water Street in historic downtown Lancaster is something out of a storybook. From the John Durang Puppet Museum, to the Backstage Tour, and most of all to the delightful marionette performance itself--everything about this charming building is full of Brock's heart and soul. When I first heard about this small but quaint theater, it gave me visions of memories growing up watching The Sound of Music. We all remember the famous scene of Maria and the children performing their marionettes while singing "The Lonely Goatherd." When I ordered tickets to see Peter Pan, I did not know what to expect but I was looking forward to sharing this experience with my twelve-year-old son. Brock, a native of Lancaster, fell in love with theater and puppets as a little boy when his dad made a puppet play theater for his sister one Christmas. As an adult, he went to Boston Conservatory and majored in Music Theater. In 1990, Brock's Hole in the Wall Theater opened with hand puppets, but when his shoulders gave out, he switched to all marionettes ten years later. January of this year, the name was changed to Lancaster Marionette Theater, and with it came renovations including a new "green" updated lighting system. There are so many parts of creating each show. Making wooden carved puppets, creating patterns for costumes, cutting out the material, sewing clothes, sculpting clay for the heads, painting the marionette, writing the script--these are just a few of the steps Brocks takes. Perhaps that is what makes this small theater so unique. The audience gets the chance to meet the founder and artistic director, Robert Brock, during the Backstage Tour. While learning that it takes him 50-60 hours to build each marionette, audience members feel Brock's charisma and passion for the theater. During the tour that day, Brock told the crowd about a project he is currently working on about dinosaurs. While he still performs some of the same shows each year, he continues to create new ideas. My son and I arrived that Saturday in October for the last performance of the year for Peter Pan. There was a large group of young children attending, and the theater has a policy about children being quiet during the performance. This policy was explained and delivered from one of the staff before the show, standing right in front of the stage, and it was aimed at the children so they could understand. Somehow--it worked. I did not hear a peep from the children throughout the 35-minute show. Brock explains on his website, "Shari Lewis used to say, 'Never write down to children.'" Perhaps that is the key. We left that day with a new appreciation for puppets. It was amazing how Peter Pan was brought to life with just one man--with music, strings and some pixie dust. read more

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This place is great! Go see a show! Then see another one! We have taken our nieces and nephews several times to the kid-oriented puppet shows. They are between the ages of 6-11. All enjoyed themselves. The pre-show backstage tour is fascinating to them because it also includes jnfo on how the artist makes the puppets so don't miss out on that. We recently attended one of the more adult oriented shows. It was over the top awesome. We would definitely do this again for date night! It was funny, minimally baudy.... Great costumes and singing. It is a very small theatre which means every seat is a good one. read more

Lancaster Marionette Theatre - A view of the stage just before the show started. - Performing Arts Near Me - Lancaster, Pennsylvania

The Lancaster Marionette theatre is an excellent place for kids. The show is not too long and very enjoyable, it kept two kids 2 and 4 entertained throughout. Our family visited over the Easter weekend and got to catch the final showing of Peter Cottontail of the season. If you arrive early, you will get to go backstage and receive a small history lesson about Marionettes and how they come together. The experience is a nice touch as it allows you to enjoy the show better. My first time experiencing a marionette show and was sure what to expect. The Mr.Brock comes on stage to handle the puppets which is a bit jarring a beginning, but after two minutes you forget he is up there and focuses on the puppets. If you are in the Lancaster area looking for a great family experience, you can't miss this gem. read more

Let me start off by saying that if my wife didn't win tickets to a show in a raffle, I would have never come to this place. That being said, I'm SO VERY GLAD SHE DID! This past Saturday, we packed up the kids and headed in to the city. The place is definitely well hidden - but just upon seeing the front alone we were intrigued. The atmosphere within was fun loving and warm. The owners/operators were awesome, and the place itself was great. Quaint, small, and filled with wonderful ambience. A backstage tour, and we were off to the show. This time the performance was Peter Pan. Music filled the hall, and many voices brought the story to life. The kids loved it - and, honestly, I did too! I'm very glad we went, I'll be telling everyone I know in the area that has children about it, and we will be going back soon to catch the next performance of Aladdin. Check this place out. For sure you will NOT be disappointed! read more

Lancaster Marionette Theatre - This hidden gem is fun for all ages. - Performing Arts Near Me - Lancaster, Pennsylvania

I've enjoyed seeing two shows at the Lancaster Marionette Theatre (Peter Cottontail and Sleeping Beauty) and highly recommend it for both children and adults. The Easter show kept my 4 year-old niece engaged the entire time. I recommend arriving early for the museum and backstage tour and stick around to chat with Robert and get a selfie with him after the show (raise that cell phone as high as you can to get the best angle of course!). Robert's enthusiasm and genuineness is what makes the whole thing work! read more

Hey everyone I recently went to Lancaster PA with the family. The Play that I saw was called Cinderella's Christmas by genius Robert Brock. Before the play began, Mr. Brock gave us a tour throughout the small but exquisite museum, and he was giving us detailed information about the history of marionettes. He even showed us the backstage where he makes the puppets himself! It was extraordinary! He's a one man person, he makes the marionettes and also is he performer throughout the entire play! I've never experienced a play like his until I came here. It was fantastic! I recommend this to everyone! Robert Brock is an artist and passionate in his work! read more

Went and saw Peter Cottontail and had a very enjoyable time! It was a charming show, with just the right amount of corny jokes in the songs that left me nudging my wife throughout the show with a grin plastered on my face. It was a very charming experience and I would definitely do it again. Cone 20 minutes early before the show and get a museum and backstage tour. read more

Well worth the 2.5 hr roundtrip drive. Mr. Brock is so very talented and I really enjoyed the fast paced funny show. I'm a new groupie! Go and enjoy this treasure!! read more

What a pleasant experience. My husband and I will go again. Our show was Sherlock Holmes, basically for adults. However I think Cinderella, Wizard of Oz, Peter Pan, Treasure Island, or any other show would be delightful, with or without children. So impressed with creativeness of owner. read more

Lancaster Marionette Theatre - Performing Arts Near Me - Lancaster, Pennsylvania

My wife and 3 year old daughter really enjoyed our Saturday morning here. The owner was friendly and professional but still very personable. A very unique place in Lancaster that I'd definitely recommend! read more

The Easter Bunny Show was funny and timely and good for ALL ages! The music was classic for all the 60's TV Baby Boomers! Please, give your child a taste of the theater by attending a show! read more

Quirky and oh so delightful!!! I went not knowing what to expect and came away completely enamoured. Somehow I had convinced two teenagers to accompany me to the show. I was afraid they would be mad at me once the show started. On the contrary - they also were delighted. At the end when I mentioned to my son that I only had either $3 or a $twenty to put in the tip jar, he urged me to put in the $20. Coming from a teenager, there's not much more of an endorsement than that! It's good for the whole family. Go! I'll bet it's like nothing you've ever seen before and also that you'll enjoy it. At only $10 a ticket and a 35 minute show, the risk in both money and time commitment is low and the potential for enjoyment is high. Go enjoy this hidden gem! read more

Once upon a time there were two little girls Lola Indigo and Kiarra Linise. They were wandering the charmed streets of old Lancaster when they were drawn into an old Victorian theatre. Within this hushed, magical space, the hurly burly world transformed as the talented, mercurial marionette master Robert Brock transported the girls to a childhood place shared by children across the world. Even the adults enjoyed the witty storytelling, as well as the kind hearted MC Nanny Brock. After wards their hosts introduced the girls to the puppets, hand made by the puppeteer and led them through the small but fascinating museum and gift shop. Mr Brock's commitment and creativity could hold his own on any great stage. You feel at once part of a great marionette tradition shared in tiny theatres and traveling stages across the globe and across the ages. Don't miss this gem! read more

Lovely place and performance by this one-man performer. Highly recommend for kids. Also had some adult humor as well.

For people of all ages, the Hole in the Wall puppet theatre is some of the best entertainment around. My children loved it when they were young, we all still love it many years later. Unique, entertaining, well done - all puppets and marionettes are hand-made by owner Rob Brock. Don't miss out on this if you are anywhere NEAR Lancaster, PA. read more

Lively and creative performance by Robert Brock. Excellent entertainment for both kids and kids at heart!

Beautifully crafted and performed!!!! Spread the word...this place is awesome for all ages!!!

An amazing spot that will appeal to children and adults. We saw Peter Pan, and my fidgety kid sat pretty still and quiet for the show. He enjoyed it, and so did I. I remember this place from the 90's and it is still amazing. It used to be called "Hole in the Wall" puppet theater. The museum portion I do not remember from years ago, so I do not know how long that has been a part of the theater. It didn't hold the attention of a 5 yr old as long as it did mine, so perhaps it has been there all along and I just don't recall it from my youth! Would go back again and again. May not hold the attention of a very small child (our 2 yr old wouldn't have sat still/quiet- we knew that so he didn't come), and they do explain if your kid becomes "noisy" you will likely need to take them out of the theater. They also apparently have some shows geared specifically at adults, althogh I have not been to those- quite the interesting place! Check it out! read more

The Hole in the Wall Puppet Theatre is a remarkable marionette theatre in downtown Lancaster. Rob Brock has created a magical place and magical shows that transport young and old alike into an imaginary world where strings and the puppeteer disappear along with the cares of life. I recommend it highly! read more