Upcoming Shows & Events

Join us for this wonderful show that tells the famous tale of the optimistic little engine who faces a seemingly impossible task. "I Think I can!" Tickets go on sale today.

Tickets must be purchased in advance: reserve here or call 602-262-2050 x 0

Come on down to the pumpkin patch for our brand new show! This Halloween variety show of tricks and treats is sure to delight ghouls and goblins of all ages. Reserve here.

The Great Arizona Puppet Theater is proud to present Rasputin’s Marionettes with their bold and unforgettable production, Sugarb**** Goulash, for two nights only — October 3 & 4, 2025.

Known for their boundary-pushing artistry and visually stunning performances, Rasputin’s Marionettes blend classic puppetry with outrageous humor, surreal storytelling, and an underground cabaret flair. Sugarb**** Goulash is a wickedly entertaining concoction that serves up equal parts spectacle, satire, and shadowy charm, a puppet show like no other.

The show Sugarb**** Goulash by Rasputin’s Marionettes is a fiendish puppet performance inspired by the true story of Helen Golay and Olga Rutterschmidt, known as the “Black Widow Murderers”. It dramatizes their unlikely friendship, spinning their notorious crimes into a show filled with dark humor and a macabre twist. The performance brings these infamous figures to the stage, blending surreal puppet artistry with a satirical take on true crime.

“We’re thrilled to welcome Rasputin’s Marionettes,” said Gwen Bonar, Artistic Director of the Great Arizona Puppet Theater. “They bring a unique voice to the art form, edgy, unfiltered, and wildly imaginative. This is an experience you won’t soon forget.”

Performances will be held at the historic Great Arizona Puppet Theater, located in Downtown Phoenix. Seating is limited, and advance reservations are strongly encouraged. Due to mature themes, this production is recommended for adventurous adult audiences.

Showtimes:
Friday, October 3, 2025 – 7:00 PM
Saturday, October 4, 2025 – 7:00 PM

About Rasputin’s Marionettes Rasputin’s Marionettes is an avant-garde puppetry celebrated for its offbeat artistry, inventive stagecraft, and daring explorations of social satire. With a style that’s equal parts spectacular and subversive, the troupe has earned a cult following among audiences craving something outside the ordinary.

You can reserve here or call 602-262-2050. Ages 18+

Dr. Zombie (the most terrifying horror host on 3rd Ave.) will be hosting a screening of "The Devil Bat" starring Bela Lugosi. He's going to bring his friend Dain "The Ghoul" GORE with him to do puppet presentations with Zombie Dave. VamPYRO will be there as well. Also, since it will be the October show, we're throwing in a costume contest. When the movie rolls, they will be on hand to point out the scary parts of the film. Audience members will also be encouraged to share the scary parts they find in the film as well. You never know what the mad doctor will say, so this is an 18+ event. Education, live performance art, and independent cinema, these are the things that truly horrify you. We dare you to come and face the terror. Reserve here.

Tickets are $15. We highly recommend making reservations. Dr. Zombie shows are for adults 18 and over only.

Our slams are curated evenings full of short pieces by a variety of professional puppeteers. You may see funny, scary, or edgy shows throughout the night. The Slam will be a night to remember, because forgetting is no fun. Reservations and prepayment are required to attend the show. Reserve here. Slams are for adults 18 and over only. Like our Adult Slam Facebook page to stay up to date on all the wonderful Slam Stuff!

Chorizo Puppets’ shows give both whimsical characters and thought-provoking narratives, they can also be performed in English, Spanish, or Spanglish, making this work accessible to a diverse array of families across the Valley. Also, these events will be a Celebration of Dia de los Muertos with crafts and treats 30 min. prior to the performances and 30 min. after the performances. This aligns with our mission to promote the art of puppetry and celebrate Arizona’s rich cultural landscape.

Tickets must be purchased in advance: reserve here or call 602-262-2050.

Tickets are on sale right now.

An amazing circus featuring talented bugs as the performers! This show is performed with table-top marionettes, an exciting soundtrack, and a puppeteer who acts as the Ring Master. Recommended for ages 4 and up. Run time approximately 45 minutes.

Tickets must be purchased in advance: reserve here or call 602-262-2050 x 0

It's a prehistoric Christmas celebration with your favorite dinosaurs! There's plenty of music and jokes to to make your Jurassic holiday season extra special. Come on down and see what everyone's roarin' about! Tickets are on sale now!

Our classic show, Jack and the Beanstalk , is back! This wonderful tale is told with hand puppets, beautiful changing scenery, a growing beanstalk, and a very tall Giant. Download the Study and Activity Guide here.

Tickets must be purchased in advance: reserve here or call 602-262-2050.

Tickets are on sale right now.

The big bad wolf and three little pigs are delightful to watch in this classic story told with large rod puppets and lots of fun music. Download the Study Guide here. Recommended for ages 3 and up. Tickets are on sale now. Reserve here.