Pee-Wee Herman Show on Broadway

Who really wants to live in a world without Pee-Wee Herman? What began as a one-note joke by comedian Paul Reubens in the eighties morphed into an industry. With two feature films, a Emmy winning series, and numerous specials--it was hard not to get caught up in Pee-Wee's world of childlike wonder. Both innocent and subversive, Pee-Wee's Playhouse rocked viewers of all ages for five glorious seasons circa 1986-1990. With bizarre one liners, deadpan delivery, and a cast of eccentric characters--the show honored classic children's programs even as it pushed them to new lunatic heights. Well Cowboy Curtis, Miss Yvonne, Jambi, Chairry, Conky, and the King of Cartoons among other recognizable animate and inanimate creations are back (although recast) for one more show. Without a doubt, if you love Pee-Wee than nothing I can say will make you stay away!

This Broadway show really just recreates a typical episode of the series (or a less adult version of 1981's debut at the Roxy--grown-up viewers should check this out if you haven't seen it!). The set looks colorful and whimsical, the puppeteers are on point, and the live actors perform with gusto. In fact, everything is so giddily nostalgic--it's hard not to get caught up in the spirit of things. I'm not sure how viewers completely new to Pee-Wee will react to this version. I, personally, think the television show (in shorter segments) is a better initiation for newbies. But let's be honest, this was made to capitalize on all those who loved Pee-Wee back in the day. It plays to what you know and remember and that's why you love it.

Truthfully, at ninety minutes, it's hard to sustain non-stop enthusiasm. Always joyful and entertaining, the show can seem a bit repetitive. There is little new in Pee-Wee's bag of tricks that you haven't seen countless times on the television series. There are a few winks to this being 2011 and this added a dimension that I appreciated! The live audience clearly responds with affection. Reubens is still spry. At almost 60, he can still dance a mean Tequila. And don't worry, if you think this might be the last time you get to revisit the irreverent Pee-Wee--it's not. Reubens has announced a new feature film in the offing. An easy recommendation--few recent programs have tugged so strongly on the nostalgia bone. We can be young again! KGHarris, 6/11.

Erich Asperschlager, DVD Verdict --The Pee-wee Herman Show on Broadway is a brisk 89-minute love letter to fans, reuniting Pee-wee with the characters and puppets from his stage and TV show. After an opening song and Herman-led Pledge of Allegiance, the curtain parts to reveal an exact replica of the Playhouse. I haven't seen Pee-wee's Playhouse since I was a kid, but when the lights went up on that set, I couldn't help but grin. If I was the kind of person who cheers at my TV, I would have joined the audience in raucous applause.

That infectious joy is the reason Ruebens' TV show became a hit. Like pure id with a red bowtie, Pee-wee Herman's childlike enthusiasm for the world makes everything, from a scrap of foil to a postcard from a pen pal, fun. AAAAAAAAHHHHH!!!!! Yes, The Pee-wee Herman Show even has a "secret word" of the day: "Fun."

Although the show breezes through from beginning to end, it's an amazing juggling act of puppets, performers, props, and sound cues. The filmed performance has the benefit of second takes and reshoots, but the edits only polish an already sparkling gem. Under the direction of Marty Callner, the HBO special adds dynamic camerawork and close-ups to focus attention and punch up the jokes. The combination of stagecraft and TV wizardry makes The Pee-wee Herman Show on Broadway the definitive version of Paul Reubens' triumphant return, and Blu-ray is the definitive way to watch it.

The 1.78:1/1080i AVC-encoded image is packed with detail, from the glittery jewels of Jambi's turban to the fine weave of Pee-wee's signature grey suit. The hi-def presentation is saturated with color, and bright. At times, the image is too bright, with whites that threaten to blow out under the harsh stage lights. The quick camera movements and interlaced picture also result in some motion blur. Still, unless you were at one of these performances or somehow toured the TV set as a kid, you've never seen the Playhouse look better. Instead of surround sound, The Pee-wee Herman Show on Broadway (Blu-ray) audio is in uncompressed PCM stereo--but don't worry. It's a powerhouse mix, creating an open soundscape that feels like it was recorded live, while making sure everything from dialogue to musical numbers to the thousand live sound cues come through with clarity and kick.

The disc's lone bonus feature is a cast commentary with Reubens, Lynne Marie Stewart, Drew Powell, John Moody (who plays Mailman Mike), John Paragon (Jambi, and the voice of Pteri), Josh Meyers (Fireman Phineas, and several puppet voices), Phil LaMarr, Lexy Fridell (the voice of Chairy and Magic Screen), and Lance Roberts (The King of Cartoons, as well as the voice of Globey and one of the flowers). After a quick, standard def intro video for each of the players, the group rockets through the feature with a commentary that's every bit as energetic as the show itself. Reubens is funny, sweet, and genuine in his appreciation for this opportunity. He leads the roundtable discussion, which is full of behind-the-scenes information, comparisons between the old and new stage shows, and general camaraderie--extending beyond the end of the special for three bonus minutes of chat.

-Full review at dvdverdict.com

I have always been a Pee Wee fan and even enlightened my own kids to his movies and show. When we read about his Broadway show (and were visiting New York) there was no way we were going to miss him live!! And the show lived up to every one of our high expectations! Yes, the cast is older, but no less wonderful. The show features some current pop-culture, but mostly lets you relive Pee Wee in all his glory. I felt like I was a guest in the Playhouse!

I understand this was aired on HBO a few times, but I don't have HBO! :( I am so thrilled that it is being released on DVD/Blu-Ray and you better believe I have pre-ordered!!

There is lots of tongue-in-cheek/double entendre stuff here (and Pee Wee's abstinence ring!), but my 11 year old twins laughed the entire time, even if they didn't "get" the jokes the same way we older folks did.

Pee Wee fans: this is absolutely not to be missed!