In the 1985 film Pee-wee’s Big Adventure, Paul Reubens’ alter ego Pee-wee Her-
man went on a quest to find his treasured missing bike. Now 25 years later, and at
the age of 57, Reubens is setting forth on a brand new journey to bring his iconic
man-child character back to the masses, a pop culture phoenix rising from the
ashes.
Following his 1991 arrest in a Sarasota, Florida adult theater for well, getting a
grip on himself in too literal of a sense; he stated in a Rolling Stone interview that
he had tired of playing the role and wanted to chart new territory acting-wise.
For fans, it was a blow, which was also the name of one of the films (co-starring
Johnny Deep) that he appeared in, after P.W.’s death knell from CBS dropping
the axe on his TV show. He also did guest-star shots on the tube, most recently
on Pushing Daisies. Still, even though his work was solid and brought back fond
memories, it left us wanting to start paging, Mr. Herman via a missing person ad.
It seemed the public would be deprived of the irreverent brand of humor that
his creation had displayed Saturday mornings on “Pee-wee’s Playhouse”—a
seamless blend of kids stuff that had more than its fair share of nudges and winks
for older viewers, which was prominently displayed in his 1988 Christmas special.
With guest stars like Cher, k.d. Lang, Charo, Grace Jones and Little Richard—who
needed to step away from the boob tube to don any sort of gay apparel?
Then Reubens began to talk, beginning in 1999, about resurrecting his creation
in a proposed third feature film, following his 1988 sequel Big Top Pee-wee. He
mentioned that he and Depp had talked about the latter taking over the iconic
role. Those would be bigger shoes to fill than the ones he wore during his famous
‘Tequila’ dance in Big Adventure. Thankfully, he started showing up in his hallmark
white shoes, tight-fitting gray suit and red bow tie in public settings, first on Spike
T V ’s Guys’ Choice Awards in 2007.
Flash forward to last August when he officially announced a series of shows
to be held at Music Box in Hollywood in November. The secret word of the day
became “it’s about time!” Guess that would be secret phrase of the day, now
wouldn’t it? The old real estate mantra of “location, location, location” is certainly
applicable to this much-anticipated return to form, since the act has now been
moved to the Club Nokia Theatre with Pee-wee taking center stage from January
12 through February 7.
Apparently, the supply (perhaps the limited space was an issue or the fact that
Music Box, much like The Alamo, does not have a basement) could not meet the
demand of the fans who have clamored for this event for so many years. I know
you are – but what am I? Obviously, yours truly is one of them, too…duh!
The performances will reunite Reubens and Pee-wee as one and serve as a full
circle for his career, as he is “re-imagining” his 1981 The Pee-wee Herman Show,
photography by Chris McPherson
which began at The Groundlings Theatre prior to its five-month sold-out engage-
ment at The Roxy Theatre and became a popular HBO special. Clurg and Bill Steinkellner) write the 1981 version and co-starred as Kap’n Karl.
Joining him on stage will be “The Playhouse Gang,” including “the most beauti- This variation is incorporating Playhouse team players, as well. Composer Jay
ful woman in Puppetland” Miss Yvonne, Jambi the Genie (ever notice that his box Cotton has written new music, while scenic designer David Korins has teamed
was at crotch level?), The King of Cartoons, Mailman Mike and Cowboy Curtis with Gary Panter to create an atmosphere that would make any 40-year-old big
(originally played by Lawrence Fishburne- put that in your trivia pipe and smoke kid at heart (ok…me) trade in a Craftsman home for a kitsch-filled environment.
it!). Reubens certainly anticipated that the audience may ask, “Where’s the talking So…what exactly does his comeback mean? Well, for starters, it would be a
chair?” as he told the Los Angeles Times in August. So, expect to reacquaint your- shot in the arm, creativity-wise, for Hollywood – a town that seems to have grown
Big
selves with Chairry, Pterri the pterodactyl, Magic Screen, Globey, Conky the robot immune to his brand of being a true-blue original. If Justin Timberlake claimed to
and malicious marionette Randy from the Emmy Award-winning Playhouse. have brought sexy back (not sure where it was vacationing), then why shouldn’t
by tim parks
What? No Clocky? Guess there won’t be any Penny cartoons, either. He will also Reubens do the same with Pee-wee?
ComeBaCk
be incorporating new characters named Sergio and Ginger the Horse into the By the way, Pee-wee’s Playhouse: The Movie is listed as being in production and
updated plotline about Pee-wee’s wish that he can fly. has a tentative 2011 release date.
Many of the behind-the-scenes team are people that were involved with the
original production, minus a sad exclusion. Late comedic actor Phil Hartman For schedule and ticket info, log onto
ticketmaster.com or visit
peewee.com. Tell ’em Large Marge
helped Reubens (along with Groundlings alumni John Paragon, actress Edie Mc- sent ya!
january 2010 | RAGE monthly 11
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