Watch The Pee-wee Herman Show

The Pee-wee Herman Show, produced by Reubens-Callner Productions, was a live stage show that debuted in 1981 at the Groundlings Theater in Los Angeles. Starring Paul Reubens as the titular character, Pee-wee Herman, the show was an instant hit with audiences and critics alike. It featured a mix of comedy, music, and puppetry, and quickly became a cultural phenomenon.

The show was later adapted into a television special, which aired on HBO in 1981. The special was directed by Marty Callner and featured a script co-written by Reubens and Phil Hartman. The special was a huge success, and it helped to launch Pee-wee Herman into the mainstream.

The show itself was a surreal mix of vaudeville-style comedy, absurd sketches, and whimsical musical numbers. Pee-wee Herman, a whimsical character with a quirky sense of humor and a distinctive laugh, served as the host and emcee of the show. He was joined on stage by a cast of colorful characters, including Chairry, a talking chair, and Pterri, a lovable pterodactyl.

One of the defining features of the show was the use of puppetry. Pee-wee Herman was frequently accompanied by a cast of puppet characters, including the aforementioned Chairry and Pterri, as well as Conky the Robot and Magic Screen, a talking television. These puppets were designed and operated by Wayne White and his team of puppeteers, and they added an extra layer of whimsy and surrealism to the show.

In addition to the puppetry, the show also featured a variety of musical performances. The show's house band, The Pee-wee Herman Orchestra, performed frequently throughout the show, and Pee-wee himself often sang and danced along with them. The musical numbers ranged from catchy and upbeat to quirky and surreal, and they helped to keep the show's energy level high.

Another defining feature of the show was its use of audience participation. Pee-wee frequently engaged with the audience, asking them questions, soliciting their opinions, and even pulling them up on stage to participate in sketches. This helped to create a sense of community among the audience members, and it made the show feel more intimate and personal.

Overall, The Pee-wee Herman Show was a groundbreaking piece of comedy that helped to redefine the boundaries of what was possible on stage and on television. It was an innovative mix of puppetry, music, and comedy, and it helped to launch the career of one of the most beloved and iconic characters in pop culture history.