Netflix Is A Joke's Joyous Tribute to the Fine Art of Silliness

As Pee-wee’s Playhouse turns 40 years old, take Netflix is a Joke’s celebration of the occasion as a reminder of the series’ timelessness. Paul Reubens’ vision, his signature character Pee-wee Herman, still inspires awe and laughter. When puppets and props, plus comics and musicians, grace the stage of the Greek Theatre in Los Angeles, California, almost 6,000 attendees are transported back to an sort of glee often left behind in childhood.

Pee-wee Herman was born in 1978 when Reubens first debuted the free-spirited, childlike character at the iconic improv center, The Groundlings. Three years later, Pee-wee got an HBO special. Long story short, in 1985, Tim Burton’s pitch perfect Pee-wee’s Big Adventure changed the world – we can dream – and led to five seasons of Pee-wee’s Playhouse on CBS. The pilot, “Ice Cream Soup,” premiered on September 13, 1986.

In an event hosted by Patton Oswalt, artists pay their respects to Pee-wee with a love of play. The Playhouse was a place to create and think outside of the box, and many of the artists performing at the Greek do just that. Look no further than Michael Carbonaro and his “shaving cream dream” act. It’s met with curiosity, a tad of confusion, then builds toward stunned silences and bursts of laughter.

Pee-wee Herman was a magnet for artists who drew outside of the lines. It was Reubens who helped launch Danny Elfman’s composing career. Elfman’s first film scoring gig was Pee-wee’s Big Adventure, because years prior to its making, Reubens went nuts for the Oingo Boingo song, Forbidden Zone, in the musical comedy of the same name that was directed by Elfman’s brother.

“It was the first time I ever got to write for an orchestra,” Elfman shares. “I’m so grateful to Paul Reubens. Now, 110 films later… thank you, Paul.”

For the first time in 47 years, the composer performed “Forbidden Zone” as well as the movie’s theme song. The crowd rose to their feet, applauding as Elfman exited out through Pee-wee’s Playhouse’s red door.

Playing the role of musical director and bandleader for the night: Mark Mothersbaugh, the co-founder and vocalist of DEVO. Mothersbaugh’s first scoring gig for TV? Pee-wee’s Playhouse. Whether the film composer was performing “Whip It” or “Beautiful World” with bandmate Gerald Casale (featuring Puddles Pity Party, Mr. Michael Geier), Mothersbaugh was all smiles with a topshelf band.

The big house band – including Fred Armisen on drums – delivered a night of variety playing with Elfman, The B-52s, and more. The B-52s’ Kate Pierson performed the show’s theme song – originally sung by Cyndi Lauper – and paid tribute to The Del Rubio Triplets’ cover of Nancy Sinatra’s “These Boots Are Made for Walkin’” next to Armisen and her bandmate, Fred Schneider.

A fantastic night of music; the secret world of the night was “fantastic” and the audience never missed a beat shouting it.

Another smile-inducing sight: all the puppetry. Globey, Pterri and Chairry (who bantered with comedian Cheri Oteri), Conky 2000, and Randy were one of the many beloved guests. Oswalt, as a gracious host, brought out the puppeteers to give them the applause and credit they deserve.

The night featured comedians and performers who, if they were active in the ‘80s, would’ve made fitting houseguests for Pee-wee’s Playhouse. RuPaul’s Drag Race winner Bob the Drag Queen performed a comical yet moving tribute to Miss Yvonne (Lynne Marie Stewart) and comic Sheng Wang delivered a mellow yet playful set. Everyone knew the assignment and came to play – including comedian Julio Torres’ suspenseful battle for a can of Diet Coke.

There was nothing but gratitude expressed for both Reubens, who passed away in 2023, and the artists who shaped Pee-wee’s Playhouse that are no longer here with us. Their art remains brighter than ever, though. The clips played on the big screen are timeless pieces of comedy that elicit joy, nothing else.

As the crowd bonded over a shared love of Pee-wee’s Playhouse, there was Patti Harrison on stage – pooping her pants. “There must be Wi-Fi here,” Harrison declared, raising her stained underwear. I’m not embarrassed to type this and cackle at the same time, thinking of Harrison’s performance poking the audience like a sleeping bear. She brings comedy, fantasy and terror to a stage and would’ve been a fabulous guest in Pee-wee’s Playhouse.

Pee Wee Story

The event sent everyone off in style. “Tequila” blasted with joy through the spakers. The performers all gathered on stage and danced away, as did the audience. All around were many sharply dressed Pee-wee impersonators rocking out. In revisiting Pee-wee’s Playhouse, its characters, gags, and tunes, the event celebrated not only an important anniversary in comedy but the fine art of silliness.