BWW JR: Is the Pee-Wee Herman Show for Kids?

The Pee-Wee Herman Show, now running a limited engagement at the Stephen Sondheim Theatre on Broadway, is not geared towards anyone who is currently a child. It is, however, very much geared towards the inner child inside any one who cheered for Paul Reubens' iconic man-child character as he entertained us for five years on CBS' "Pee-Wee's Playhouse" or in the movies "Pee-Wee's Big Adventure" and "Big Top Pee-Wee". The show brings out the child inside all of the eager fans who comprise a cult following that began with the birth of Pee-Wee on stage at the Groundlings in 1981, even though some of the costumed-clad enthusiasts who attended the preview performance I saw this month were not even alive yet when Pee-Wee made that midnight debut.

That said, as a parent I have to admit that most of the subtle adult humor and mild penis jokes will go right over the heads of any actual children who might attend this show with their parents. In fact, the racier insinuations (which fly by at lightning speed without highlight or punctuation) might be more appropriate for a child under 12 who would be less likely to catch on to any adult implications. In short: If they can catch the meaning behind the occasional double-entendres and risque references, then they are old enough understand it.

I recommend the following test: ask your child to come up with a word that begins with an "F" and ends with "UCK". If their answer is "Firetruck", they can see the Pee-Wee Herman Show on Broadway.

GET TO THE POINT, MOM!

• Geared towards your inner child, not the outer one kicking the seat diagonally from yours.
• The adult humor will go right over the heads of most kids, but nonetheless there are risque moments so let your child's current level of awareness be your guide.
• Performance times are Tuesday @ 7pm, Wednesday - Friday @ 8pm, Saturday @ 2pm & 8pm, Sunday @ 2pm & 7pm. Limited engagement running until January 2.
• For more information visit http://www.peewee.com/broadway
• Firetruck.

Photo Credit: Walter McBride/WM Photos