Los Angeles, California, [November 5, 2025] – The secret word of the day is "UNITED!" Fans of the joyful Pee-wee Herman and Saturday morning cartoons are in for a treat. On Saturday, December 27, Saturday Morning Cartoons UnitedTM and Nostalgic Nebula will host a special one-day charity event at the historic Alex Theatre, celebrating the holiday charm of Pee-wee’s Playhouse Christmas Special and bringing the quirky world of Pee-wee to life — all for a good cause.
Supported by Herman World, Inc., the evening blends the magic of Saturday mornings in your PJs with an immersive fan experience, complete with live music, a pop-up shop, and interactive moments. Kicking off at 5:00 PM, DJ Shepard Fairey and the iconic Bob Baker Marionette Theatre will bring their flair to the theatre forecourt, setting the tone for an unforgettable holiday celebration. Guests will be able to shop a special pop-up store featuring Pee-wee collections by NECA and Kidrobot.
Hosted by beloved children’s entertainment icon DJ Lance Rock, the screening begins at 7:00 PM with the independent short Potato Face by acclaimed artist Jim McKenzie. Following the screening, the festive fun continues with a holiday concert at 8:00 PM starring Tom Kenny & The Hi-Seas, led by Emmy-winning voice actor Tom Kenny (SpongeBob SquarePants), joined by a star-studded lineup of surprise guests (to be announced).
Every item and ticket sold supports AnimAID, providing aid to animation professionals affected by the California wildfires, and Saturday Morning Cartoons UnitedTM, a 501(c)(3) non-profit screening series celebrating legacy animation with a mission to uplift the creative arts community.
This event marks the second screening by Saturday Morning Cartoons UnitedTM.
The celebration will take place at the Alex Theatre, located at 216 N Brand Blvd, Glendale, CA 91203, and will run from 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM. Doors will open at 5:00 PM and the show starts at 7:00 PM. Tickets are available through the Alex Theatre website at www.thealex.com. To stay updated, visit cartoonsunited.com or follow @cartoonsunited on Instagram, Facebook, and Bluesky.
About Pee-wee Herman:
Pee-wee Herman is the beloved character created and portrayed by Paul Reubens, who rose to fame in the 1980s with his unique blend of childlike wonder and subversive humor. Reubens introduced Pee-wee through his work with The Groundlings comedy troupe and the 1981 HBO special The Pee-wee Herman Show. The character's popularity soared with the 1985 film Pee-wee's Big Adventure, directed by Tim Burton, and the Emmy Award- winning children's series Pee-wee's Playhouse (1986–1990).
In 2025, the documentary series Pee-wee as Himself ogered an intimate and comprehensive portrait of Paul Reubens. Directed by Matt Wolf, the two-part series features interviews with Reubens, recorded shortly before his passing in 2023. It also highlights his creative journey and the enduring legacy of Pee-wee Herman. Pee-wee as Himself premiered at the 2025 Sundance Film Festival and is available for streaming on HBO Max. The series has received critical acclaim and won the 2025 Creative Arts Emmy Award for Outstanding Documentary or Nonfiction Special. For more information, visit peewee.com and follow @PeeweeHerman on Facebook, Instagram and YouTube.
About Pee-wee's Playhouse Christmas Special:
Pee-wee's Playhouse Christmas Special has been beautifully restored and remastered! Join the whole Playhouse gang for one of the wackiest specials ever! With laughs for the whole family, this unique, triple Emmy®-nominated special ogers all the imagination and charm of Saturday morning's most outrageous TV series, which became a cultural milestone when it aired from 1986- 1991. Pee-wee gets into the spirit of the season with lots of singing, dancing and other holiday fun with his Playhouse pals and more than a dozen celebrity guest stars as you've never seen them before. Everything is going great for Pee-wee... until his Christmas wish list becomes so long that there won't be enough presents for all the other kids in the world! When Santa Claus pleads for help, Pee-wee reluctantly learns a lesson about the true meaning of Christmas. Special Guests Include: Frankie Avalon, Charo, The Del Rubio Triplets, Annette Funicello, Zsa Zsa Gabor, Whoopi Goldberg, Magic Johnson, Grace Jones, k.d. lang, Little Richard, Joan Rivers, Dinah Shore and Oprah Winfrey!
About Saturday Morning Cartoons United:
Saturday Morning Cartoons UnitedTM is a 501(c)(3) non-profit screening series dedicated to celebrating legacy animation and iconic characters. Each event features curated screenings, exclusive pop-up shops, and engaging Q&A panels with directors, voice actors, and influential tastemakers. Launching in 2025, the initiative brings together studios and creators for unforgettable experiences that honor animation’s past while fostering its future — putting the “United” in Saturday Morning Cartoons UnitedTM and championing the power of collaboration. A portion of proceeds supports local community initiatives providing aid to animation industry members agected by recent wildfires and ongoing industry challenges. Each screening also highlights a short film by an independent creator, ogering a platform for emerging voices in the animation community. For more information visit cartoonsunited.com.
About Nostalgic Nebula:
Nostalgic Nebula is a Los Angeles-based pop culture curator and event promoter dedicated to celebrating the magic of childhood favorites, cult classics, and iconic Saturday morning cartoons. With a keen eye for nostalgia and a passion for immersive fan experiences, Nebula has produced events that bring generations together to relive the moments that defined their childhoods—whether it’s through screenings, panels, interactive activations, or exclusive merchandise collaborations. Known for blending whimsy with professionalism, Nostalgic Nebula has worked with major entertainment brands, indie creators, and fan communities to create unique, unforgettable events that feel both personal and larger-than-life. Their signature approach combines playful creativity, attention to detail, and a deep understanding of fan culture, making every event a celebration of imagination, joy, and nostalgia. For more information, visit www.nostalgicnebula.com.
About AnimAID:
AnimAID is an unprecedented global fundraising campaign created to support members of the animation community affected by the recent wildfires in Los Angeles. In partnership with ASIFA-Hollywood, a 501(c)(3) public charity, and with the backing of animation studios and industry colleagues worldwide, AnimAID provides direct financial assistance to those who have lost their homes or been displaced. Funds are distributed through the Entertainment Community Fund (ECF), which ensures a vetted, transparent process for applicants in need. The campaign launched at the ASIFA-Hollywood Annie Awards and has since grown into a historic egort, now aiming to raise $5 million to aid over 70 animation families. With initiatives like a high-profile animation art auction in collaboration with Sotheby’s and other events in the works, AnimAID is a rallying call for empathy, unity, and action across the animation world. For more information visit www.asifa-hollywood.org/animaid.
About MikkoMia Productions:
MikkoMia Productions is a Los Angeles–based multimedia studio led by producer Allison Calleri and director Selena Moshell. With more than two decades of combined experience, we produce film, TV, digital content, commercials, documentaries, and podcasts that put story and audience connection first. Our collaborative approach and worldwide network of top-tier creatives allow us to deliver standout work for partners ranging from major brands to emerging projects. For more information visit www.mikkomia.com.
About the Alex Theatre:
The Alex Theatre has been on a mission to redefine what a performance space can be. Dedicated to inclusivity and artistic diversity, The Alex has become a vibrant home for independent artists outside the mainstream, providing equal access to its stage for shows often overlooked by corporate promoters but deeply cherished by Los Angeles’ richly diverse audiences. In just its first two years, The Alex has welcomed performers from around the globe— including Peru, Spain, Iran, Armenia, El Salvador, France, Mexico, China, Ukraine, Japan, India, the Philippines, the UK, Argentina, and Cuba—creating a cultural hub for both expatriate communities and local arts lovers. More than a venue, The Alex is a community-focused theatre for “misfit shows,” where audiences of every background and ethnicity are celebrated and invited to connect with the music, stories, and performances that resonate with them. Rejecting gatekeeping, The Alex champions inclusivity, diversity, and the transformative power of the arts, making it a truly unique space in Los Angeles’ cultural landscape. For more information visit thealex.com.
About DJ Lance Rock:
DJ Lance Rock, known for his role in the children's television show "Yo Gabba Gabba!", became an iconic figure in pop culture due to several factors. His colorful and energetic personality resonated with both children and adults, making him relatable and engaging. Additionally, his unique style and vibrant wardrobe, along with his ability to connect diverse musical genres in a fun and accessible way, contributed to his popularity. The show's inclusive and positive message, combined with DJ Lance Rock's charismatic presence, helped "Yo Gabba Gabba!" gain a dedicated fanbase and cemented his status as a beloved figure in pop culture. DJ Lance Rock is a memorable and iconic figure in the entertainment world. For more information visit www.djlancerock.org.
About Tom Kenny & the Hi-Seas:
Tom Kenny & the Hi-Seas is a high-energy 12-piece “Rock-n-Soul” party band. Performing songs from artists such as Chuck Berry, Sam Cooke, The Shangri-Las, The Righteous Brothers, Gary U.S. Bonds, the band has gained a reputation for raucous live performances in venues from Los Angeles to Atlanta to Tijuana, Mexico. For more information visit www.tomkennyandthehiseas.com.
About Shepard Fairey:
Shepard Fairey is a celebrated contemporary street artist, graphic designer and social activist who has expanded his creative voice into the DJ booth. Emerging from the skateboarding and street-art scene, Fairey made his name with the “Andre the Giant Has a Posse” campaign and his iconic “Hope” poster for Barack Obama. As a DJ, Fairey’s sets draw on his roots in punk, skate culture and street underground energy, blending eclectic beats with a rebellious spirit. His DJ work complements his visual art by creating immersive audio-visual experiences that invite audiences to engage, question and rally. Whether spinning tracks in an underground club or bringing his signature style to a mural-adorned event space, Shepard Fairey continuously pushes boundaries — in art, activism and sound. For more information visit obeygiant.com.
About Bob Baker Marionette Theater:
Founded in 1963, Bob Baker Marionette Theater is a Los Angeles cultural landmark dedicated to preserving, educating, and innovating at the intersection of puppetry and the allied arts. A living legacy of imagination, the Theater continues the vision of its founder, Bob Baker, by fostering an inclusive community empowered with creativity and joy. Through original productions, educational programs, and collaborations across generations, Bob Baker Marionette Theater serves as both a historic institution and a hub for new creative voices—a place where artistry, play, and belonging come together in celebration. The Theater believes the world is like a birthday cake: baked with care, frosted with imagination, and sprinkled with a little stardust. For more information, visit www.bobbakermarionettetheater.com.
About Jim McKenzie:
Jim McKenzie is a Burbank-based artist, animator, and director known for his surrealist paintings, stop-motion films, and designer toys. Celebrated for his detailed character sculptures and cinematic art videos, his work blends whimsical visuals with underlying themes of distress and melancholia. A 2011 graduate of the School of Visual Arts (BFA, Computer Art & Visual Effects), McKenzie later taught filmmaking and animation at SVA and served as stag director at Aardman Nathan Love in New York. Over the past decade, he has directed campaigns for brands including Prada, National Geographic, Clash Royale, Capital One, and H&R Block, and co-created Xifaxan’s “Gut Guy” mascot for Super Bowl 50. His artwork has been exhibited in galleries across the U.S. and internationally. For more information visit www.jimmckenzieart.com.
About Sweet Streets:
A boutique creative consulting firm with a focus on girls' brands, Sweet Streets offers a variety of services from creative marketing and licensing consultation to artist management. The Los Angeles-based firm has organized collaborative projects between the industry's top influential brands and artists spanning art, music, fashion, toys, and more. Sweet Streets’ licensing and brand management features a unique range of creative services, including consulting, outreach, promotion, and strategic business development. Their goal is to celebrate girls as multifaceted individuals that model positivity, effortless style, and varied interests unlike anywhere else. For more information, visit SweetStreetsLA.com.
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