The secret word of the day is “UNITED!” Fans of Pee-wee Herman and lovers of classic Saturday morning cartoons are in for a treat. On Saturday, December 27th, Saturday Morning Cartoons United™ and Nostalgic Nebula will present a one-day charity celebration at the historic Alex Theatre, honoring the festive spirit of Pee-wee’s Playhouse Christmas Special. Get ready for Pee-wee’s wonderfully offbeat world to return to the big screen in support of a meaningful cause — now featuring a special appearance by EG Daily, who will join the evening’s holiday concert lineup alongside DJ Lance Rock, DJ Shepard Fairey, and Tom Kenny & The Hi-Seas.

Supported by Herman World, Inc., the event captures the cozy nostalgia of cartoons in your pajamas while offering an immersive, hands-on fan experience. Beginning at 5:00 PM, DJ Shepard Fairey and the legendary Bob Baker Marionette Theater will energize the forecourt with music, puppetry, and holiday flair. Attendees can also browse a themed pop-up shop showcasing Pee-wee collections from NECA and Kidrobot.

The evening’s host, children’s entertainment favorite DJ Lance Rock, will kick off the screening at 7:00 PM, preceded by Potato Face, an independent short film by acclaimed artist Jim McKenzie. At 8:00 PM, the celebration shifts into a festive concert headlined by Tom Kenny & The Hi-Seas, led by Emmy-winning actor Tom Kenny (SpongeBob SquarePants), with additional surprise guests to be announced.

Proceeds from ticket and merchandise sales will benefit AnimAID, which supports animation professionals impacted by the California wildfires, as well as Saturday Morning Cartoons United™, a 501(c)(3) non-profit dedicated to uplifting the animation community.

This event marks the second official screening from Saturday Morning Cartoons United™.

The celebration will be held at the Alex Theatre (216 N Brand Blvd, Glendale, CA 91203) from 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM. Doors open at 5:00 PM and the show begins at 7:00 PM. Tickets can be purchased through the Alex Theatre website. For updates, 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 blend of childlike wonder and sly, subversive humor. Pee-wee first appeared through Reubens’ work with The Groundlings comedy troupe and the 1981 HBO special The Pee-wee Herman Show. His 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 offered an intimate portrait of Reubens. Directed by Matt Wolf, the two-part series features interviews recorded shortly before Reubens’ passing in 2023 and explores his creative legacy. The series premiered at the 2025 Sundance Film Festival, streams on HBO Max, and won the 2025 Creative Arts Emmy Award for Outstanding Documentary or Nonfiction Special. For more, visit peewee.com or follow @PeeweeHerman on social media.

About Pee-wee’s Playhouse Christmas Special

Beautifully restored and remastered, Pee-wee’s Playhouse Christmas Special brings the entire Playhouse gang together for one of the wackiest, most imaginative holiday specials ever. Nominated for three Emmy® Awards, the beloved special features singing, dancing, and a dazzling lineup of celebrity guest stars including 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. When Pee-wee’s Christmas wish list grows too long, Santa steps in, and Pee-wee learns a heartfelt lesson about the true meaning of the holiday season.

About Saturday Morning Cartoons United™

Saturday Morning Cartoons United™ is a 501(c)(3) non-profit screening series 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. Launched in 2025, the initiative brings studios and creators together to uplift the animation community and support those affected by wildfires and industry challenges. Each screening also showcases a short film by an independent creator, amplifying emerging voices. Learn more at cartoonsunited.com.

About Nostalgic Nebula

Nostalgic Nebula is a Los Angeles–based pop culture curator and event producer celebrating childhood favorites, cult classics, and Saturday morning iconography. Known for immersive, nostalgia-driven events, Nebula collaborates with major entertainment brands, artists, and fan communities to create experiences that feel both personal and larger-than-life. For more information, visit nostalgicnebula.com.

About AnimAID

AnimAID is a global fundraising initiative supporting members of the animation community affected by the recent Los Angeles wildfires. Created in partnership with ASIFA-Hollywood, a 501(c)(3) public charity, AnimAID provides vetted, transparent financial assistance through the Entertainment Community Fund (ECF). The campaign launched at the Annie Awards and has since expanded to include a high-profile Sotheby’s animation art auction and other major fundraising efforts, with a goal of raising $5 million to aid over 70 animation families. Learn more at 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 over two decades of combined experience, MikkoMia produces films, TV, digital content, documentaries, and podcasts that emphasize storytelling and audience connection. Learn more at mikkomia.com.

About the Alex Theatre

The Alex Theatre is a vibrant home for independent artists, championing inclusivity, diversity, and artistic freedom. Welcoming performers from across the globe—from Peru and Spain to Japan, the UK, and Cuba—the Alex has quickly become a cultural hub celebrating community, creativity, and the transformative power of the arts. Visit thealex.com for more information.

About DJ Lance Rock

DJ Lance Rock became a pop culture icon through his role on Yo Gabba Gabba! Known for his colorful energy, infectious positivity, and cross-generational appeal, he continues to inspire audiences through music, performance, and community engagement. More information at djlancerock.org.

About Tom Kenny & The Hi-Seas

Tom Kenny & The Hi-Seas is a high-energy 12-piece rock-and-soul party band known for electrifying live shows. Performing classics by Chuck Berry, Sam Cooke, The Shangri-Las, The Righteous Brothers, and more, they’ve played everywhere from Los Angeles to Tijuana. Learn more at tomkennyandthehiseas.com.

About Shepard Fairey

Shepard Fairey is a world-renowned street artist, graphic designer, and activist, recognized for works such as the “Andre the Giant Has a Posse” campaign and the iconic “Hope” poster. His DJ sets draw from punk, skate culture, and underground energy, creating immersive audio-visual experiences. More information at obeygiant.com.

About Bob Baker Marionette Theater

Founded in 1963, Bob Baker Marionette Theater is a Los Angeles cultural landmark preserving and innovating the art of puppetry. Through original productions, educational programs, and intergenerational collaborations, the Theater continues Bob Baker’s vision of creativity, joy, and community. Visit bobbakermarionettetheater.com for more.

About Jim McKenzie

Jim McKenzie is an award-winning Burbank-based artist, animator, and director known for his surreal sculptures, stop-motion films, and cinematic art videos. A graduate and former instructor at SVA, McKenzie has directed campaigns for brands including Prada, National Geographic, and H&R Block, and co-created the Super Bowl 50 mascot “Gut Guy.” Learn more at jimmckenzieart.com.

About Sweet Streets

Sweet Streets is a boutique creative consulting firm specializing in girls’ brands, artist management, and creative marketing. Known for collaborations across art, fashion, toys, and music, Sweet Streets champions positive representation, style, and individuality. Learn more at SweetStreetsLA.com.