A cartoon come to life: That’s ‘Yo Gabba Gabba’

By JOHN BENSON

entertainment@vindy.com

For those Gen Xers who grew up with Saturday morning cartoons from the wild imagination of H.R. Pufnstuf and Hanna-Barbera, there’s a new children’s show that aspires to reach such creative heights for today’s youth.

Welcome to the world of “Yo Gabba Gabba!,” which debuted in 2007 and instantly became a Nick Jr. hit with its unique characters, amazing colors and modern elements. Created by Scott Schultz and Christian Jacobs, the Emmy Award- winning show has become a cultural phenomenon.

“We’ve definitely created an alternative version of our universe, one that is a lot more colorful and exciting and fun,” said Schultz, calling from New York City. “But it still kind of references a weigh station of things from the past and, more specifically, our past of someone who is in their late 30s. I think Pufnstuf is a great analogy, because these days there are not a lot of live-action shows that really have a cartoon sensibility with colors and simplified characters and a re-imagined world. It’s kind of like a cartoon come to life.”

Already a success on television with the preschool crowd (rumor has it college kids even dig its kooky vibe and penchant for showcasing popular actors and cool bands such as Jack Black, Andy Samberg, MGMT, The Shins, The Roots, et al.), “Yo Gabba Gabba!” now is taking its natural next step with its first venture into a live children’s theater tour. “Yo Gabba Gabba! Live! There’s a Party in My City” rolls into Northeast Ohio for two shows show Oct. 6 at the State Theatre in Cleveland.

In addition to characters Muno, Foofa, Brobee, Toodee and Plex on stage, theatergoers will see the Super Music Friends Show and Dancey Dance segments, as well as hip-hop legend Biz “Just a Friend” Markie teaching kids how to beatbox with “Biz’s Beat of the Day.” So how exactly did the somewhat forgotten New York City rapper Markie become a regular?

“For our show, we wanted to get simplistic kind of beats and things that we thought kids really responded to,” Schultz said. “We were dreaming, wouldn’t be it awesome to have Biz on our show. So when he showed up for the pilot, we got to talking, and he said he really wanted to be the new Mr. Rogers. He said he wanted to teach kids how to beatbox. We were just stunned and thought, ‘Let’s do it.’”

Even though this may seem like it came out of left field, Markie said his ultimate goal is to illuminate kids about their own skills.

“Biz is for the kids,” said Markie, via an e-mail Q&A. “I make it work. I’m a pocket full of fun. Someone has got to teach the kids how to have fun naturally, not electronically.”

Finally, there’s something about “Yo Gabba Gabba!” that is just different from quintessential children’s television. Schultz thinks he knows exactly what that is.

“Looking at it from the outside, the people can genuinely get a sense that this show is creatively driven and has a personality and a tone and a vibe,” Schultz said. “We’re very selective and want to bring the best animation, music, celebrities. I think people see it’s something substantial. I remember as a kid growing up watching ‘Sesame Street’ and feeling how amazing this is with mind-bending animation and stop-motion things. I think some of the parents can understand that, and the kids on a basic level can identify with the basic fun of our show and the music. There’s only so much Raffi and The Wiggles, which I’m not knocking. That’s great, but at some point you want a broader spectrum.”