Animaniacs in Concert @ The Alex Theatre, Glendale (02/21/26)

Featuring: Rob Paulsen (Yakko), Randy Rogel (Composer), & Maurice LaMarche (Brain)

Greetings!

All these years later, I still truly miss Saturday Morning Cartoons. We used to be glued to the network TV stations each week for those joyfully and fantastically innocent, some what zany, animated blocks. One of my favorites was WB Kids' hallmark - Animaniacs - that blended smart satirically comedy and music to create memorable segments... that are still being utilized in our life nowadays. Timeless earworms that I reach for in my educational tool box any chance we get.

So it was great to hear the insider stories behind the animated TV show from legendary Producer Randy Rogel and Voice Actor Rob Paulsen as they revived Animaniacs on stage once more. The two... really three (Special Guest: Maurice LaMarche) ... man show chronicled the history of their careers alongside the rise, fall, and quick reemergence of the Warner Bros, their sister Dot, and those two evil mice... Pinky & The Brain. Total fanservices for the audience who grew up alongside their characters and anthems.

Randy & Rob pretty much showcased all the fan favorite tunes throughout Act I while switching totally by Act II, which actually focused more on another WB collaboration... the long lost Historical Education musical cartoon - Histeria! This fan couldn't remember anything about it sadly. This ended up being recommended listening before getting rewarded with two versions of "Yakko's World" to cap off the evening. Rob sang the original 1995 version and the 2020s update featuring all the new countries that rose after the former Soviet Union nations evolved over the years. Impressive feat from the legend.

Visiting the historic Alex Theatre for the first time heightened the experience immensely as well. I spent a few minutes reading their timeline that chronicled all their classic Hollywood achievements before taking our seats for the night. Sometimes I forget that these landmarks existed long before I arrived in this world. Stardust that carries legacy.

We capped off the evening picking up sweets and sandwiches over at the Los Angeles' bakery staple - Porto's - a block away from the Theatre. You're missing out if you've never experienced their impressive Cuban Pastries and Cuisine. I ate my Medianoche (a special late-night Cubano with soft, sweet egg dough bread) under the kitchen light once arriving home. The perfect end to a wonderful LA night.

Enjoy the candid photos! More music & words soon!