Stephen Sondheim Theatre, NYC

His fans may have aged, but somehow Pee-wee Herman, aka Paul Reubens, has somehow managed to avoid the ravages of time. Appearing for the first time on Broadway in a revamped version of the live show that first garnered him fame nearly three decades ago, the actor’s singular, iconic creation proves ready to conquer yet another world.

It’s amazing that, in his late fifties, Reubens would still be capable of credibly playing the oversized man/child with the too tight clothes. But the still lanky actor has retained the physicality and, more importantly, the manic energy that endeared the character to children of all ages.

It immediately becomes clear--judging by the rapturous ovations greeting the appearances of the iconic playhouse set and every familiar character—that neither the passage of time nor a certain scandal have done little to diminish their ardor for the classic “Pee-wee’s Playhouse” television series.

Fans will be relieved to know that all of its elements have been dutifully reprised, including such characters as Miss Yvonne, Cowboy Curtis, Pterri the Pterodactyl, Jambie the Genie and perhaps its most beloved figure, Chairry. Besides Reubens, three of the original performers are on hand to reprise their roles: John Moody (Mailman Mike), John Jaragon (Jambi) and Lynne Marie Stewart (Miss Yvonne). For this show, a new character has also been introduced: Sergio the Handyman (Jesse Garcia), with whom Pee-wee engages in comically fractured Spanish dialogue.

Truth be told, the script, written by Reubens and Paul Steinkellner with additional material by Paragon, is somewhat lacking in true wit. Considering its perfunctory storyline of Pee-wee yearning to fly and the series of lame, adult-directed double entendres, non-fans are likely to be left wondering what all the fuss is about.

The gags--ranging from the classic (Pee-wee’s mantra of “I know you are but what am I?”) to the contemporary (bits about social networking, abstinence rings and such celebs as David Beckham and The Situation)—are hit and miss.

But the show is bursting with visual invention, from David Korin’s faithful replication of the original, garishly colored set to the eye-popping costumes to Basil Twist’s superb puppetry. And there are moments, such as Reubens’ lengthy mimed struggle with a balloon and Pee-wee’s climactic joyful launch into flight, that are undeniably magical.

Whatever quibbles there are to be found, “The Pee-wee Herman Show” represents a triumphant comeback for the indefatigable Reubens and his signature creation, who with any luck will once again grace the big screen.

Stephen Sondheim Theatre, 124 W. 43^rd St. 212-239-6200. Telecharge.com. Through Jan. 2