Andrew O. McKinn
A performance artist who moves in harmony
and in emotional conversation with each puppet character
and the world within the musical story.
Andrew is an Arizona-based performance artist whose work is defined by music-driven visual storytelling, emotional precision, and a grounded stage presence. His artistic identity was shaped by six years of Marine Corps service, various theatre work, academic study, and travels in Europe, Asia, and the Pacific — experiences that formed an actor who is observant, disciplined, and emotionally honest. These influences didn’t just prepare him for his current craft; they shaped the internal architecture of the performer that he became: controlled, responsive, sincere, and fully present inside the emotional world of each piece.
With more than 25 years of performance experience — including acting, movement, and juggling — Andrew developed a technical foundation that anchors his current work. His performance timing began at the Academy of Ballet in Tucson, AZ, was refined under tap legend Ardie Bryant in Los Angeles, and was further expanded through on-camera workshops with Fosi’s Talent Agency. A few of his stage roles — from Paul Sycamore (You Can’t Take it With You) to the Second Soldier (Salomé) to Tío Diego (A Southwest Nutcracker) — reflect a performer who moves with intention and emotional clarity. Even his early work as Boo Boo the Clown contributed to the physical instincts and timing that now define his visual-musical performance craft.
Andrew’s path toward The Musical Puppeteer emerged from a convergence of disciplined craft, a desire to build a new art form, and an imagination that refused to stand still. Seeking a way to merge character, music, and emotional truth, he introduced a Dolly Parton-inspired puppet into his work and developed a heartfelt rendition of “I Will Always Love You.” That experiment revealed the expressive potential of his evolving style and became the foundation for his fully realized creative method — one he now showcases across Arizona, California, and Nevada, with plans to expand into a national tour.
“When I hear music, I see movement – I see a story unfolding in real time,” Andrew explains. “Puppetry, acting, and carefully chosen props are just a few of the performance tools that give the music a physical and visual heartbeat. They allow audiences not just to hear a song, but to see it — and ideally, experience it in a new way.”
His performance philosophy is rooted in the Meisner principle of leading with the heart, allowing emotional truth — not exaggeration — to guide every moment on stage. “Yup, I’m a puppeteer,” he says, “but that doesn’t mean I get silly or overact. That would talk down to the audience. I never try to be funny; I try to be real. My reactions on stage are the same ones I’d have in a real-life situation.” This grounded approach ensures that adult audiences experience a style that stays honest even at its most expressive — they encounter authentic behavior, emotional clarity, and a performer committed to truth over theatrics.
Since 2016, Andrew has presented his work to adult audiences and their families across the Southwest, steadily refining a performance style that resonates across generations. Although not strictly a military-themed show, the production includes thoughtfully placed tributes that honor the military community and its spirit. His primary goal, inspired by his military background, is to become a featured entertainer for families, guests, and associates at one of the Armed Forces Recreation Centers. Across all settings, his work connects, comforts, and brings joy to his audiences: The Musical Puppeteer showcases Andrew’s dedication to authenticity and a belief in the power of music-driven visual performance to uplift, connect, reflect, and to inspire.
Characters
A precocious rascal with no proper birth certificate, his incorrigible behavior is a clear sign that he just graduated into his terrible twos. He often ponders his future — if only to be prepared. Enjoy your childhood, Li’l D; we’ll still need you, and feed you, when you’re sixty-four.
We claim that only The King can pay homage to “The King.” Audiences love his style and piercing blue eyes. There’s no telling how hot things will get once he takes the microphone. We’re willing to bet it’ll be a medley of fire, flowers, and food. Hey, a man’s gotta eat, ya know?
Call him “The Voice” or the “Chairman of the Board,” but just don’t call him late for his turn on stage. He stuns audiences with his resemblance to “Ol’ Blue Eyes.” Frankie showcases the big hits like “That’s Life,” “One For My Baby,” “Luck Be a Lady,” “My Way,” and of course, “New York, New York.”
This energetic and mischievous ostrich that hails from the heart of Africa has set his sights on becoming a Frank Sinatra tribute singer. Frankie did the honor of allowing Ossie to perform “You Make Me Feel So Young” and “Come Fly With Me.” He delivers with an upbeat and pesky soul!
A big macaw with a big heart. He’s quite the handful! He dreams of a place where the rivers flow of margaritas and the beaches are filled with beautiful people. Jimmy has a secret he’ll tell anyone who’ll listen. What is it? He has the inside scoop on where that “lost shaker of salt” is — and it ain’t pretty!
This former jazz tap master is always ready to entertain audiences. Ardie has traveled extensively and loves to talk about the interesting people he has met and all the fun games they play. His “international mindset” gives him a unique perspective on just how wonderful the world truly is.
“Police!” This wayward “great white,” whose name befits his behavior, has a reputation for causing chaos up and down the California coast. Chompy is always causing trouble — knocking over surfboards, stealing articles of clothing, and stirring up mischief wherever he goes. But the jig is up — he’s definitely hiding something!
This divorced and now happily-single, 40-something “Cougar” goes through life with a flair for independence and fun. She often quips, “At this point, why bother taking care of everyone else when I can finally enjoy taking care of me?” Sounds like she’s looking for a big spender — whoever that may be. Alright, okay, you win, Suzanne!
A former Vegas dealer from Phoenix who loves Arizona! He didn’t enjoy the fast-paced life of “Sin City” because, at 30 years old, he’s still afraid of his own shadow! However, should you break any poker rules, Red will point that out quickly. What he won’t tell you is when to fold your hand. That’s entirely on you.
A 9-year-old in pajamas playing piano in a cocktail lounge? Don’t ask me why. He can be as stubborn as his older sister, Lily T. (below), and won’t play unless he gets a toy — naturally. That as it may be, Stevie continues to practice the major scales in order to someday become a real “piano man.”
Meet our resident fool; he brings color, charm, and mystique to the stage. He’ll be the first to tell you how grateful he is to be a jester, what he gets to mask his eyes instead of his nose and mouth! Watch out for those whom Motley might have influenced to go incognito as well!
An orangutan with a desire to traverse outer space? It’s gonna be a long, long time before that ever happens because he’s got to get off the ground first –or in this case, out of the trees. Everything is ready for take off, but the problem is Sam hasn’t learned the most important thing: how to be a “rocket man.”
Our nonagenarian from Kentucky. Forrest worked the railroads for over 35 years. Interestingly enough, his fondest memories come from his six-year bid at Folsom Prison — we’ll take his word for it. His rendition of Nessun Dorma is quite yearnful, if a little unexpected.
Meet the tennis pro-turned-prima donna. Her Habanera inspires audiences and highlights her passion and grace (or lack of it). Dee Dee admits true love always lies beyond our reach. Her advice? Leave that “smooth operator” and build another wall of love. Or better yet, just ask Santa Baby!
Our 75-year-old retired teacher has taught English all over the world. It’s been a long, tough road, and he has had quite the workload. Antonio has done “his time” and is finally going home. He hopes to be welcomed back with open arms — who knows how he’ll be received.
An easygoing hapa haole gentleman living near Hana on the island of Maui. Semi-retired at a youthful 60 years, Kane makes the rare appearance with his heartfelt love story. Alas, he learns his love is unrequited. We argue this vignette has the most unexpected ending!
This rambunctious chimp was handpicked at the San Diego Zoo. The goal was to train him in the “barber arts,” but we soon learn that Simi can’t handle a coiffure. Despite all the monkeying around, his Largo al Factotum never fails to pack a punch. “Ah, bravo, Figaro!”
You wanna try a hula in Kealakekua, Hawai’i? This dolphin certainly knows how to get you dancing, but don’t be fooled by this fair-weather bottlenose friend. Sure, we might don the leis and play the music, but all bets are off once Flip catches sight of a humuhumu nukunuku apua’a!
Born and raised on a Texas ranch, Rex has lost out on love too may times to count. He can’t commit because he’s sure “the one” is always just around the corner. At 50, this buckaroo hides more than he lets on behind those facial expressions. Make no mistake, partner, he’s a real cowboy.
Originally from Dallas, TX, this 35-year-old cowgirl was born with a heart of gold. Dolly is a hopeless romantic, determined to find the one man who truly understands what makes her tick. And when she finally finds him, that lucky fella will hear her say, “I will always love you.”
A girl from Detroit that just turned 21 for the third time–huh? Lilly T. is already feeling the grind at her Girl Friday position. Her father instilled strong work habits in her and her younger brother, Stevie (above), but she’s starting to think a “9 to 5” isn’t all it’s cracked up to be. Perhaps it’s time to move on?
This hitherto folk singer from Oklahoma is well-versed — for better or worse — in matters of the opposite sex. Woody offers his own brand of insight into the realities of relationships. He outlines the fifty ways to leave a lover and recalls how an old flame once cleverly escaped his clutches by “snail mail.”