Andrew O. McKinn
Born and raised in Phoenix, AZ, Andrew has always had a natural ability to entertain. His first foray into performance was in the eighth-grade talent show in the role of ‘Cheech’ in the skit, Earache My Eye. His second was later that year at his eighth-grade graduation when he gave a farewell speech in which he comically impersonated each teacher’s well-known catch-phrase—well, at least well-known to the students! Ever since, Andrew felt relatively natural in front of a crowd, and throughout high school, a six-year active duty stint in the Marines, his time at university, a three-month backpacking European journey, and the many years it took to become an accomplished pool player, he always has kept his sights on the stage.
Talented, organized, and always determined to succeed, Andrew brings nearly 25 years of various performance experiences in acting, juggling, and dance. He considers himself to be a performance artist with an ability to take on any type of role.
His formal training includes ballet with the Academy of Ballet in Tucson, AZ; jazz tap under the instruction of the late Ardie Bryant (“The Ambassador of Tap”) in Los Angeles, CA; and various on-camera acting workshops with Fosi’s Talent Agency in Tucson, AZ. Some stage work includes ‘Paul Sycamore’ in You Can’t Take It With You, the ‘Second soldier’ in Salomé, and ‘Tío Diego’ (‘Uncle Drosselmeyer’) in A Southwest Nutcracker. Not surprisingly, his physical antics were honed during his “Boo Boo the Clown” years.
Andrew’s journey as The Musical Puppeteer® began when a continued passion to perform, a desire to create new art, and an uncanny imagination all coincided. Determined to engage audiences with music and story, he purchased a Dolly Parton-like puppet character and presented a show-stopping rendition of “I Will Always Love You.” Today he showcases not only in Arizona but California and Nevada as well with eventual plans of taking his show on a cross-country tour.
Andrew subscribes to the Meisner acting technique by ‘leading with his heart.’ “Yup, I’m a puppeteer, but that doesn’t mean I get silly or overact because both potentially could condescend to the audience. I never try to be funny, but rather just try to keep it real. My emotions and behaviors on stage at any given moment are how I might ‘do it’ in the same real-life situation. I’m sure my adult audiences appreciate that they aren’t subjected to another ‘fanciful’ puppet show.”
Andrew has showcased his noteworthy puppetry to adult audiences and their families since January 2017, and he aims to take his show as far as it will take him. As a Marine Corps veteran, his ultimate dream is to become a permanent featured entertainer for military families, friends, guests, and associates at one of the world’s Armed Forces Recreation Centers.
In the meantime, and to “give back” to a military that has made a long-lasting impact on him, Andrew occasionally plays at various Veterans Hospitals. Although not strictly a military show, there are several moments throughout the performance that celebrate the “military spirit.” All told, audiences will find that Andrew’s talents, creativity, versatility, and unending energy are on full display in The Musical Puppeteer®.
The characters
A precocious little rascal with no proper birth certificate. However, his incorrigible behavior might indicate that he just graduated into his “terrible twos.” He often ponders his future if only to be prepared for it. Enjoy your childhood, Li’l D; we’ll still need you and feed you when you’re 64.
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.” Call him the “Chairman of the Board.” Just don’t call him late for his turn on stage. He stuns audiences with an uncanny resemblance to “Ol’ Blue Eyes” (wink, wink). 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 free-spirited ostrich that hails from the heart of Africa has set his sights on becoming a Frank Sinatra tribute singer. Frankie recently gave this energetic and mischievous bird the honor of performing “You Make Me Feel So Young” and “Come Fly With Me.” Ossie delivers with some creative, upbeat, and pesky renditions!
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!
The only dancer in the group. This former jazz tap master is always ready to entertain audiences. Ardie has traveled extensively and vows to tell everyone all about the interesting people he has met. His “international mindset” gives him a unique perspective on just how wonderful the world is.
This “great white,” whose name means ‘shark’ in Hawaiian, has been the subject of many-a-missing person in the Pacific Ocean. No doubt, Manō has something up his sleeve (or rather, inside his stomach). But the jig is up, and we’re confident he’ll be exposed as the killer he is!
This happily-single, 40-something “Cougar” goes through life with a penchant for non-committal fun. Her one failed marriage taught her about life’s hardships. At this point, she quips, “why bother taking care of a man, when a man will take care of me?” Sounds like she’s looking for a big spender. Alright, okay, you win, Suzanne!
A former Vegas poker 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-playing rules, Red will point that out quickly. What he won’t tell you is when to fold your hand. That’s entirely up to you.
A 9-year-old kid in pajamas landing a piano gig at a cocktail lounge? Go figure. Because he can be as stubborn as his older sister, Lily T. (below), he won’t play unless he gets a toy. Stevie practices when he can, and therefore often finds himself alone in the lounge — naturally. That as it may be, he wishes he were 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; for example, men posing as women!
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 dare not ask why he went in. His rendition of Nessun Dorma is quite passionate, if unexpected.
Meet our ageless prima donna, DeeDee. Her Habanera inspires audiences and highlights her passion and grace. Forever the realist, she admits true love always lies beyond our reach. Her advice? Leave that “smooth operator,” get past the pain, and build yourself another wall of love.
Our 75-year-old retired teacher and former bus driver has taught English all over the world. His wide breadth of knowledge, has made him a beacon for others to learn by. Antonio is on his way home and hopes that he’ll be welcomed with open arms–only time will tell.
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, his love is never requited. We argue this vignette has one of the most unexpected endings!
This intelligent yet rambunctious chimp was handpicked at the San Diego Zoo. Our goal is to train Simi in the “barber arts,” but we soon learn that he doesn’t have what it takes to handle a coiffure because of his “monkeying around.” Still, his Largo al Factotum packs 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 just around the corner. This 50-year-old buckaroo hides his true feelings behind facial expressions. Make no mistake though, partner, he’s a real cowboy!
This dapper and furry monster hails from West Lothian, Scotland. A relative late-bloomer, Graham prides himself in wearing the traditional Scottish outfit (complete with a sporran) and in showcasing his “eyebrow flash.” He prefers to eat every meal at his favorite café–don’t ask me why.
A country girl from Kentucky who just turned 21 for the third time! Huh? Lilly T. is already feeling the grind in her girl Friday position. Although her father instilled good work habits in her (and in her younger brother, Stevie [above]), she feels that a 9-5 job isn’t all it’s cracked up to be. Perhaps she’s just too big for her britches.
Originally from Dallas, TX, this 35-year-old cowgirl was born with a heart of gold. Dolly is forever the hopeless romantic and is determined to find that one guy that truly knows what makes her tick. Whoever that lucky guy turns out to be will hear her say to him, “I will always love you.”
This hitherto folk singer from Oklahoma is quite experienced –for better or for worse– with respect to the opposite sex. Woody offers helpful insights into the realities of relationships. He outlines the fifty ways to leave a lover and explains how an old flame once cleverly escaped his clutches by “snail mail.”