When artistic director Danny Weathers scheduled the Broadway smash musical, “Avenue Q” as part of the Waterfront Playhouse’s 2017/18 season, he knew one of the big challenges with the show would be the puppets. Part of that challenge would be getting the actors familiar with the art of puppeteering in a short amount of time. As director of the show, Mr. Weathers knew he had to find someone who was versed in puppeteering, as well as the puppet specifics for the adult-themed “Avenue Q.”

Enter the Studios of Key West and TSKW board member, Stephen Kitsakos. Back in the spring, just after announcing the season, Mr. Weathers learned that TSKW was planning to schedule an adult puppeteering class with Jason Jacoby, a cast member in the current New York company. It was a match made in artistic heaven.

Mr. Jacoby has been with the Broadway and Off Broadway production of “Avenue Q” for over four years. In addition to performing, he’s the puppet captain, which means he’s responsible for putting new cast members into the show, as well as keeping the puppeteering running smoothly. He has a wealth of knowledge not only about puppeteering, but also “Avenue Q.”

Mr. Jacoby flew into Key West in late January. His goal was to transform the Waterfront cast of “Avenue Q” into expert puppet masters in two days. Or at least lay the ground work. He kept the sessions fun, informative and productive, helping out with some of the trickier elements of the show. It was invaluable.

The puppets used in the Waterfront production have been rented from the licensing company, Music Theater International and Character Translations, Inc. They are based on the original designs for the New York production of “Avenue Q,” which were created by Rick Lyons, an original cast member.

There are three kinds of puppets used in the Waterfront’s “Avenue Q”: hand operated (a hand runs up through the puppet body and operates the mouth/head movements), one and two rod (metal rods are attached to the hands so the puppeteer can create hand and arm movements, while operating the mouth) and finally two-person puppets for large puppets.

Jason taught the actors the techniques of synchronizing the puppet and puppeteer’s dialogue, how to hold the puppet onstage, puppet eye contact, sexual situations (this IS an adult puppet show) and how to express a puppet’s “emotions.”

Also while in Key West, Jason taught an afternoon class at the TSKW to a group of enthusiastic adults. In the evening, he entertained a packed house of attendees at a fundraiser for TSKW, held at the beautiful home of Maxine Makover and Jack Paul. Jason and Stephen Kitsakos did a 30-minute performance with Jason doing vocals and puppetry, while Mr. Kitsakos accompanied him on the piano, as well as singing with him. Jason is one of Mr. Kitsakos’ former students.

“Avenue Q” has music and lyrics by Jeff Marx and Robert Lopez with the book by Jeff Whitty. It was the winner of the Tony Award for Best Play, Best Score and Best Book. The hilarious musical is part human, part fur and all heart. Please be aware this is NOT a children’s show. It’s rated R for audiences 16 and up due to adult language, themes and full frontal puppet nudity and sex. Entertainment Weekly called it “jaw-droppingly hilarious.”

“Avenue Q” opens on March 2nd and runs to March 25th. Two low-priced previews are on February 28 and March 1. All shows begin at 8 PM. More information is available at www.WaterfrontPlayhouse.org, including tickets. Tickets are also available by calling 305-294-5015.