A short puppet show put on by the Cleveland State University Groundworks Dance Theater wowed kids of all ages at Playhouse Square in Cleveland on Oct. 13.

Family and friends gathered to watch the performance, which started with the puppets waving and greeting guests from the entrance of the IDEA Center.

“We live on Avenue Q and so do our friends too,” the puppets sang.

Guests were encouraged to dress up in their best monster costume in order to earn two free tickets to Mary Shelley’s “Frankenstein,” currently showing at the Outcalt Theatre at Playhouse Square.

The event also had free food for guests and activities before the performance for children, including drawings, candy, board games and a playground.

The show was a G-rated prelude to "Avenue Q," a raunchy musical the CSU theatre department is currently performing. Given the adults-only nature of "Avenue Q," the family friendly version let parents and their children see the puppets perform.

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"Avenue Q" opened Thursday and runs until Nov. 12. The show is recommended for audiences aged 16 and up, with mature themes, explicit songs, and puppets you won’t see on Sesame Street.

The story follows a college grad named Princeton who moves to New York on Avenue Q, a puppet-filled street much like Sesame Street but with shady people and unfortunate life stories. Throughout the story, there are many lessons, choices, and comic situations the puppets encounter.

"Avenue Q" is playing on the Allen Theatre Mainstage at Playhouse Square. Music and Lyrics are by Robert Lopez and Jeff Marx. The director is Russ Borski and musical direction is by Maria DiDonato.

CSU students can use their CSUID to buy a $5 ticket. Tickets for non-CSU students range from $10-$20, and can be purchased on the Playhouse Square website.

“I will be performing the musical 'Avenue Q' from Nov. 2 to Nov. 11,“ said Trekkie the puppet, an online investor. “So come see the show!"