Romeo & Zooliet is a family-friendly stage adaptation produced exclusively for the Saint Louis Zoo. In partnership with the St. Louis Shakespeare Festival, the production features dazzling animal puppetry by world-renowned Michael Curry Design, known for its work on Broadway’s “The Lion King” and “Frozen” along with Olympic and Super Bowl ceremonies.

This clever tail 🐅 tells the story of animals inside the Saint Louis Zoo mounting their own production of Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet. In this animal-centered version, the Montagues are herbivores and the Capulets are carnivores. Can Romeo, a prairie dog, and Juliet, a grizzly bear, cross the biological divide and become best friends?

GET TICKETS! stlzoo.org/shakespeare

Animal Puppetry

With over 35 years of experience in immersive puppetry and scenic design, Michael Curry Design brings their award-winning expertise to St. Louis. Known for their work with Disney and Universal, the team is now crafting life-sized puppets exclusively for Romeo & Zooliet.

Expect to see:

• Furry tails, scaly skin, and vibrant textures

• Elizabethan-inspired costumes fit for the forest floor or the savanna

• Characters that walk, crawl, fly, dance—and yes, even sword fight

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📸 Sneak Peek: Go behind the scenes as these puppets come to life!
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Set Design

What if Zoo animals staged a Shakespearean play? Scenic designer Scott C. Neale answers that question with a vibrant, playful set filled with color, character, and creativity.

His immersive stage design creates the perfect backdrop—capturing the wild spirit of the Zoo and the timeless drama of Shakespeare, reimagined through the eyes of animals and children alike.

Costume Design

While the puppets take center stage, the performers who bring them to life are just as captivating—thanks to the imaginative costume design of Raquel Adorno.

Known for her bold, theatrical vision and intricate detailing, Raquel blends Elizabethan flair with contemporary character to create costumes that complement the puppets while celebrating the humans behind them. Her designs reflect each animal’s essence, transforming actors into vibrant extensions of their wild counterparts.

Script Adaptation

The script for Romeo & Zooliet is packed with witty dialogue, animal puns, and clever twists.
Playwright Jennifer Joan Thompson has skillfully adapted the original tragedy into a joyful, Zoo-inspired tale—featuring characters based on real Saint Louis Zoo animals and filled with local St. Louis references.

This is Shakespeare like you’ve never seen it before: playful, punny, and perfect for the whole family.