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Early Book Review: The Stratford Zoo Midnight Revue Presents Macbeth by Ian Lendler and Zack Giallongo



The Stratford Zoo Midnight Revue Presents Macbeth is a graphic novel by Ian Lendler and Zack Giallongo. It is currently scheduled for release on September 30, 2014. The Stratford Zoo might look like a normal zoo, but when the zoo closes for the night the animals perform, and watch, Shakespeare's greatest works. While they are not all great actors, or audience members, the have heart and the basic gist of Macbeth complete with murder, madness, and plenty of ketchup. 

The Stratford Zoo Midnight Revue Presents Macbeth is a fun look at a piece of classic literature with a twist. While certain plot points and details are not quite what literature majors and scholars remember, it is a fun and entertain entry to the world of Shakespeare for young readers. The fact that is it a graphic novel, with animals and plenty of laughs, will draw in reluctant readers and hopefully get some youngsters interested in Shakespeare. A lion plays the role of Macbeth, and rather than straight murder he devours his victims, with lots and lots of ketchup. Because we all know that ketchup can make just about any meal more appetizing, right?  There are remarks from the audience, and everyone comes out all right in the end despite being eaten earlier. All in all the story is fun, with pictures that offer humorous and important details, while imparting the basic themes and ideas of the original play. 

The Stratford Zoo Midnight Revue Presents Macbeth and its story of after-hours animal stagecraft is paired with adorable and accessible artwork. I think that this book just might be the gateway for some reactant readers to develop interest in theater in general, and possibly Shakespeare. I look forward to Romeo and Juliet coming out as book two in this new series of graphic novels for young readers. 

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