Those who have sat in a restaurant, exasperated because they can’t get the waiter's attention, could have it much worse, especially if they are an ant.

Can’t get to sleep? Try being a hippo with insomnia.

For those that have shared the everyday frustration of being human, Imago Theatre from Portland is bringing it to the center stage through the eyes of animals and insects.

On May 22, the Imago Theatre will bring ZooZoo, a mix of the classic Frogz production as well as new material from Biglittlethings. This is the first time the internationally known theatre company has brought its show to Salem since 2007.

“We have a pretty big following in Salem and thought it was time to return,” said Artistic Co-Director Jerry Mouawad.

The show is a mix of shorter works, many of which are original for the Salem performance. These shows include hitchhiking rabbits, a frog that can’t jump as high as its fellow frogs, penguins playing musical chairs and even a brown paper bag that seemingly takes on a life of its own.

“It’s about human experiences that we can all relate to,” Mouawad said. “We are tackling the small moments that are big to everything.”

The Imago Theatre is winding down its current season in preparation for a run in New York City, where The New York Times and other major publications have praised the show as a mix of vaudeville, mime and acrobatics.

Despite its outward appearance as a kids’ production, it is meant for all ages, Mouawad assured.

“The work is able to cross cultural and age boundaries,” he said. “We don’t use language. It’s a form that takes a long time to develop.” He said the show is a bit like recent Pixar films such as “Wall-E” where the characters can express humor and emotion through body language.

“It really has a universal appeal,” he said.

The show uses professional actors, who typically stay for 4-5 seasons, although some have more than 10 years of Imago experience. About 50 percent of the performers are from the Portland area while the other 50 percent is from New York. While unintentional, Mouawad said all of them are men at this time.

There will be two shows on May 22 and Mouawad said it will be worth the price of admission.

“It’s an experience you don’t have very often,” he said. “We’re not Cirque du Soleil. It’s more intimate and different. It will certainly alter your artistic perspective.”