David Simpich has just announced the schedule for his 2010 season, which features five of the many marionette shows he toured with before finding a permanent home in the new Simpich Showcase Theatre earlier this year. All of the shows are original adaptations (in this case, not an oxymoron) by Simpich himself.

The FirebirdJanuary 27-March 21

Based on the Russian folktale about a magical bird that brings both a blessing and a curse to anyone who captures it.

Portraits: A Gallery on StringsMarch 31-May 16

This show puts the focus on Simpich’s puppetmaking skills with its recreation of noted historical figures including Abraham Lincoln, King David and the Elephant Man.

The Secret GardenMay 26-September 6

Frances Hodgson Burnett’s well-loved novel about a lonely English orphan who discovers a hidden garden as well as other tragedy-tinged mysteries in the Yorkshire mansion where she’s sent to stay.

AesopSeptember 22-November 7

The classic fables brought to life as Aesop–here portrayed as a hunchbacked slave–spies on a forest full of animals.

A Christmas CarolNovember 17-December 30

A lively adaptation of the Dickens holiday classic.

For more information, head to the Simpich web site.

Photo by KIRK SPEER, THE GAZETTE