'Firebird' proves hottest children's show of the season

GRADE: A

“The Firebird” by Simpich Showcase

When: 2:30 p.m. Wednesdays, Saturdays and Sundays, 7 p.m. Fridays through March 21

Where: Simpich Showcase, 2413 W. Colorado Ave.

Tickets: $8-$12; 1-719-465-2492

Think of fairy tales and you probably think of Hans Christian Andersen or the Brothers Grimm. But there’s a whole wealth of fairy tales beyond the ones told by these timeless masters.

For his latest marionette production, David Simpich brings to life one of those tales that everyone’s heard of but nobody knows, a Russian story named “The Firebird” — with a little Grimm mixed in.

The story is about a greedy tsar with three sons. The oldest is brooding and selfish, the second less than bright, and the third intelligent and brave. When a rare creature known as the Firebird steals the golden fruit that’s thought to secure the prosperity of the kingdom, the tsar promises his throne to the son who can bring the bird back. They all head off to try, and the third son, as you might guess, has several exciting adventures along the way.

It’s one of Simpich’s most child-friendly productions. There are the endearing characters — besides the humans there’s a friendly wolf, an adorable mouse and a lively firefly — as well as the usual amazing array of voices. And this time, he piles on plenty of action and humor.

But Simpich doesn’t stop there. As we reach the climax of the story, he adds a twist of his own that not only took me completely by surprise, but gives the story a whole new layer that’s almost heartbreaking in its poignancy and depth. And, of course, the sheer beauty of the puppets is something that will captivate young and old alike.

It’s a play that has something for everyone — a rare creature in itself. And, like the Firebird, one well worth pursuing.