MUCH to the delight of stage fans, Shenzhen Poly Theater has released their schedule for the year ahead. Between Jan. 12 and 14, an expat cast will interpret the classic Stephen King story “The Shawshank Redemption” in the form of a Chinese-language drama. Mark Rowswell, better known by his Chinese name Dashan, will play Red, a friend of the male lead Andy and the narrator of the story. Between Feb. 1 and 4, “Poetic Dance: The Journey of a Legendary Landscape Painting,” a dance show inspired by the ancient Chinese painting “A Panorama of Mountains and Rivers,” will revisit the local stage. Co-directed by top Chinese choreographers Han Zhen and Zhou Liya, two other dance shows — “Du Fu” and spy thriller “The Eternal Waves” — will also be staged, although no detailed information is currently available. Between Feb. 23 and 24, Chinese actress Deng Jiajia will headline the stage drama “Memories of Matsuko,” based on a 2006 film with a surreal and humorous touch that is about the life of a woman who was mistreated and forgotten by her family and society. In March, two Chinese-language dramas will grace the theater, including “Yinding Bridge,” a con story from renowned director Lin Zhaohua and “The Face of Chiang Kai-shek,” a satire rated 8.8 points out of 10 on Douban, a rating site that is the Chinese rough equivalent of the Rotten Tomatoes site. At the end of March, “Awakening Lion,” a dance show by Guangzhou Song and Dance Theater, will meet the local audience, telling the story of two lion dance performers set against the backdrop of the First Opium War. Between April 19 and 21, the original French musical “Don Juan” will be staged. The theater has also announced plans for another two original musicals: “Mozart, the Rock Opera,” a French pop spectacle about the life of the classical composer, and “Notre Dame de Paris,” based on Victor Hugo’s classic novel. Between May 18 and 19, the theater will present a Chinese-language drama adapted from Hugo’s classic novel “Les Miserables.” Faithful to the original book, the show employs modern technologies and innovative stage sets to bring out the essence of the story. Also scheduled for May is the Chinese version of the South Korean musical “Fan Letter,” which premiered in 2016 and quickly took the country by storm. Set in early 20th-century Kaeseong, Korea, during Japanese colonial rule, “Fan Letter” is an original musical that tells the story between influential author Hae-jin and his fan and assistant Se-hun, who also aspires to be a writer. Between Aug. 16 and 17, a Chinese musical adaptation of Osamu Dazai’s semi-autobiographical 1948 novel “No Longer Human” will revisit the theater. This show which premiered at the end of 2021 in Shanghai won rave reviews from critics and audiences alike. Between Sept. 19 and 22, the original Chinese musical “Hamlet” produced by veteran director Xu Jun’s studio will be staged, promising a contemporary take on the Shakespeare classic. In October, a stage drama inspired by the beloved animated characters of “PAW Patrol” will be a joyful affair for family audiences. The young ones will learn some precious life lessons as they hum along to familiar tunes. The theater has also prepared concerts for special occasions and from pop musicians such as Zhang Yuan and U.S. rock-pop band Mr. Mister. Booking: WeChat account “SZpolytheatre” Venue: Shenzhen Poly Theater, Nanshan District (深圳保利劇院) Metro: Line 2 or 11 to Houhai Station (后海站), Exit E (Li Dan) | 