Ho Ho Ho, 'tis the season to be jolly - or maybe just twisted. There have been a number of alternative versions of classic Charles Dickens. Now I am a great fan of Dickens and I don't really mind seeing my umpteenth version of A Christmas Carol as long as it's good. I even looked forward to a Charles Ludlum-inspired version of Oliver Twist, simply called Twist and currently playing at the Avery Schreiber Theatre in NoHo (North Hollywood). The show has been nominated for the 2007 Drama Desk Award for Outstanding Music and was the winner of the Midtown International Theatre Festival Award for Best Book, Music, and Lyrics. I found it to be a rather mixed bag.

The best things about the show were certain performances and the universal vocal talent of the cast. The show is basically an S&M version of the classic story. Here, Oliver is a sort of male fatale, irresistible to all whom he encounters, provoking them to tie him up, whip him, and generally abuse him. Remember the line "Please Sir, can I have some more?" Expand that idea into abuse and make Oliver a glad recipient and you have the idea. The conceit is quite funny and Brandon Ruckdashel, who plays Oliver, more than fits the bill. He is a great-looking chap with a terrific voice and good acting chops. He even provoked an audience member to throw women's panties at him during the curtain call. He is a great find.

Top billing goes to the transsexual artist Alexandra Billings. I am a great fan of hers; she has a wonderful presence and a voice that knocks you out of the theatre. She also has an awareness of an audience's expectations and its questions about her person, and approaches her roles with a wry exuberance which walks the line between feminine sensuality and male power. She is building an adoring following, which is great. I first saw her at the same theatre in a one-woman show with only a few people in the audience. Now she is given billing over the title, and the house was full in part because of her.

The other outstanding performer was Chris Carlisle as Dodger. He may have the best voice of the lot, though Billings, Ruckdashel, and Justin Mortelliti (who plays Bill Sikes) are all excellent singers. Carlisle's love duet with Ruckdashel at the end (yes, they find true love amidst all the whips, chains, and cross-dressing) is quite moving.

My basic caveat is that the direction is sloppy and undisciplined. Granted, it is hard to pull off a production like this in the confines of a small theatre space, but then extra care needs to be taken. The recorded music was also difficult, at times, for the singers to match. The songs were good, with some amusing lyrics, and the little choreography, including a male on male ballet, by Matt Valle was more than serviceable.

Well, I don't mean to be a Scrooge, and want to end by saying that the audience ate it up, and this may be just the show for you in these twisted times. Twist runs through Dec. 30 at the Avery Schreiber Theatre.