by Aya Hashiguchi Clark

Here’s something different for the holidays: Burien Actors Theatre is performing a comedy parody, affectionately spoofing the works of Charles Dickens this Christmas season.

A Christmas Twist takes two of Dickens’ most famous stories, A Christmas Carol and Oliver Twist, and tosses it “into a high-spirited blender with plenty of pop culture and a cast of characters that includes Little Orphan Annie.”

Ebenezer Scrooge meets Oliver Twist and Orphan Annie? Now, you’re getting the idea.

Would Dickens be turning over in his grave? Or, would his laughter be spreading holiday cheer throughout the cemetery?

The good folks at BAT are attempting to answer this puzzling question, and are doing it with plenty of enthusiasm and comic bravado.

The mashed-up plot begins like this: The criminal Fagin (John Lynch), leader of the pickpocketing orphans of London, is visited by Mr. Bumble (Tim Takechi), who runs the cruel workhouse for orphans (you know, the one of the “Please sir, I want some more” fame).

Apparently, the work house has an unruly child named Tiny Twist (Mark Gladding) that they cannot control. Fagin is asked to take in the urchin and teach him the art of picking pockets. Placed under the tutelage of the most capable orphan Annie (Anna Richardson), Tiny is sent out to the streets of London to learn his new trade.

Meanwhile, Ebenezer Scrooge (Madeline Nutting) is spreading his bah-humbug throughout London. Denying his humble clerk Bob Cratchit (Adam Hegg) coal for a fire to heat the office, Scrooge also dismisses any chance to give to charity or to acknowledge Christmas at all. He is, coincidentally, the owner of the work house run by his nephew Bumble.

Scrooge is the owner of the despicable work house that enslaved the poor of London? Ah yes....but wait. The plot thickens (which, amazingly, rhymes with “dickens”)....

Back on the streets of London, Tiny Twist tries his hand (get it, “hand?”) at picking pockets, and attempts to steal from the amiable clerk Bob Cratchit. Tiny fails miserably, but ends up being adopted by Bob and his wife Emily (Melissa McAlerney). After all, everyone knows the Cratchits have a son they call Tiny, don’t they?

And the rest of the story....well, if you know anything of A Christmas Carol or Oliver Twist, you can both predict and be surprised by what happens next. And that’s what makes it so much fun.

Director Ken Holmes has brought in some energetic and entertaining talent for this holiday parody. Madeline Nutting is a pleasant surprise as Scrooge. A woman playing literature’s favorite miser is comic gold, and Nutty proves herself to be one of the strongest performers in this piece.

A Christmas Twist features 7 actors playing 18 characters. Several actors shine in playing multiple roles. Anna Richardson brings to life Orphan Annie, Belle (the lost love of Scrooge’s life) and the Ghost of Christmas Present, among other characters. Melissa McAlerney plays Emily Cratchit and the Ghost of Christmas Past. It is hard to believe only two capable actresses contributed so many enjoyable characters to the story.

A special shout-out to Tim Takechi as Mr. Bumble and the Gravedigger. His comic timing and various British accents earned him praise from BAT staff and us devoted fans.

Live music by Allan Loucks added to the fun and humor. Michelle Grave’s costuming was spot on, as usual.

Doug Armstong, Keith Cooper and Maureen Morley’s comedy spoof runs through Dec. 20. Online ticketing is available at www.burienactorstheatre.org. Tickets run from $10 - 20.

Don’t wait to get your tickets. They’ll go fast, and If you miss out, it might hurt like the Dickens.