It’s not the first queer adaptation of Charles Dickens’ Oliver Twist (that would be the 2003 film, Twist, which portrayed Oliver as a modern day street hustler) nor is it the first musical version (that would be Oliver!, which was first brought to the London stage in 1960 before being remade as a beloved film in 1968).

But Twist, a new musical opening next month at LA’s Avery Schreiber Theatre, is, however, the first queer musical retelling of the classic story. Featuring a catchy collection of pop-rock songs composed by Paul Leschen (writer for the Scissor Sisters) and witty lyrics and book by Gila Sand, Twist has earned a collection of honors including a nomination for Outstanding Music at this year’s Drama Desk Awards.

Theatermania.com provides a summary:

By turns outrageous, provocative, and emotionally riveting, Twist weaves Victorian erotica, dark comedy and gender-bending into Dickens's famous tale as it re-imagines Oliver as an attractive young man, still searching for love, but driven by physical desire. Whether submitting to punishment at the Workhouse, or succumbing to the charms of a flirtatious Artful Dodger, Twist is always begging for more.

Set in London's late 1800s, Twist's journeys land him in underworld household of prostitutes and pickpockets, ruled over by Fagin, a stunning male dominatrix with a nasty temper. A unique retelling of a classic, Twist entertains with exquisite drag, arch wit, a bit of kink and a catchy set of new contemporary songs. Yet the show remains surprisingly true to Oliver Twist, a coming-of-age tale of loneliness, craving, adventure, and finally, redemption.

You can listen to several of the musical’s catchy songs at the Twist website and an additional number, "Sucker" (which happens to be my favorite) at the official MySpace page.

Twist opens on December 1st and plays every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday through the 29th . Tickets can be purchased in advance at Theatermania.com.

I’ve included a few more pictures of sexy newcomer Brandon Ruckdashel, as Oliver, and transgender actress Alexandra Billings, as Fagin, after the jump.