In Germany and England, critics have compared "The Thief Lord" to a Dickens tale, probably because of its obvious resemblances to "Oliver Twist."

It was then that Ms. Davis said, "When will my daughter learn about the pain it causes when you manufacture Dickens tales for a big fat advance?"

The update takes the Dickens tale from the top, throws in three Christmas spirits, one of them a Christmas tree and the others creatures that float down from on high.

No doubt he feels liberated from his role as a character in Larry Brown's version of a dark and glum Dickens tale last year, but there is more to it.

Lapsing into a dream world he imagines that his ancestors come alive from their portraits on the wall, transporting him into the Dickens tale.

In fact, the third annual edition of this musical version of the Dickens tale is different in only one significant aspect: better snow.

Here, Magoo is an actor starring as Scooge in a Broadway musical of the Dickens tale.

But there is a lively kiddie version of the Dickens tale, one that very young viewers ought to understand.

This version was adapted from the Dickens tale by Del Tenney, with music by Jordan Rudess.

Yet another adaptation of the Dickens tale - the theater's 14th version - the production opens Saturday and runs through Dec. 27 at the theater on Main Street (928-9100).