Robbie Wachs

After years of delay, Chita Rivera: The Dancers Life opened on Broadway last year to tentative reviews and poor box office. It faltered after only a few months

Bww.com critic Robbie Wachs reviews three recent Shakespeare outings in Seattle.

star performance needs strong support. Even the greatest of leading ladies can't save a production boggled by misguided choices. It is too bad that Village Theatre's wonky new production of Hello, Dolly! is never able to live up to its delightful star (in her return to Seattle) Peggy O'Connell. With a solidly tuneful Jerry Herman score, a tight book by Michael Stewart, and opportunities for multiple star turns, you would expect this local revival to be a triumph. Sadly, director Steve Tomkins' tendency to gravitate towards the superficial requires O'Connell to make a difficult uphill climb. Stars of her caliber should never be subjected to this chore.

By now, just about everyone has seen some form of Kander and Ebb's razzle-dazzle musical Chicago. With a successful revival and an even more successful film, the 1975 musical that lost all its Tony Awards to a little show called A Chorus Line is now a worldwide phenomenon. Currently touring the country (and fresh off a stop in Dubai of all places), I am happy to report that Chicago is in fine shape. Though the Rob Marshall screen treatment is quite good, nothing can touch seeing the acclaimed revival live.

Though it features a solid Stephen Schwartz score, the principal success of Pippin was the dynamic staging provided by Bob Fosse. Fosse was able to elevate Roger O. Hirson's paper-thin book far above its mediocrity with inventive movement and a heavy dose of style. 5th Avenue Theatre's gaudy new staging, under the direction of David Armstrong, is further proof that Fosse shows are not to be tinkered with. Much like the recent revival of Sweet Charity, this production suffers greatly when Fosse's influence is removed.

ACT Theatre continues their risky season with Christopher Durang's new existential dilemma, Miss Witherspoon. Nominated for the 2006 Pulitzer, this comedic romp effectively captures the emotions that accompany us in this ever-changing world. . With a superb leading performance and excellent support, ACT cements their reputation as the theatre to go to in Seattle for substance.

There is much gladness and gaiety coming from the Center House Theatre. Book-It closes their season with an inspired adaptation of Edith Wharton's classic 1905 novel about wealth, sex, and manners. Under the confident direction of Jennifer Jones, this House of Mirth is a cerebral wonder. A stunning leading performance highlights one of the best offerings of the year.

Ms. Cohenour is currently doing double duty on Broadway as Signora Naccarelli and Margaret Johnson (on Tuesday and Wednesday evenings) in the smash musical The Light in the Piazza.

SCT's Junie B. Jones proves to be a delight for all ages.

A photo preview of 5th Avenue's upcoming Pippin...

Two abstract fringe offerings...