`CHARITY' IS SWEET, BUT NOT TERRIBLY INTERESTING.

Byline: Evan Henerson Theater Critic

That fluttering of playbills heard during the intermission at the Pantages Theatre will be the sound of patrons researching the name and credits of one Guy Adkins, who plays a jittery tax accountant named Oscar Lindquist.

And it's Adkins, a Chicago actor with quite a few Shakespeare credits, who spends the last, oh, 15 minutes of Act 1 contorting his nimble way over every square inch of a stalled elevator and smartly singing ``I'm the Bravest Individual.'' In so doing, the man almost single-handedly Heimlich-maneuvers a musical back to life. Almost.

Were the show in question titled ``Adorable Oscar'' (``Lovable Lindquist''?), things might be OK. Since we're watching ``Sweet Charity,'' and since Adkins has too easily filched the evening away from above-the-title star Molly Ringwald (Yes, that Molly Ringwald), there is a problem.

It's all about the dancing

As convenient as it so often is to lay a failed production's problems at the feet of its headliner, really ``Charity'' will only travel as far as the shapely gams of its leading lady take it. (Christina Applegate, who starred in the 2005 Broadway revival, recognized this and quickly got her broken foot back into dancing shape rather than having the production fold in her absence.)

Granted, this touring version of the 2005 Broadway revival retains much of Wayne Cilento's hot dancing. And the recognition factor of picking out some of Cy Coleman's best-known songs is still there. Scott Pask's scenery has some clever touches, and the ensemble vamps and frugs up a storm.

But you can pretty much flush the trappings with a weak Charity Hope Valentine. Playing one of musical theater's dizziest optimists, Ringwald sports a just-passable voice, limited dancing skills and insufficient charisma. At no point during the character's misadventures are we aching to throw a protective blanket around our beleaguered heroine, nor give a rousing ``Attagirl!'' at the end when it becomes clear she doesn't need that blanket after all.

Kind of a tricky role, this. Inspired by the prostitute of Fellini's ``Nights of Cabiria,'' the Americanized version written by Neil Simon is a smart-mouthed taxi dancer so aching for love that she practically has whiplash from a lifetime spent turning the other cheek. ``You are a stupid broad,'' fellow Fandango taxi dancer Nickie (Amanda Watkins) tells Charity, and she means it affectionately.

Well, yes, Charity is kind of a dolt. But she's also supposed to be hugely appealing, sexy as all get out, the best hoofer on the block and, ultimately, a survivor. When Charity is stuck in an Italian movie star's closet while he's winning back his girlfriend, we want to feel the mixture of our heroine's heartbreak (``Crap! Lost another one'') and resourcefulness (``And how am I going to get my beer?'')

Apart from the aforementioned elevator encounter, the Italian closet scene is ``Sweet Charity's'' cleverest, and director Scott Faris (re-creating Walter Bobbie's Broadway direction) gives it some cheeky brio. Still, it feels like a set piece: one more misadventure.

Where's the chemistry?

The arrival of Adkins' Oscar signals the introduction of a story. Now, at last, Charity has someone to legitimately deceive and -- hopefully -- win. But Adkins and Ringwald have more compatriotism than chemistry. When he turns into a lout, the moment feels more meant to be than shocking.

``Sweet Charity'' is at its best when Cilento's dancers are on the move. The early ``Hey Big Spender'' and ``Rich Man's Frug'' have plenty of zip and attitude, and the ``Rhythm of Life'' number (punctuated by the bounce of David Glaspie's afro) is a daffy joy.

Ringwald, by the way, appears to have been carefully choreographed in and out of ensemble numbers. Her few strong moves are on display in ``If My Friends Could See Me Now.''

Well, they can. A pity the leading lady couldn't give them more.

SWEET CHARITY - Two stars

Where: Pantages Theatre, 6233 Hollywood Blvd., Hollywood.

When: 8 p.m. Tuesday through Friday, 2 and 8 p.m. Saturday, 1 p.m. Sunday, 6:30 p.m. Oct. 15, 6 p.m. Oct. 22.

Tickets: $25 to $70. [phone]. www.Broadwayla.org.

In a nutshell: Molly Ringwald headlines without captivating.

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Photo:

Molly Ringwald is optimistic taxi dancer Charity Hope Valentine in ``Sweet Charity,'' at the Pantages Theatre.