Jazz Festival sizzles; Bobby Short sparkles; 'Coppelia' wobbles; Coppelia

March 29, 1984

The Boston Ballet's production of ''Coppelia'' at the Colonial, like the ''doll'' who's brought to life by degrees, is still in various stages of waking up.

Coppelia, a doll, is so lifelike that when set in a window ''reading'' a book she draws the interest of Franz. Swanilda, Franz's fiancee, sneaks into the workshop to see who her rival is. Discovering she's merely a doll, she dresses as Coppelia and fools the toymaker into thinking his magic potions have brought her to life. The deception is forgiven at the lovers' marriage.

Marie-Christine Mouis, as Swanilda/Coppelia, has a limpid grace, great musicality, and extensions that go an extra notch. One of her best moments is when she recaptivates a wandering Franz with a commanding solo. As Franz, Donn Edwards sparkles with boyish wit. His leaps, twisting his legs around him in midair, were snappily executed.

There are many opportunities for a variety of dance: the jerky movements of the other toys, a Scottish doll's Highland fling, a mazurka. All are places to cut loose from the measured grace of ballet and show some ethnic fire. Unfortunately, the dancers were pretty earthbound, as well as unrehearsed and shaky. It's a charming, sometimes witty show but needs more practice and pizzazz.