Douwes is the latest actress to portray merry murderess Velma Kelly in the Tony-winning Kander and Ebb musical revival. Douwes replaces Brenda Braxton in the role and will play through May 16. The Chicago company currently stars Charlotte d'Amboise as Roxie Hart, P. J. Benjamin as Amos Hart, Roz Ryan as Matron "Mama" Morton, Christopher Sieber as Billy Flynn and D. Sabella as Mary Sunshine.
Pia Douwes created the title role in the Vienna world premiere of Elisabeth as well as the role of Milady de Winter in Holland's 3 Musketeers. Her numerous other theatrical credits include Other People's Money, Jane Eyre, Savannah Bay, Fosse, Evita, Cabaret, Les Misérables, Grease, The Rocky Horror Show, Cats and a concert version of Sweeney Todd in London co-starring Judy Kaye and Len Cariou. The actress won an Image Award for her performance in Elisabeth, a German Public Award for her Sally Bowles in Cabaret and the Dutch Musical Award for Best Dutch Actor Abroad.
Chicago won the Tony for Best Revival of a Musical in 1997 as well as awards for actors Bebe Neuwirth and James Naughton, director Walter Bobbie, lighting designer Ken Billington and choreographer Ann Reinking. The original production was directed and choreographed by the late Bob Fosse.
The Ambassador Theatre is located at 215 West 49th Street.