The madness continues at Woolly Mammoth Theatre Company in Washington, DC, with the further extension of David Lindsay-Abaire's Wonder of the World, now going to July 16 after a previous extension beyond its original June 25 close date.

Even before it officially opened June 3, the world premiere comedy had been extended to July 5 by the troupe known for its offbeat work.

Tom Prewitt directs the comedy-adventure about Cass, a wife who leaves her husband in search of something better in Niagara Falls. Armed with a "to-do list" that includes "learn Swedish, eat venison, witness an execution, wear a large wig," Cass meets Lois, a suicidal alcoholic with a pickle barrel perfect for the falls.

The cast includes Deb Gottesman as Cass, Nancy Robinette as Lois and Michael Russoto as husband Kip. Kirk Jackson plays a romantic boat captain, Emily Townley is a psychotic helicopter pilot and Bruce Nelson and Kerri Rambow are a bickering couple disguised as detectives.

The play is slated to be produced in 2000-2001 by Manhattan Theatre Club, which staged the world premiere of Lindsay Abaire's Fuddy Meers in late 1999 (followed by a brief commercial run Off-Broadway). *

The run of Wonder of the World at Woolly Mammoth, whose mandate it contemporary, edgy plays, began May 22-23 with pay-what-you-can performances. Previews started May 24.

Lindsay-Abaire's other plays include A Devil Inside and The Kitchen Sink Drama. He was recently nominated for the John Gassner Playwriting Award by the Outer Critics Circle for Fuddy Meers. He is also working on a new play, Jiminy Christmas, which will star comedian-actress Janeane Garofalo.

Tickets for Wonder of the World are $16-$29. Woolly Mammoth Theatre Company is at 1401 Church Street, N.W. Call (703) 218-6500 for ticket information, or try the web site at www.woollymammoth.net.

-- By Kenneth Jones