Life was never that complicated for poor little Columbine in the old commedia dell'arte -- pretty much the same antics over and over. But things sure take a turn for her in Cardboard Moon, the new reality bending musical being offered by Off-Off-Broadway's Looking Glass Theatre, Sept. 7-Oct. 8.

For one thing, Pierrot is Columbine's girlfriend and happens to think the poor girl is insane and, with Harlequin, recruits a psychiatrist to cure her.

So, why is Columbine nuts? Well, she's not really but is thought so by the citizens of the fantasy world in which she suddenly finds herself. In this strange land, women think they're men, which may have a lot to do with another belief in this parallel universe: namely, that casual sex has no consequences. Also, theatrical props are taken as real things by these libidinous gender-twisters. The more Columbine tries to convince those around her that the above assumptions are not true, the wackier she sounds. Finally, she is forces to take an ax to the set. And then, her problems really begin.

The above plot, written and directed by Justine Lambert, is accompanied by music, composed by Kenneth Nowell.

Tickets are $15. The Looking Glass Theatre is located at 422 W. 57th Street. For more information, call (212) 307-9467. --By Robert Simonson