A Crisp Version of Classic ‘Madwoman’

Over the last two or three decades, Jean Giraudoux’s postwar fable “The Madwoman of Chaillot” has seemed somewhat innocuous, a charming yet essentially toothless political fable about the dangers of classism and corporate amorality. However, when viewed in the grim perspective of the economically beleaguered ‘90s, Giraudoux’s classic, now at the Complex, seems prescient, newly vitalized--in fact, downright scathing.

A promising debut for Tom Cats Theatre Company, “Madwoman” has been crisply and imaginatively directed by Thomas G. Waites, who also plays the pivotal role of the Ragpicker. Waites’ staging, set against a sprawling and colorful backdrop of dancers, tumblers, poets and bad guys, is a full-on, effectively cartoonish farce.

This broad directing style, plus the cast’s infectious high spirits, largely conceal the fact that a few secondary performers, particularly Colette Mann as the young lover Irma, are more youthfully exuberant than professionally polished.

As the mad Countess Aurelia, Jill Gascoine has the comic timing and unflappable savoir-faire of a seasoned theatrical trouper. Not only does Gascoine get big laughs with her ad-libbed quips about distracting street noises outside the theater, she also copes valiantly with her gown’s train--a demonically slithering velvet contraption that would catapult a less seasoned actress into the audience.

* “The Madwoman of Chaillot,” Complex/Theatre East, 6468 Santa Monica Blvd., Hollywood. Thursdays-Saturdays, 8 p.m. Ends June 29. $13. (213) 466-1767. Running time: 2 hours, 30 minutes.