By Clyde Noel

Town Crier Correspondent

“You say ‘eether’ and I say ‘eyether,’ you say ‘hotel’ and I say ‘movies’ - Let’s call the whole thing off.” That’s not the way Ira Gershwin wrote the song, but it’s the way it will be sung at the eighth annual Los Altos Follies this Friday and Saturday at the Bus Barn Theater.

A cast of 10 local residents take on the power crisis, the dot-com failures and other local “hot button issues,” such as the proposed hotel in Los Altos.

Chet Frankenfield and Vicki Reeder have written new words to 16 old tunes by Ira and George Gershwin, Irving Berlin and Harry Warren. Music is provided by Jim Thurber and John Sylvester.

The Follies’ songs take on issues like the stock market decline, asking the musical question “Why Don’t You Trade Right?” Singers bemoan their fate as their income dwindles and they are faced with a “Hard Knock Life.” They can’t find their way to the country club anymore, they cut back on their manicure appointments and the bank takes back their Beemer.

“Laughter and music can be a good medicine after the recent tragic events in New York and Washington,” said Follies producer Reeder. “I feel it’s important to sing about other issues of the day in Los Altos and spoof them.”

Cloning, catalog shopping and the real estate business also provide fodder for songs in this year’s performance.

Rick and Nancy Glaze perform a duet to the Irving Berlin song performed by Fred Astaire and Judy Garland in “Easter Parade.” “A Couple of Swells” is loaded with humor.

The three shows are a benefit for the Bus Barn Stage Company.

This year, a Friday evening performance has been added to the Follies, and the 100-seat performance has been sold out with a waiting list of 20.

“Every year we try to raise our goal, and last year we raised more than $10,000 for the Bus Barn Theater,” Reeder said. “This year, with the extra Friday performance we hope to raise $15,000.”

Joe Simitian, California State Assembly member representing the 21st district, will serve as master of ceremonies for the Friday performance. Live jazz music will be provided, along with a champagne dessert. A wine and hors d’oeuvres reception is included with admission to each show.

The two Saturday performances are scheduled for 7 and 8:15 p.m.

A tax-deductible donation of $55 will guarantee a reservation held at the door for each performance.

Bus Barn Theater is located at 97 Hillview Ave., Los Altos. For more information and tickets for Saturday performances, call 941-0551.