By Tim Seyfert

When it came time to think of topics to lampoon for the 2003 “Los Altos Follies,” writer Vicki Reeder didn’t have to look too hard for inspiration.

Given all that’s happened this year — the war with Iraq and the gubernatorial recall election, along with other notable events — Reeder said this year’s production of the annual musical satire practically wrote itself.

“There was certainly a lot of headlines (this year) to draw from,” said Reeder, who also serves as the show’s producer. “Besides the turmoil in California, we had international turmoil, a record-breaking national deficit, and of course Hillary’s (Clinton) book. We cover it all.”

Tomorrow the 10th annual “Los Altos Follies” will kick off its run with a preview night at the Bus Barn Theater in Los Altos. Opening night will be Friday, followed by a black-tie gala show on Saturday. All shows begin at 7:30 p.m.

This year’s production, titled “A Salute to Rotten Apples, Sour Grapes and Just Plain Nuts,” will once again poke fun at current affairs by putting satirical lyrics to the tune of familiar songs. Using works originally written by Elvis Presley, Chuck Berry, Irving Berlin and Cole Porter, among others, the topical showcase takes lighthearted jabs at everything from boycotting French items to the exaggerated bickering of local residents.

One song has a Liza Minelli character singing “Baghdad, Baghdad” to the melody of “New York, New York.” Another turns the classic Presley ditty “Don’t Be Cruel” into “You Were Cruel,” pointing a finger at those who called for the recall of Gov. Gray Davis.

Though the parody show may take sides on some of the topics addressed, Reeder insisted that it’s all in good fun and not to be taken seriously.

“The follies has always been about people having a good time,” she said. “It’s not a matter of agreeing with the political views. It’s about finding the humor in them. You may as well laugh at all that’s going on because otherwise you’ll just be crying all the time.”

Each year, the revue serves as the biggest fund-raiser for the Bus Barn Stage Company. The first “Los Altos Follies” was staged in 1993, and the annual event has since raised just under $100,000 for the local theater group.

Tickets cost $40 for tomorrow’s preview night, $65 for Friday’s opening night, and $85 for Saturday’s black-tie gala. The closing performance will be hosted by Samantha Mohr, weather anchor for KPIX Channel 5 News, and will feature both a pre- and post-show reception with live jazz music.

For more information, call Bus Barn Stage Company at 941-8135.