SEATTLE -- Village Theatre in Issaquah may be a hike from downtown Seattle (20 minutes by car from downtown on I-90) but musical theatre enthusiasts won't let that discourage their attendance at the Village Originals series of new musicals, kicking off with 4 a.m. Boogie Blues, billed as "an a cappella comedy."

With book and lyrics by Marsha Meyers and musical by Seattle composer Jim Owen, the show focuses on a young woman kept awake by voices in her head ala the Moes in Five Guys named Moe, these "Boogies" humorously help her face the shortcomings in her life.

Owens' score utilizes five-part harmonies and an eclectic mix of pop and jazz styles to create an upbeat and colorful texture. The workshop is directed by B.J. Douglas, with musical direction by R.J. Tanocio.

The National Alliance for Musical Theatre recognizes Village Originals as one of the few venues for up-and-coming playwright/composer teams to try-out their new works. The Village's next mainstage show, Bootlegger, had its genesis in a past Village workshop series, as have such works as Eleanor, Jungle Queen Debutante and City Kid.

4 a.m. Boogie Blues runs Feb. 26- Mar. 15 at Village's First Stage, 120 Front St., in Issaquah. Performances are Wed,-Sat. evenings at 8 PM and Sun. matinees at 2 PM. For tickets ($10-$12 call (425)392-202. -- By David-Edward Hughes
Seattle Correspondent