WHAT TO DO, WHERE TO GO

This week's theatre

Almost Maine - All is not what it seems in this magical new off broadway comedy - Almost Maine, is onstage at the Florida Repertory Theatre until Dec. 23. When the Northern Lights hang over the mythical town of Almost, Maine, its residents find themselves falling in and out of love - in the most unexpected, unusual and hilarious ways. This play inventively explores the mysteries of the human heart and touches audiences with laughter, heartbreak and hope. Tickets are $34 -$38, and $17 for selected seats. For information call 332-4488.

Holly Jolly Christmas - Holly Jolly Christmas runs through Dec. 25 at the Broadway Palm Dinner Theater. This song and dance extravaganza is fantastic entertainment for all ages. It embraces the season with Broadway-style dancing, stunning costumes and the traditional holiday favorites you know and love. Tickets are now on sale and can be reserved by calling 278-4422, by visiting www.BroadwayPalm.com, or by stopping by the box office at 1380 Colonial Boulevard in Fort Myers.

>>Gypsy is onstage at the Naples Philharmonic Center for the Arts Dec. 18 and 19. Grandmother - "Funny, You Don't Look Like a Grandmother!" runs at the Off Broadway Palm Theater through Dec. 22. A humorous, yet heartwarming musical comedy that celebrates modern-day grandmothers in a whole new light. Throw away the granny glasses, shapeless black dresses and Red Cross shoes, and replace them with tennis dresses, skis and a condo in Florida. Tickets are on sale and can be reserved by calling 278- 4422, by visiting www.BroadwayPalm. com, or by stopping by the box office at 1380 Colonial Boulevard in Fort Myers.

Arsenic and Old Lace - This classic comedy Arsenic and Old Lace takes a cheery look at an eccentric family who mix murder and mayhem to give a new meaning to the idea of "charity work." The Naples Players rendition of Arsenic and Old Lace runs through Dec. 15 at the

>>Last Comic standing finalists perform at the Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall Dec. 13. Sugden Community Theatre. For information call the Sugden at (239) 263-7990.

The Nutcracker - Broadway Palm Children's Theatre presents The Nutcracker playing Dec. 7*, 9, 11*, 14*, 15, 18*, 21* and 23, 2007. The holiday classic is about a young girl who is given a beautiful nutcracker. She dreams that it comes to life and battles against the Mouse King and his army. The nutcracker defeats the mouse king and is transformed into a prince. All performances begin with a buffet at noon and show time at 1 p.m. (except where indicated*, lunch is at 10:30 a.m. and the show is at 11:30 a.m.) The chef's spaecial buffet includes children's favorites like hamburgers, hot dogs, french fries, chicken and more. Ticket prices for lunch and the show are only $15 for all ages. Tickets are now on sale and can be reserved by calling (239) 278-4422, by visiting www.BroadwayPalm.com, or by stopping by the box office at 1380 Colonial Boulevard. Gypsy - From the blast of the first trumpet to the last hot spotlight, it's little wonder why Gypsy reigns as one of the greatest Broadway musicals of the 20th century. It's onstage at the Naples Philharmonic Center for the Arts Tuesday and Wednesday, Dec. 18 and 19 at 8 p.m. For information or tickets call (239) 597- 1900 or online at www.thephil.org.

>>Jethro Tull performs at the Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall Dec.14. Holiday Follies - The Shoolhouse Theater on Sanibel Island presents "The Holiday Follies", a musical holiday revue begining Tuesday, Dec. 18. 'Tis the season to join the cast in singing your favorite holiday songs. Performances will be every evening through Dec. 31 at 8 p.m., Sundays at 6 p.m., and no shows on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. Still looking for plans on New Year's Eve? Celebrate with The Schoolhouse Theater - catch the show early at 7 p.m. and still have time to ring in the new year. The cast consists of Island favorites Victor Legarreta, Mindy Montavon, and Tammy Truitt - and introducing Kate Phillips and Kay Donovan. For a chance to catch the cast outside of the theater, join them at Sanibel Art Night (Dec. 19), as they sing some of their favorite songs from the show. For tickets and information, call the Box Office at 472-6862 or check out www.theschoolhousetheater.com

>>Doc Severinsen and the Naples Philharmonic at the Naples Philharmonic Center for the Arts Dec. 20. The Last Five Years - Synergy Productions, Southwest Florida's professional musical theater company, in association with the Theater Guild of Southwest Florida, presents the award-winning musical, "The Last Five Years," at the Fould's Theater on the campus of the Alliance for the Arts. The play opens Wednesday, Dec. 19 and an Opening Night & Champagne Reception will be held after the show that starts at 8 p.m. It runs through Jan. 27. A fresh and contemporary musical, "The Last Five Years" chronicles a young couple's romance in a new and exciting way. Critics have praised the music as creative and groundbreaking. The lyrics evoke Stephen Sondheim. The musical style draws from pop, jazz, folk, Rock and classical. Performances are Wednesday through Saturday at 8 p.m.; and Sunday at 2 p.m. For tickets call (239) 236-1645 or visit the Foulds Theater Box Office. www. synergyproductions.org

This week's symphony

Russian Romantics - Russian Romantics is the season opener for the Gulf Coast Symphony on Saturday, Dec. 15 at 7:30 p.m. at the Anderson Theatre - Santini Center for the Performing Arts on the campus of Bishop Verot High School. Selections feature "Variations on a Rococo Theme" by Tchaikovsky, a concert-piece for solo cellist and orchestra Cellist Ian Maksin; the "Symphony No. 6 in B minor, Pathétique, Op. 74," Tchaikovsky's final symphony; and "Isle of the Dead," a symphonic poem by Sergei Rachmaninoff. Tickets are $10, $15 and $20 and can be purchased online at www. gulfcoastsymphony.org. For information call the symphony at 489-1800.

Holiday Pops - Holiday Pops, conducted by Stuart Malina, and the Philharmonic Center Chorale and Philharmonic Youth Chorale perform at the Naples Philharmonic Center for the Arts Friday, Dec. 14 at 8 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 15 at 2 and 8 p.m. and Sunday, Dec. 16 at 8 p.m. Guest conductor Malina, who won a Tony Award for his orchestration of the Broadway hit Movin' Out, has prepared a stirring musical celebration of the season for his Naples debut. Among the highlights of this wide-ranging program will be a musicological journey through the Twelve Days of Christmas, along with traditional Christmas carols - and an appearance by Santa Claus. For information or tickets call (239) 597-1900 or online at www.thephil.org.

Mostly Messiah - Sounds of rejoicing fill the air as the Southwest Florida Symphony Chorus and Chamber Orchestra perform selections from Handel's immortal

Messiah and Vivaldi's Gloria Saturday, Dec. 15 at 7:30 p.m. at Estero United Methodist Church and Sunday, Dec. 16 at 3 p.m. at First Baptist Church in Cape Coral. Soloists will include Jennifer Paulino, soprano; Kathleen Sonnentag, mezzo soprano; and Neil Nelson, baritone. For tickets go online at www.swflso. org or call the box office at 418-1500.

Thursday, Dec. 13

Comedy - Enjoy an evening of great stand-up comedy with the finalists from NBC's popular laughfest "Last Comic Standing," at the Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall at 7:30 p.m. Appearing will be Amy Schumer, Gerry Dee, John Reep, Lavell Crawford and Ralph Harris. Tickets are $21, $31, $38, and $48 and are on sale at the box office, by calling 481-4849 or online at www.bbmannpah.com.

Friday, Dec. 14

Jethro Tull - The British band Jethro Tull performs at the Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall at 7:30 p.m. Jethro Tull was formed in February 1968 from the ashes of two unsuccessful blues/rock bands of the era. Ian Anderson brought his unique and innovative style of flute playing to a public raised on the guitar-based British bands who courted acceptance at London's famous Marquee Club. Ticket prices are $60.50 and $46 and are on sale at the box office, by calling 481-4849 or online at www. bbmannpah.com.

Wednesday, Dec. 19

Jim Brickman - Jim Brickman Christmas is onstage for one performance at the Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall at 7:30 p.m. The warmth and intimacy of Jim Brickman's holiday concerts have been compared to a gathering of friends and family - a special homecoming - that resonates with the true spirit of Christmas. Ever since Brickman's song, "The Gift," became a huge holiday hit along with "Sending You A Little Christmas," people have made his holiday music as much a part of their Christmas celebration as boughs of holly, festive parties and exchanging gifts. Ticket are on sale at the box office, by calling 481- 4849 or online at www.bbmannpah.com.

Ongoing events

Art - Florida Gulf Coast University's Arts Complex Gallery has an exhibition of paintings and constructions entitled "Every X Marks Somewhere" by FGCU Associate Professor of Art, Morgan T. Paine. The show features works created during Paine's 2006-2007 sabbatical, as well as a large walk-able ramp in the shape of an X that will commemorate the first ten years of the University's life as an educational institution. He will also show his "Life Painting and Drawing," a 24-foot-wide painting that contains a series of panels that represent each of the days of a year, and on which he has worked virtually every day since 1979. The exhibition continues through Dec. 15. The Arts Complex Gallery is located at 10501 FGCU Blvd S. Admission is free. Gallery hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Saturday. For additional information contact the Art Gallery at 590-7199.

Art- Harborside Event Center and ArtFest Fort Myers' next exhibit is the "Fabric of Life", a display of 30 spectacular contemporary art quilts created by the members of Art Quilters Unlimited. This juried show represents a broad array of fiber wall art from a group of artists who compete nationally in their medium and bring the excitement of color and design to this fine craft. Everyone is welcome to explore the artistic and cultural vibrancy of fiber art and give the gift of art to someone on your holiday list. The exhibit is open Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. For information email info@ArtFestFortMyers.com or call 768-3602.

Art - The Arts in Healthcare Program at Lee Memorial Health System will exhibit artist Tony Ryals, who paints with his mouth, at the Lee Memorial Health System. A rare birth defect called Arthrogryposis, left Ryals's arms and legs virtually useless. But being raised with great parents, understanding friends, and very special teachers, Ryals has learned to adapt and use the attributes that he has. His message to people of all ages is that anything is possible and "Never Give Up." Ryals will be showing his art at Southwest Regional Medical Center Dec. 12 through 14. His art exhibit will be open from 7 a.m. until 4 p.m. Come meet Ryals, ask questions, watch him paint, and purchase that special piece of art for a Holiday gift.

Art- The Cape Coral Arts Studio exhibit: the work of the late Jean Inman in a "Memorial Tribute" runs through Dec. 28. For information call 574-0802. The Cape Coral Arts Studio is located at 4533 Coronado Parkway, Cape Coral.

Art - The Art League of Fort Myers' current exhibit is "Small Packages" at the Gallery, 1451 Monroe Street in the heart of the River District. "Small Packages" contains only original art at affordable prices created by local artists. For information call 275-3970 of online at www.artleagueoffortmyers. org

Art - The Bob Rauschenberg Gallery at Edison College has an exhibition of paintings by Florida State University Painting and Drawing instructor Mark Messersmith. The exhibition, titled "A Southern Landscape," runs through Dec. 8. The Gallery is open Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and on Saturday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. The gallery is closed Sundays and holidays. For additional information please call the gallery at 489-9313.

Art - the Naples Art Association's "46th Founders Juried Awards Exhibition" is on display at The von Liebig Art Center. The exhibition, that runs through Jan. 13, honors the artists who in 1954 joined together to form the NAA, including Grace Lake, Elsie Dorey Upham and George Rogers. The NAA received 455 entries from 244 member artists. Internationally-acclaimed American abstract painter Sam Gilliam, a pre-eminent artist based in Washington, DC, served as juror. He selected 179 works by 149 artists for the exhibition as well as the 23 award winners. The top three award winners will participate in a three-person exhibition at The von Liebig Art Center next year. The von Liebig Art Center is located at 585 Park Street in downtown Naples and is open Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sunday from 1 to 4 p.m. with free admission daily.

Art - Communication: The imparting or interchange of thoughts, opinions or information by speech, writing, or signs. "Transmissions: A Juried Competition" is the next exhibit at the Alliance for the Arts. Categories are sculpture, painting (including oil, acrylic, collage, watercolor, mixed media), photography, prints and drawings. The exhibit runs through Jan. 9. For information call the Alliance at 939-2787 or online at www.artinlee.org. The Alliance is located at 10091 McGregor Boulevard just south of Colonial Boulevard. Visit www. artinlee.org for more details.

Art- The Group of Four exhibit, featuring Paul Rodino, Richard Rosen, Anica Sturdivant, and Kathleen Walsh, is at BIG ARTS Founders Gallery through Dec. 31. Paul Rodino's photography offers a glimpse into life's unappreciated, sometimes unseen everyday beauty. Richard Rosen's stimulating sculpture and painting combinations exemplify the intuitive evolution from natural to abstract. Anica Sturdivant's Bubble Wrap series explores self-control, while her Earth Pod series is an integration of the sacred and earthly; both require the viewer to delve beneath superficial judgment. Kathleen Walsh's experience as a psychiatric nurse lends itself to her spontaneous, opento interpretation mixed-media pieces. Gallery hours are Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. For further information about this exhibit and other upcoming events and workshops at BIG ARTS, to purchase tickets, or to sign up for workshops, stop by BIG ARTS, 900 Dunlop Road Sanibel, call (239) 395-0900, e-mail info@bigarts.org, or log on to www.BIGARTS.org.

Upcoming events

Willie Nelson - Country legend Willie Nelson returns to the Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall Wednesday, Jan. 16. The iconic Texan is the creative genius behind historic recordings like "Crazy," "Hello Walls," "Red Headed Stranger" and "Stardust." His career has spanned six decades, his catalog boasts more than 200 albums and he's earned every conceivable award and honor to be bestowed a person in his profession. He has also amassed reputable credentials as an author, actor and activist. Tickets are on sale at the box office, by calling 481-4849 or online at www.bbmannpah.com.

Upcoming events

Moscow Ballet - The Moscow Ballet will perform the Great Russian Nutcracker at the Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall on Wednesday and Thursday Dec. 26 and 27 at 7:30 p.m. The Moscow Ballet is performing in 80 cities during its 15th annual holiday tour of the United States. Artistic Director Anatoli Emelianov, a ten-year veteran of the Moscow Ballet and its chief choreographer, will star as the Enchanted Nutcracker Prince. Moscow Ballet's all Russian casts have won rave reviews for exquisite dancing and finely honed classical technique. Ticket are on sale at the box office, by calling 481-4849 or online at www.bbmannpah.com.

Foreigner - The rock group Foreigner will perform at the Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall on Friday Dec. 28 at 8 p.m. The hard rock band formed in New York City in 1976 by veteran musicians Mick Jones and ex-King Crimson member Ian McDonald, along with then-unknown vocalist Lou Gramm. Foreigner has sold more than 50 million albums worldwide. Their hits include Hot Blooded, Cold as Ice and Urgent. Ticket are on sale at the box office, by calling 481- 4849 or online at www.bbmannpah.com.

Salute to Vienna - The once a year excitement of New Year's comes to life on stage in this unique re-creation of Vienna's World Famous New Year's Concert - Salute to Vienna! at the Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall on Monday, Dec. 30 at 7:30 p.m. Salute to Vienna's musical magic features a cast of over 70 musicians, International singers and dancers adorned in beautiful traditional costumes. The new program will feature waltzes (such as the Blue Danube Waltz), polkas and Operetta excerpts from Die Fledermaus and The Merry Widow sung by our outstanding European sopranos and tenors. The musical classics of Johann Strauss Jr. and other famous Viennese composers will be interpreted by an array of engaging Maestros all with that charming'Viennese flare.' The entire performance will have you clapping and dancing in your seats. Ticket are on sale at the box office, by calling 481-4849 or online at www.bbmannpah.com .

Art - Art League of Fort Myers will sponsor "Highlights of the Brooklyn Museum", a PowerPoint slideshow presented by Mr. Peter Downes on Thursday, Jan. 3. Downes will discuss and illustrate the second largest art collection in the U.S. He will outline the process that an artist needs to follow to have art exhibited in or donated to the Brooklyn Museum. The program will be held at noon at the ALFM Gallery, 1451 Monroe Street, in the River District. For information call 275-3970 of online at www. artleagueoffortmyers.org

A Christmas Carol - A Christmas Carol is onstage at the Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall Thursday, Dec. 20. With all the warmth and comfort of a cup of Christmas cheer, A Christmas Carol is packed with laughter, pageantry and gorgeous costumes. Every memorable detail of Dickens' A Christmas Carol springs to life, spine-chilling ghosts, heartfelt renditions of traditional British carols; and all the fascinating characters that audiences have come to love. Ticket prices are on sale at the box office, by calling 481-4849 or online at www. bbmannpah.com.

Cats - Andrew lloyd Webber's timeless Cats is onstage at the Naples Philharmonic Center for the Arts Wednesday, Dec. 26 through Saturday, Dec. 29 at 8 p.m. There's no better way to introduce your family to the wonders of live theater than with the magic, the mystery, the memory of Cats. What began as a musical about cats after Webber picked up a book of poems in an airport bookshop has become one of the longest-running shows in Broadway's history. Winner of seven Tony Awards including Best Musical, Cats features 20 of Andrew Lloyd Webber's timeless melodies, including the hit song Memory. For information or tickets call (239) 597-1900 or online at www. thephil.org.

Lewis Black - Comedian Lewis Black will perform at the Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall on Saturday Dec. 29. If you missed him last year; make your plans now for a chance to catch one of the funniest people in America. Appearances on "The Late Show with David Letterman" and "Late Night with Conan O'Brien" proved fertile ground for Black, and as a contributor to "The Daily Show," his two-minute political and pop culture rants made him a national hero. Fittingly, his one man HBO specials have become popular favortites and have elevated his stature as one of the most relevant as well as hilarious comedians today. Ticket are on sale at the box office, by calling 481-4849 or online at www.bbmannpah.com.

Brass Blast - Doc Severinsen and the Naples Philharmonic Orchestra perform El Ritmo de la Vida (The Rhythm of Life) at the Naples Philharmonic Center for the Arts Thursday, Dec. 20, at 8 p.m. Hayes Hall. Last year, legendary trumpeter Doc Severinsen announced his retirement from touring after a long and storied career. But Doc has agreed to return to Naples for this exciting new Brass Blast! program, exclusively at the Phil. El Ritmo de la Vida, will feature the former Tonight Show bandleader, joined by three Mexican virtuoso musicians, presenting music from Spain, traditional Mexican music and gypsy jazz - along with some light classical favorites. The program will showcase special arrangements created specifically for this concert. For information or tickets call (239) 597-1900 or online at www.thephil.org.