ART NEWS

Viva Theatre Conspiracy

Theatre Conspiracy, Southwest Florida's most original theatre company is scheduled to open a brand new theatre space on Feb. 21.

Their new home, 2711 Park Windsor Dr #302, is just north of Southwest Florida Regional Hospital off Evans Ave. It is located in the plaza just behind Sasse's Restaurant.

This new headquarters and performance space is the start of a new era for one of Fort Myers longest standing theatre companies. The space will feature an adaptable and intimate blackbox theatre. It will change and morph to meet the needs of individual productions. It will also allow for expanded programming and community outreach.

"It was our goal to have a space before this season ended," said Theatre Conspiracy' s Artistic Director Bill Taylor. "Intimate, functional and fun is our mantra, I know audiences will be pleased with the new space."

The inaugural production for Theatre Conspiracy's new home is the East Coast premiere of the hilarious comedy, "Material Spirits" by James Caputo, opening Feb. 21.

This comedy revolves around a newly divorced woman whose mother and stepmother have very different and spirited views about her future and love life. The show stars Betty Madonna, Pat Clopton, Annie Wagner and Jesse St. Louis. "Material Spirits" won first place in Theatre Conspiracy's tenth annual new play contest, The Palm Springs International Playwriting Festival and the Ashland (Oregon) New Plays Festival.

"This show made me laugh out loud when I read it. Audiences will enjoy this immensely." said Taylor

"Material Spirits" runs through March 15 with performances Wednesdays through Saturdays at 8 p.m. and select Sunday matinees at 2 p.m. Tickets are $20 or $10 for students with proper I.D.

For tickets or more information Theatre Conspiracy can be reached at 239-936-3239.

Tuxedo Junction on stage at Schoolhouse

Tuxedo Junction, a cabaret-style revue of the swingin' sounds of the 30s and 40s, is on stage now at the Schoolhouse Theatre on Sanibel. Performers will get your blood pumpin' and your hearts thumpin' to the swingin-est music these incredible decades have to offer. The show will feature jazz vocals and swing dancing by Adam Cooley (You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown), Kate Phillips (The Holiday Follies), Reid Robinson (Caught in the Net) and newcomer, Mary Elizabeth Milton. The show runs through March 1, Monday through Saturday at 8 p.m., with a 4 p.m. matinee on Feb. 20. For tickets and information call the box office at 472-6862 or on the Web at www. theschoolhousetheater.com

Cape Coral to host Irish festival

The Cape Coral Irish American Club will showcase the best Irish performers in Southwest Florida at its fourth annual Irish festival on Saturday, Feb. 23 and Sunday, Feb. 24.

This outdoor family festival presents a two-day taste of Ireland: lively traditional Irish music, food and beverages, Irish imports and related goods for sale. There will be many activities for children including carnival rides and free adult-supervised art and craft projects.

Performers will include Tommy Barr, the Drake School of Irish Dance, Ian Barksdale, Irish Cream, the Harp & Thistle Pipe Band, West of Galway, Celtic Stew, Inish, and the Kellyn Celtic Irish Dance Academy.

The festival will take place in the park immediately west of the Cultural Park Theatre at 528 Cultural Park Blvd., south of Hancock Bridge Parkway and north of City Hall. Enter off Cultural Park Blvd. going west on SE 6th Terrace. Adult admission is $5.00. Children under 12 are free. Parking is free.

Festival hours are 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Feb. 23 and 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Feb. 24. An outdoor Roman Catholic Mass will be held at 11 a.m. on Sunday.

For additional information, visit www. capecoralirishamericanclub.org.

Woodcarving exhibit this weekend

Wood carvers from around the United States will be exhibiting their wood carvings and demonstrating their various carving techniques at the annual Woodcarving Exhibit on Saturday, Feb. 16, at Indian Creek Mobile Home Park, two blocks south of Summerlin in South Fort Myers. The exhibit will be held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

There is no charge for admission or parking. Attendees will be able to view prize winning carvings from recent competitions as well as completed projects and carvings in progress. Wood carving supplies and equipment will be available for purchase.

Indian Creek Carvers meet weekly throughout the year on Thursdays from 9 a.m. to noon and on Fridays between January and April. Instruction is available for beginners and advanced carvers enhance their skills during the regular club sessions.

Additional information about the exhibit or Indian Creek Carvers may be obtained by contacting Chet Frye, 239-826-5388.