WHAT TO DO, WHERE TO GO

>>Engelbert Humperdinck performs at the Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall on Wednesday, Feb. 20 This week's theatre

Guys and Dolls - The musical fable of Nathan Detroit, "Guys and Dolls" runs through Feb. 16 at the Broadway Palm Dinner Theater. The consummate gambling man, Detroit operates "The World's Largest Floating Crap Game". Songs include Luck Be a Lady, I've Never Been in Love Before, Sue Me and A Bushel and a Peck. 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.

Forum - "A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum" opens at the Historic Arcade Theatre on Friday, Feb. 15 and runs through March 16. The zany streets of Ancient Rome come alive in this musical farce, which features some of Stephen Sondheim's most memorable songs including "Comedy Tonight" and "Everybody Ought to Have a Maid." With its unforgettable characters and witty book by Burt Shevelove and Larry Gelbart, A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum has been delighting audiences for more than forty years. Artistic Director Robert Cacioppo is directing the production and leading another expert team of designers including set designer Richard Crowell (Rainmaker, To Kill a Mockingbird) and Stones in His Pockets' Graham Kindred is back again this season to design the lighting. Florida Rep resident costume designer, Roberta Malcolm will oversee the costumes that were worn on Broadway in the 1996 revival starring Nathan Lane and Whoopi Goldberg. Florida Repertory Theatre is located on Bay Street between Jackson and Hendry in the Historic Arcade Theatre in the Fort Myers River District. Subscriptions and single tickets are available through the Box Office (239.332.4488), or visit Florida Rep online at www.floridarep. org

>>Anne Murray performs at the Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall on Thursday, March 6 Moonlight and Magnolias - Stage 88 Community Theatre presents "Moonlight and Magnolias" at the Bonita Springs Community Hall beginning Feb. 14. The comedy by Ron Hutchinson takes place in Hollywood in 1939. Legendary producer David O. Selznick has shut down production of his new epic, Gone with the Wind, a film adaptation of Margaret Mitchell's novel. The screenplay, you see, just doesn't work. So what's an all-powerful movie mogul to do? Tickets are $20 at the door. For reservations call (239) 513-8600 or visit www.Stage88.com for more information.

>> Afiara String Quartet performs at the Foulds Theatre at the Alliance for the Arts on Feb. 25. The Goat…or who is Sylvia? - The Naples Players are running the award-winning Edward Albee comedy/ drama, "The Goat...or Who is Sylvia?" through at the Sugden Community Theatre in Naples. Albee's play won the 2002 Tony Award as well as a Pulitzer Prize. Reviewers have called "The Goat..." funny, shocking, disturbing, sad and tragic. And also, very literate and entertaining." This avant-guard, cutting edge production is not for everyone. "The Goat..." takes a controversial look at how we treat those who are outside the norm. Anna Segreto will direct The Naples Players' production; the cast includes Charles Brown, Erin Laughlin, Brad Goetz and Mikhail Spector. "The Goat...or Who is Sylvia" will be performed in the Tobye Theatre at 8 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday and at 2 p.m. Sunday, through March 1. Tickets are $20, and may be obtained at The Naples Players Box Office, 701 5th Avenue South in downtown Naples, by phone at (239) 434-7340, or online at www.naplesplayers.org

Monky Business - The musical comedy "Monky Business" is running at the Off Broadway Palm Dinner Theatre through March 15. The show features some fun-loving monks who hold a fundraiser to save their monastery. The Monks have a divine plan with plenty of singing, dancing and vaudeville routines. For information and tickets call (239) 278-4422 or online at www.broadwaypalm.com.

This week's symphony

The Gulf Coast Symphony, under the direction of Andrew Kurtz, presents A Tribute to Irving Berlin Pops Concert Sunday, Feb. 17 at 7:30 p.m. at the Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall. Starring soprano Shira Lissek, jazz singer Maci Miller and tenor Don Hill, this concert will take a trip down memory lane as the Gulf Coast Symphony pays tribute to one of America's greatest songwriters of all time. An American composer and lyricist, Berlin was one of the most prodigious and famous American songwriters in history. He was one of the few Tin Pan Alley/Broadway songwriters who wrote both lyrics and music for his songs. Single tickets are $26, $31, $37 and $51, with halfprice tickets for children under 18. Tickets are available online at www.gulfcoastsymphony. org, by calling (239) 481-4849, or in person at the Barbara B. Mann Box Office one hour prior to the concert. For more information email: info@gulfcoastsymphony. org.

Thursday, Feb. 14

Dance - Hubbard Street Dance Chicago is renowned for its edgy, athletic and breathtaking choreography as well as its eclectic repertoire. The troupe performs at 8 p.m. at the Naples Philharmonic Center for the Arts. Incorporating diverse influences ranging from ballet to musical theater to rock 'n' roll, the company captivates, challenges and inspires audiences everywhere. . For information or tickets call (239) 597-1900 or online at www.thephil.org.

Friday, Feb. 15

Chamber music - Renowned pianist Philippe Entremont joins the Israel Chamber Orchestra for this very special concert at 8 p.m. at the Naples Philharmonic Center for the Arts. Entremont will perform Schumann's beloved Piano Concerto in A Minor and will also conduct the orchestra in Music Director Gil Shohat's Concertino for Piano and Debussy's Four Preludes, with Shohat soloing. Also on the program: Mendelssohn's joyous "Italian" Symphony No. 4. Since 1965, the Israel Chamber Orchestra has been a musical ambassador, presenting important Israeli music around the world to audiences of all ages. For information or tickets call (239) 597-1900 or online at www.thephil.org.

Art - Rising Stars Art Studio in Cape Coral hosts an exhibit by Italian artist Maria Pia Malerba beginning Friday, Feb. 15 and running through Sunday Feb. 24. A meet the artist reception runs from 6-8 p.m. at the Cape Harbour gallery. Maria Pia Malerba is an ecliptic artist, expressing herself in different ways and shapes; in this show, she introduces her own hyperrealism. Regular Studio hours are 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Sunday. The Studio is located at 5781 Cape Harbour Dr., #105 in Cape Coral. Call 541-9992 for information.

Art - Sim Gallery of Fine Arts presents SIM'ply In Love from 6 to 9 p.m. Embrace the love'ly beauty found in the works of Doug Heslep, Mark Loren Designs, Chad Moriarty, Ann Harrison- May and Claudia O'Brien. These artists capture the essence of love in their watercolors, photography, lightation images and one of kind jewelry and hand blown glass sculpture and they will be present to talk about their work. The gallery is located at 5785 Cape Harbour Drive, Ste. 104, Cape Coral, the phone number is 541-1004 for additional information.

Saturday, Feb. 16

Edison Grand Parade - See the country's largest nighttime parade in downtown Fort Myers beginning at 7 p.m. This is the 70th year for the parade that features two hours of floats, marching bands, special guests and fun. The parade begins in downtown Fort Myers and travels south down Cleveland Avenue to Edison Stadium in Fort Myers High School. Visit www.edisonfestival.org or call 334-2999 for information.

Stadium and Fireworks show - The best seat in town for viewing the Grand Parade and while waiting enjoy national entertainment, a Southwest Airlines Ticket Giveaway and the Broadway Palm Dinner Theatre Fireworks is the stadium at Fort Myers High School. Gates open at 4 p.m.. Tickets are $15 for adults, children 10 and under $5. Visit www.edisonfestival.org or call 334-2999 for information.

Art - An exclusive exhibition by artist legend Peter Max will be on display at the Peter Max Gallery, 370 12th Ave. South, Naples Feb. 16 and 17. The show includes exquisite paintings, lithographs and sculptures. With paintings on exhibition in hundreds of museums and galleries worldwide, Peter Max and his vibrant colors have become part of the fabric of contemporary culture. Max has been successively called a Pop Icon, Neo Fauvist, Abstract Expressionist and the United State's "Painter Laureate." For more information about Peter Max, visit www.petermax. com.

Theater - Tony Award-winning Broadway performer and Emmy Awardwinning star Mandy Patinkin takes time off from his hit TV series Criminal Minds to perform his acclaimed In Concert show at 8 p.m. at the Naples Philharmonic Center for the Arts. Patinkin's unique, heartfelt interpretations of popular standards, from Rodgers and Hammerstein to Cole Porter to Stephen Sondheim, have mesmerized audiences across the country. The New York Times wrote, Patinkin's "astonishing gifts as a singer and actor have found ideal outlets." For information or tickets call (239) 597-1900 or online at www.thephil.org.

Arts & Crafts Fair - The Sanibel-Captiva Rotary holds the 25th Annual Arts & Crafts Fair at the Sanibel Community House at 2173 Periwinkle Way, on Feb. 16-17. This two-day art fair has become an island tradition, and continues to be one of Southwest Florida's finest outdoor celebrations of the arts. Over 100 artists and craftspeople will be displaying their work. Artists are selected from hundreds applying to be part of this long-running event at which they display their sculpture, pottery, jewelry, photography, and fine arts paintings. There will be food, refreshments, and entertainment. For more information on the Sanibel Island Arts & Crafts Fair, call (239) 810-9333 or (239) 634-4295.

Art - BIG ARTS of Sanibel presents the Expressionism Invitational, featuring three nationally and internationally acclaimed artists: Marcus Antonius Jansen, Joan Brechin Sonnenberg and Robert Cipriani now until March 1 in Phillips Gallery. An artists' reception will be held from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. at BIG ARTS, 900 Dunlop Road, Sanibel.

Tuesday, Feb 19

Lecture - Kathryn Fuller, former president and CEO of World Wildlife Fund-US, will speak on conservation issues at 8 p.m. at BIG ARTS. Fuller, extensively knowledgeable and broadly experienced, represents a new type of conservationist. She has worked in public policy, wildlife trade monitoring, and has held several positions in the U.S. Department of Justice. Tickets are $20. For further information on any of these events or exhibits, information about upcoming events at BIG ARTS, to purchase tickets, sign up for workshops, or become a member, call (239)395-0900, email info@BIGARTS.org or log on to www.BIGARTS.org.

Wednesday, Feb 20

Engelbert Humperdinck - In a career spanning 35 years, Engelbert Humperdinck has generated sales in excess of 130 million records, as well as four Grammies, a Golden Globe and a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. He comes to the Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall on Wednesday, Feb. 20 at 7:30 p.m. His music has transcended time and his honeyed, mellow voice still continues to reach out to people of all ages…which no doubt is the essence to his long-lasting success. Tickets are on sale at the box office, by calling (239) 481-4849 or online at www.bbmannpah. com. Groups of 20 or more, call (239) 489-3033, extension 3122.

Vivien Leigh - Shortly after "Gone with the Wind" was published in Britain, an obscure English actress named Vivien Leigh decided she would play Scarlett O'Hara. Two years later, she landed the role. The ambitious young woman's rapid ascent to stardom, and the on-screen victories and off-screen tempests that characterized her life will be recounted in the one woman play "Vivien Leigh: The Last Press Conference," at 8 p.m. at BIG ARTS, 900 For further information about this event and upcoming events, to purchase tickets, sign up for workshops, or become a member, call (239) 395-0900, e-mail info@BIGARTS.org or log on to www. BIGARTS.org

Ongoing events

Art - BIG ARTS of Sanibel presents the Expressionism Invitational, featuring three nationally and internationally acclaimed artists: Marcus Antonius Jansen, Joan Brechin Sonnenberg and Robert Cipriani now until March 1 in Phillips Gallery. Phillips Gallery hours are 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday.

Art - "I Am in It: Contemporary Chinese Calligraphic Expressions" is on display at Florida Gulf Coast University at the Arts Complex Gallery through Feb. 16. Guest curator Yiguo Zhang, Director of Nankai University's Art History Center, brings an exhibition of work by five contemporary Chinese artists who have broken from their classical training as calligraphers and applied the discipline to their personal creations. The artists will be conducting talks and demonstrations during the exhibition. For information go to artgallery.fgcu.edu or call (239) 590-7199.

Art - A juried art show at the Art league of Fort Myers runs through Feb. 23. The Art League is located in the City of Palms parking garage building at 1451 Monroe Street, between Bay and First Street in the downtown River District. For information call 275-3970 or online at www.artleagueoffortmyers.org.

Art - Rising Stars Art Studio in Cape Coral hosts an exhibit by Italian artist

Maria Pia Malerba beginning Friday, Feb. 15 and running through Sunday Feb. 24. Maria Pia Malerba is an ecliptic artist, expressing herself in different ways and shapes; in this show, she introduces her own hyperrealism. Regular Studio hours are 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Sunday. The Studio is located at 5781 Cape Harbour Dr., #105 in Cape Coral. Call 541-9992 for information.

Call to artists - The Naples Art Association at The von Liebig Art Center in Naples, Florida, invites artists residing in the State of Florida to submit up to three entries of current work (created after January 1, 2006) in any media for ART ENCOUNTER 2008. The fine art and contemporary craft exhibition will be installed in the art center's six galleries from May 10 to June 29. At least $3,000 in cash awards will be presented to artists during the Members' Preview Reception and Awards Presentation on May 9. Works appearing in the exhibition as well as the award winners will be selected by guest juror Brian Dursum, director and chief curator of the Lowe Museum of Art at the University of Miami in Coral Gables. Online entries will be accepted at juriedartservices. com until March 16 with a non- refundable online application fee of $42 ($30 for current NAA members), and late entries (extra $20) will be accepted through March 30. NAA membership is not required. ART ENCOUNTER 2007 featured 68 works by 49 artists from 416 entries submitted by 155 artists. Entries came from as far away as Crystal River and Jupiter. For details, visit naplesart. org or call (239) 262-6517 x106.

Upcoming events

Art Festival - The 29th annual Naples National Art Festival will be held Feb. 23 and 24 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. in Cambier Park in downtown Naples and will feature 300 artists from 40 states and Canada. This flagship Naples Art Association event brings 35,000 guests downtown to see and purchase the fine art, fine crafts, paintings, oils, watercolors, acrylics, prints, lithographs, photography, sculpture, pottery, glass, jewelry and other original works in this high quality juried art show. Many of the artists are returning favorites, but there are also dozens of artists who are participating in their first Naples National. Food vendors and entertainment will be provided. A suggested donation of $3 benefits education programs at the art center. For more information, call (239) 262-6517 x109.

Art - Painting, drawing, raku, printmaking - whatever the medium, make it a career. It is possible to generate income while pursuing an artistic passion. Join artist Cheryl Jones Evans at the workshop "Art: Making a Living and a Life" on Feb. 23 from 9 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., and explore exciting options available to live life the way you always wanted to. This full day workshop presents artistic and financial life strategies to turn your art into a career. It will be held at the Alliance for the Arts on McGregor Blvd. The cost is $75 for non-members and $60 for members of the Alliance. Seating is limited, and pre-registration is suggested. Call 239-939-2787 to register.

Material Spirits - Theatre Conspiracy, a Southwest Florida theatre company opens a brand new theatre space on Feb. 21 with the performance of "Material Spirits" under the direction of Artist Director Bill Taylor. The 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. The new theater is located at 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. "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.

Spamalot - Monty Python's SPAMALOT, winner of the 2005 Tony Award for Best Musical, hits the Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall beginning Tuesday, Feb. 26 for six nights. Monty Python's SPAMALOT is the outrageous new musical comedy lovingly ripped off from the film classic "Monty Python and The Holy Grail." Directed by Tony Award-winner Mike Nichols, with a book by Eric Idle and John Du Prez, SPAMALOT tells the tale of King Arthur and his Knights of the Round Table as they embark on their quest for the Holy Grail. Flying cows, killer rabbits, taunting Frenchmen and show-stopping musical numbers are just a few of the reasons audiences everywhere are eating up SPAMALOT. Tickets are on sale at the box office, by calling 481-4849 or online at www.bbmannpah.com.

Jackson Browne - Jackson Browne's Solo Acoustic Tour comes to the Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall Wednesday, March 19 at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are on sale at the box office, by calling (239) 481-4849 or online at www.bbmannpah.com. Groups of 20 or more, call (239) 489-3033, extension 3122.

Anything Goes - Cole Porter's hit musical "Anything Goes" sets sail at the Broadway Palm Dinner Theatre beginning Thursday, Feb. 21. The fun filled trip aboard the SS American is packed with Porter classics, lively tap dancing and a boatload of laughs. "Anything Goes" runs through April 5. Performances are Tuesday through Sunday evenings with selected matinees. Ticket prices range from $25 to $52. Group discounts are available for parties of 20 or more. 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 in Fort Myers.

Cabaret - Welcome to the "Cabaret": says the Emcee. The musical is presented by The Naples Players' March 5 through April 5. Performances are 8 p.m. Wednesday - Saturday nights, 2 p.m. Sundays, at the Sugden Community Theatre in Naples. For reservations, $35 adults and $10 students, call the Box Office: 263-7990.

Art - An exhibit of William North oil paintings completed in 2007 during the artist's term as "resident artist" at Delnor-Wiggins Pass State Park, Naples, will be held Saturday, March 8, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Paintings will include views of Wiggins Pass and the beach, with an emphasis on morning shadow patterns on the sand. North is a well-known impressionist artist with more than 60 years painting experience. The exhibit is a benefit sponsored by the park's volunteer Citizen Support Organization. It will be held in the Pavilion at Parking Area 5. Admission for nonmembers is $5 per vehicle with up to 8 people, $3 for a single driver and vehicle, $1 for walkers and bicyclists. For Park information, phone 239-597-6196.

Photography - Nature photographer Len Messineo's Exotic Everglades program explores the unusual features of this vast, complex system, including the mysterious plant life of a cypress swamp and the effect of fires on the ecology. He will present his dramatic Everglades images at a special lecture starting at 1 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 21, at the "Ding" Darling Education Center. Admission is free to the event. Seating is limited and available on a first-come basis. For more information, or to become a friend of the refuge, call 472-1100 ext. 241 or log on to www.dingdarlingsociety.org

Chamber music - The second performance of the Chamber Music Society of Southwest Florida's series features the Afiara String Quartet, a Canadian group based in San Francisco and finalists at the Banff International String Quartet competition. They will perform Shostakovich's String Quartet No. 7 in f# minor, Op. 108, Samuel Barber's Dover Beach, and a regional premiere of a John Zorn's Cat o' Nine Tails. The concert begins at 7:30 p.m. on Monday, Feb. 25 at the Foulds Theatre at the Alliance for the Arts, 10091 McGregor Blvd. Tickets are $20. For information call 236-1654 or go to www.chambersociety. org Anne Murray - Anne Murray's signature voice has graced the airwaves on recordings since 1968. She will perform at the Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall on Thursday, March 6 at 7:30 p.m. A consummate entertainer, her quick wit and easy sense of humor find their place on stage alongside a string of hits such as "Could I Have This Dance", "Danny's Song" and of course, "You Needed Me". With over 50 million career album sales, the legendary singer continues to sell out concert halls throughout North America. Tickets are on sale at the box office, by calling 481-4849 or online at www.bbmannpah.com.

Johnny Mathis - Johnny Mathis is one of a mere handful of performers today who truly deserves the "living legend" status. He will perform at the Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall on Sunday, March 9 at 7:30 p.m. Since his initial impact on the music scene in the mid-1950's, he has maintained a consistently high level of performance both on recordings and on stage. Tickets are on sale at the box office, by calling 481-4849 or online at www.bbmannpah.com.