WHAT TO DO, WHERE TO GO

>>Frank Sinatra Jr. performs at the Naples Philharmonic Center for the Arts Monday, March 31 at 8 p.m. This week's theatre

Breaking Legs - The worlds of the Mafia and the Theatre collide in an Italian restaurant with this expertly crafted comic masterpiece. "Breaking Legs" is on stage at the Florida Repertory Theatre March 28 through April 20. The meatballs hit the fan when a college professor turned playwright has his play produced by a Mafia don. Prepare yourselves for a madcap entrée of murder and menace with a heaping side of pasta and laughter. This is Theatre - Tony Soprano style! Performances are Tues. - Sat. at 8 p.m., with 2 p.m. matinees on Wed., Sun. and selected Saturdays. 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.

>>B.B. King returns to the Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall Sunday, May 4 at 7:30 p.m. Anything Goes - Cole Porter's hit musical "Anything Goes" is on stage at the Broadway Palm Dinner Theatre through April 5. The fun-filled trip aboard the SS American is packed with Porter classics, lively tap dancing and a boatload of laughs. 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 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.

Humble Boy - "Humble Boy," a dramatic comedy by British playwright Charlotte Jones, runs at the Sugden Community Theatre in downtown Naples through April 19. Directed by Paul Graffy, "Humble Boy" tells the story of a widowed mother and her theoretical astrophysicist son. Performances run Wednesday through Saturday evenings at 8 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m. Tickets are $20 for adults and $10 for students, and can be purchased at www.naplesplayers.org, by phone at (239) 263-7990 or at The Naples Players Box Office, 701 5th Avenue South in downtown Naples.

Cabaret - Welcome to the "Cabaret" says the Emcee. The musical is presented by The Naples Players' 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.

Lucky stiff - Don't miss "Lucky Stiff" at The Schoolhouse Theater on Sanibel playing through March 29. Come see why something funny's going on. For tickets and information, contact the box office at 239-472-6862.

Wedding Singer - It's 1985 and you're invited to "The Wedding Singer," at the Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall Tuesday, April 1 through Sunday, April 6. Based on the hit film, the Tony Award nominated show has been called "AWESOME! Audiences haven't had this much fun since 'Mamma Mia'" - (Jess Cagle, WCBS TV/People Magazine). The Wedding Singer takes us back to a time when neon was in, greed was good, collars were up and a wedding singer sporting a mullet just might be the coolest guy in the room. Don't miss the party. Tickets are on sale at the box office, by calling (239) 481-4849 or at www.bbmannpah.com. Lend Me a Tenor - The Off Broadway Palm Theatre presents the award-winning comedy "Lend Me a Tenor," playing March 20 through May 3. This clever and wildly entertaining farce mixes mistaken identities, competing opera stars and a symphony of slamming doors. Lend Me a Tenor is set in 1934 at the Cleveland Grand Opera on its biggest night in history. World famous tenor, Tito Merelli, known to his fans as "Il Stupendo" is scheduled to sing the lead in Otello, produced as a gala fundraiser that is set to raise $50,000 for the company. Before the star even leaves his hotel room, things begin to unravel. Tickets can be reserved by calling (239) 278-4422, by visiting www.Broadway- Palm.com, or by stopping by the box office at 1380 Colonial Boulevard in Fort Myers.

"Superstar" - "Jesus Christ Superstar," the first masterpiece from the legendary writing team of Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber, exploded onto the scene in 1971, changing the world of musical theater forever. It hits the stage at the Naples Philharmonic Center for the Arts Tuesday, April 1 through Saturday, April 5 at 8 p.m. and 2 p.m. on Saturday. With a score of amazing songs - "I Don't Know How to Love Him," "Hosanna," "Everything's Alright," "What's the Buzz," "Superstar" and "Heaven on Their Mind" - this original ground-breaking production starring Ted Neeley, who starred in the movie version, in the title role and "Living Colour's" Corey Glover as Judas is as relevant and timeless as ever. For information or tickets call (239) 597-1900 or online at www. thephil. org.

The Bible: - "The Bible: The Complete Word of God (abridged) opens on Friday, March 28 at Theatre Conspiracy's new home located at 2711 Park Windsor Dr #302, in Fort Myers. In this fun and irreverent comedy, three actors perform the entire Bible, Old and New Testaments in less than two hours. From Eve to Exodus through the epistles, the apostles and the gospels via fig leaves and final judgement and exploring deep meaningful theological topics such as: Was Jesus a good carpenter? Did Adam and Eve have navels? Did Moses really look like Charlton Heston? The show runs through April 19 with performances Wednesdays through Saturdays at 8 p.m. with select Saturday matinees at 2 p.m. Tickets are $20 or $10 for students with proper I.D. For tickets, complete directions or more information call (239) 936-3239.

This week's symphony

Gulf Coast Symphony - The Gulf Coast Symphony presents "Legendary Broadway Musicals" at the Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall on Saturday, March 29 at 7:30pm. Featuring Broadway Stars Melissa Errico and Sal Viviano, "Legendary Broadway Musicals" is a trip down memory lane, with music by some of Broadway's best composers & lyricist teams of all time including Rodgers & Hammerstein, Jerome Kern, Kander & Ebb, Frank Loesser, Lerner & Lowe. Enjoy hits songs from such classics as "My Fair Lady," "Chicago," "Gypsy," "Showboat," "Guys & Dolls," and the "Sound of Music." Single tickets are $26, $31, $37 and $51, with half-price 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 Naples Philharmonic - Jeff Tyzik conducts the Naples Philharmonic Orchestra in a musical tribute to legendary film composer John Williams - plus your favorite film scores from other unforgettable Hollywood movies. Pops No. 3, Hooray for Hollywood plays at the Naples Philharmonic Center for the Arts through Saturday, March 29 at 8 p.m. and Sunday March 30 at 2 p.m. For information or tickets call (239) 597-1900 or online at www. thephil.org.

Friday, March 28

Liza - Liza Minnelli performs at the Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall at 8 p.m. She began performing at the age of three and hasn't stopped since. She is an icon of stage and screen who has won virtually every award possible, including three Tonys, an Oscar, two Golden Globes and an Emmy. From 'Sally Bowles' in Caberet to 'Lucy Austero' in FOX's Arrested Development; her talent is enduring and her performances legendary. Tickets are on sale at the box office, by calling 481-4849 or online at www.bbmannpah.com.

Saturday, March 29

The Mischief Makers - The children's play "The Mischief Makers," presented by the Florida Repertory Theatre, is on stage at 11 a.m. at the Brick Bar in downtown Fort Myers. A lesson in world mythology and folklore, "The Mischief Makers" shows audiences what happens when three of the world's most famous and mischievous characters find themselves mysteriously thrown together on the same totem pole.For tickets and more information, contact Florida Rep's box office at 239- 332-4488. Please do not call the Brick Bar for ticket information.

Benefit Concert - Internationally renowned musicians Kat Epple, Andy Wahlberg and the McIltrot brothers are performing at the "Benefit Concert for CREW" at the Estero Park Community Amphitheater from 6 ot 9 p.m. The 3-hour concert is a fundraiser for 60,000 acres of Wild and Wet straddling Lee and Collier Counties on the traditional western edge of the Everglades, preserved and maintained as the Corkscrew Regional Ecosystem Watershed or CREW. Buy tickets at the gate, or call CREW boss Brenda Brooks at (239) 657-2253. Or you can e-mail Brooks at crewtrust@earthlink.net, for tickets. To learn more about CREW, go to www.crewtrust.org.

Book signing - Author Joshua Ferris's novel, "Then We Came To the End," was published last year. A paperback version has just been released; Ferris will give a reading and sign books at 4 p.m. at the Naples Barnes & Noble Booksellers.

Monday, Mar. 31

Chamber music - The Chamber Music Society of Southwest Florida hosts the Juilliard-based Attacca String Quartet at the Alliance for the Arts' Foulds Theatre at 7:30 p.m. All tickets are $20. The 2006 Winner of the Alice Coleman Grand Prize, the Attacca String Quartet was a finalist at the International Banff String Quartet Competition in Canada in August. It was also a finalist in the International Chesapeake Chamber Competition. The quartet made its Carnegie Hall debut this season with its mentors the Juilliard String Quartet. They have also appeared with pianist Jerome Lowenthal, pianist Claude Frank, violinist Arnold Steinhardt and the Tokyo String Quartet. Tickets can be purchased by visiting the Chamber Music Society website at www. chambersociety.org. Sinatra - "Sinatra Sings Sinatra" with Frank Sinatra Jr. at the Naples Philharmonic Center for the Arts at 8 p.m. Educated in the showrooms of Las Vegas and on bandstands all over the world, Sinatra Jr. is an evocative singer and skillful arranger, bandleader and piano player, whose big band shows have won acclaim around the world. The former music director for his famous father, Sinatra Jr. has legions of fans who realize, as The Washington Post recently noted, he is a singer who is "hugely gifted in his own right." For information or tickets call (239) 597-1900 or online at www. thephil.org.

Moody Blues - The Moody Blues return to the Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall at 7:30 p.m. One of the most beloved rock bands in music history, their legacy began in the late '60's. They've generated a legendary list of hit songs that are regarded as some of the most groundbreaking and innovative music of our time. Their multi-Platinum, Platinum and Gold albums and singles have generated yearly sold-out tours over the course of several decades, making them one of the top-grossing touring bands in existence. Tickets are on sale at the box office, by calling (239) 481-4849 or at www.bbmannpah.com.

Ongoing events

Art - The 32nd Sanibel-Captiva Art League Juried Exhibit attracts artists from Charlotte County to Naples and is open to the 4,000 members of the Art Council of Southwest Florida. BIG ARTS Phillips Gallery will host the exhibit through March 31, at 900 Dunlop Road, Sanibel. Realistic and abstract work in oil, watercolor, acrylic, pastel, charcoal, ink and printmaking will be showcased. An artists' reception and awards presentation will be held from 5:30- 7 p.m. on Friday, March 7. The Sanibel-Captiva Art League Juried Exhibit is sponsored by Lily & Co. Jewelry. Gallery hours are 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday. For more information, call (239) 395-0900, email info@BIGARTS.org or log on to www.BIGARTS.org.

Art - The Bob Rauschenberg Gallery presents "New Century New Painting: Recent Acquisitions from the Martin Z. Margulies Collection." The exhibit runs through April 5. The work in this exhibition, produced since the turn of this century, speaks directly to some of the central issues painters are working with today. Imagery, gesture, form, abstraction, representation, pattern and materials are explored in this exhibit and reflect the broad range of ideas being developed by some of today's premier artists. On loan from the Martin Z. Margulies Collection in Miami Beach, the exhibit includes work by Claire Woods, Bram Bogart, Jonathan Meese, Tal R, Chris Ofili, Karin Davie, Ulf Puder, Oliver Dorfer and others. Gallery hours are Monday-Friday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Saturday, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. For additional information call: 239-489-9313 or visit www.bobRauschenberggallery.com

Ongoing events

History - One of the greatest anthropological finds in history, "LUCY: The Story of Human Origins" spans 50 million years in scope, from the early primates to the dawn of humanity. This exhibition, at the SWFLMuseum of History in downtown Fort Myers, represents a historical frame of reference for the human timeline which includes this comprehensive collection of exact replicas of skeletons, skulls, footprints, tools, and artifacts dramatically illustrates the story of the progression of humankind on Earth. As part of the exhibit, the museum store will feature anthropological items and gifts and the best-selling book by the man who discovered her; "Lucy: The Beginning of Humankind," by Donald Johanson and Maitland Edey. The exhibit runs through June 12. Call (239) 332-5955 or visit www.cityftmyers.com/museum.

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.

Art - Space 39 in downtown Fort Myers hosts an exhibit "Women's Work: Feminist Art from a Man's Perspective." The issues of the Feminist Art movement are re-examined and re-interpreted from the point of view of a single dad. Artist Jeffrey Scott Lewis uses acrylic paint and canvas to create collages that are inspired by the Quilts of Gees Bend. Using color, line and texture, the artist questions traditional gender-based roles and responsibilities. The abstract works are given titles that suggest the issues a stay at home mom faces in raising children, keeping a home and maintaining relationships.

Art - Rising Stars Art Studio in Cape Coral presents a private Collection of Fine Art Prints by Salvador Dali, Henri Matisse, Egon Schiele, Helmut Newton, and Raoul Dufy. The exhibit will be on display through April 21 on the promenade at Cape Harbour, 5781 Cape Harbour Drive, # 105, Cape Coral. For information call 541-9992.

Auditions - The Calendar Girls, an over 50 dance team, is having open auditions for new dancers on Sunday, April 6th at the

Omni Fitness Club (corner of Summerlin and Boy Scout Rd in Fort Myers) from 1:30 to 4 p.m. Potential members should plan to spend the entire time at the audition and there's no need to prepare anything in advance. The audition will give dancers a chance to meet the Calendar Girls, learn why we dance, and show us your stuff. The Calendar Girls are a not-for-profit dance team who perform all over Lee County. For more details, call Aileen at 823-2341 or email her at CalendarGirlsFL@aol.om. You can also check out the Web site at www.CalendarGirlsFlorida. com

Upcoming events

Rent - "Rent," Broadway's Smash- Hit Musical! Now in its 10th Season comes to the Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall Thursday, April 10 at 7:30 p.m. for one showing. Set in the East Village of New York City, "Rent" is about being young and learning to survive in NYC. It's about falling in love, finding your voice and living for today. Winner of the Tony Award for Best Musical and the Pulitzer Prize, "Rent" has made a lasting mark on Broadway with songs that rock and a story that really resonates. Tickets are on sale at the box office, by calling (239) 481-4849 or at www.bbmannpah.com.

Blast - "Blast!," winner of the 2001 Tony Award for "Best Special Theatrical Event" and the 2001 Emmy Award for "Best Choreography," is on stage at the Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall for eight performances Wednesday, April 16 through Sunday April 20. The show is comprised of 35 brass, percussion and visual performers brought together in a unique explosion of music and theatre. Born on athletic fields across the nation, "Blast!" is a novel art form evolved from the showmanship of outdoor pageantry. According to Bruce McCabe of the Boston Globe; "Blast! is an exuberant 15-number show that doesn't falter while bridging the categories of classical, blues, jazz, rock n roll, and techno-pop music. Blast! stands, blows, pounds, marches, and whirls with panache. It sent a full house into repeated bursts of cheering and applause." There's a special "Kids' Night on Broadway" performace on Wednesday, April 16 at 7:30 p.m. Kids (moms and dads, too) are invited to attend a special pre-show party with food and fun. Tickets for "Kid's Night on Broadway" are specially-priced: buy one regularly priced ticket and get a kid's ticket of equal value free. This special pricing is valid only for the Kids' Night performance on Wednesday, April 16. Tickets are on sale at the box office, by calling (239) 481-4849 or at www.bbmannpah.com.

B.B. King - Legendary "King of the Blues" B.B. King returns to the Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall Sunday, May 4 at 7:30 p.m. Riley B. King, affectionately known as B. B. started recording in the late 1940's and has released over 50 albums; many of them considered blues classics, such as 1965's definitive live blues album "Live At The Regal", and 1976's collaboration with Bobby "Blue" Land, "Together For the First Time." A five-time Grammy Award winner, he is best known for such hits as "The Thrill Is Gone", "Sweet Sixteen", "Caldonia" and "Why I Sing The Blues." He was inducted into the Blues Foundation Hall of Fame in 1984 and the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1987. Between 1999 and 2000 B. B. King released several albums, two of which included "Let The Good Times Roll," an excellent tribute to Louis Jordan, and "Riding With The King," a collaboration with Eric Clapton.

Symphony - The Southwest Florida Symphony Conducted by Michael Hall with Kristofer Marshall as principal trumpet presents "Winds, Brass & Beethoven" at the Faith Presbyterian Church, 4544 Coronado Parkway, Cape Coral on Friday, April 4 at 7:30 p.m. Instruments come alive in this showcase of a youthful work of Strauss, Haydn's popular "Trumpet Concerto" and Beethoven's "Symphony # 1" - classical in style yet hints of the 'Romantic' era to come. Maestro Hall and Musicians offer insight into the music and answer your questions on stage right after the concert. Can't make it to this performance? Try one of the encore performances Saturday, April 5 at 3:30 p.m. at the First Presbyterian Church of Bonita, 9751 Bonita Beach Road SE, Bonita Springs; or Sunday, April 6 at 7 p.m. at the Schein Hall at BIG ARTS on Sanibel. For tickets or information go to www.swflso.org.

Carbaret - "Cabaret," the hit Broadway musical hits the stage at the Broadway Palm Dinner Theatre April 10 - May 31. The love story of a young novelist and an eccentric singer captures the spirit of pre-war Germany. Wilkommen! The words beckon you for some lively entertainment by the magnetic Emcee who welcomes you to Berlin. "Come to the CABARET, old chum!" Ticket prices range from $25 to $52. Group discounts are available for parties of 20 or more. Tickets 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.

Art - The Society of Layerists in Multi Media Art Exhibit will open an exhibit called "Illumination" Friday, April 4 at 7 p.m. at the Syndey & Berne Davis Art Center in downtown Fort Myers. More than 50 artists from around the country will display their works at this exhibit that is open to the public.

42nd Street - The ultimate Broadway musical comedy, "42nd Street" will go on stage at Estero High School on Thursday, May 8 and Friday, May 9 at 7 p.m., in the Estero High School Auditorium. Tickets are $7 for adults, $5 for students with an ID, and will be sold at the door. This landmark show, which is based on the classic 1933 movie musical of the same name, "42nd Street" is the story of a naive young actress named Peggy Sawyer (played by sophomore Anna Robbins) who arrives to audition for the new Julian Marsh (played by freshman Diego Rodriguez) extravaganza set to open on Broadway starring aging leading lady Dorothy Brock (played by senior Kelsey Thompson). A classic backstage story, "42nd Street" is a delightful throwback that the entire family will enjoy. For more information contact Estero High School 947- 9400 or the Drama Department at 273-7587.

Blues - The scenic Caloosahatchee River in historic downtown Fort Myers will be the backdrop for a music and food lovers' paradise with the River Blues Festival, April 6, from 11 a.m. - 7 p.m., at Centennial Park. Admission is $5 for adults with children 10 and under admitted at no charge. Pets, umbrellas and coolers are not allowed. For more information, log onto www.riverandbluesfestival. com.

Fantasticks - "The Fantasticks" will be presented by Jodick Productions at the Foulds Theatre at the Alliance for the Arts on two weekends April 25 thru May 4. Jodick Productions is a volunteer based community theatre collaborative based in Cape Coral. This will be their second show of the year, following on the heels of their smash hit "Nunsense" which was performed in January at Cape Coral High School. Tickets are $22 for adults and $20 for seniors. Call 297-3077 for tickets.

Jazz - The internationally acclaimed U.S. Army Jazz Ambassadors Band will be offering a performance at Shell Point Retirement Community on Monday, April 14, at 7:15 pm. The U.S. Army Jazz Ambassadors Band travels around the country, as well as across the world, playing a variety of musical selections. Many types of music will be included in this concert such as Big Band, Latin, Swing, contemporary, Dixieland, and other popular tunes. Many patriotic songs will be performed as well to show support for the many who serve our country on a daily basis. This performance is a free event, but seating is limited and tickets must be reserved in advance. Due to the high demand for this concert, you may only reserve two tickets. Reserved tickets must be picked up in person from the Woodlands Service Desk at 14441 Woodsong Lane. Call (239) 454-2067 for additional information.

Tartan Day - A Scottish Night with Lee County Pipes and Drums - Celebrate Tartan Day at the Cape Coral Yacht Club from 7 to 10:30 p.m., Saturday, April 5. Tickets are $20 per person. BYOB. The evening features music by the folk group "The Wyndbreakers" and your favorite bagpipe tunes by Lee County Pipes and Drums. All proceeds will benefit Hope Hospice. Call George Cook at 418-1519 or Mary-Alice Reesman at 542-1859.

April Fools - The Naples Players ETC . . . Readers Theatre will stage-read four short comedies, themed "April Fools," at 7:30 p.m. Sunday, April 6, in The Tobye Studio of Sugden Community Theatre. Tickets are $8 each at the Box Office, 701 5th Ave. S.; or phone 263-7990. Limited seating. The program: Murray Schisgal's "The Cowboy, The Indian and The Fervent Feminist;" Richard Orloff's "Prague Summer;" David Ives's "Variations on the Death of Trotsky," and Nina Shengold's "Emotional Baggage."