WHAT TO DO, WHERE TO GO

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 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.

>>"Illumination" Friday, April 4 at 7 p.m. at the Sydney & Berne Davis Art Center 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.

>>Jazz singer Freda Payne performs at the Naples Philharmonic Center for the Arts Friday and Saturday, April 11 and 12. 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.

Funny Money - The Schoolhouse Theater presents "Funny Money" beginning Thursday, April 3. The hilarious farce was written by Ray Cooney (author of "Run for Your Wife"). The cast features Schoolhouse newcomers Robbie Gay, Katherine Proctor, and Victor Roldan, as well as Island favorites Miguel Cintron, Marcus Kiehl, Victor Legarreta, Mindy Montavon, and Dave Yudowitz. Performances run through May 3 on Tuesday through Saturday at 8 p.m. For more information and tickets for the show, please call the Box Office at: 239-472-6862 or check out our website: www.theschoolhousetheater. com.

Wedding Singer - It's 1985 and you're invited to "The Wedding Singer," at the Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall 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 Maga- zine). 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 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 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)" runs through April 19 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? Performances are 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.

Married Alive - Experience life from Niagara to Viagra in this satirical musical reflection on the trials of marriage. "Married Alive" is presented by the Gulfshore Playhouse at the Norris Center, 755 8th Ave S, Naples Thursday, April 3 through Monday, April 6. Every subject from new babies to empty nests, job stress, sex, and everything in between is lampooned. Sprinkled with moments of honest tenderness and bittersweet sentiment, the show follows the triumphs and joys, trials and challenges of contemporary marriage. Two couples, the wide-eyed newlyweds and the seasoned "oldyweds," take you on the journey of a lifetime. For tickets call (866) 811-4111 or online at www.gulfshoreplayhouse. org.

This week's symphony

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 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.

Friday, April 4 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 Sydney & 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.

Art - The Art League of Fort Myers will host an opening night reception for its new show, "Showing Off", from 6 to 7:30 p.m. in the league gallery and gift shop located at 1451 Monroe Street in the downtown River District. Admission is free and all are invited. "Showing Off" is a juried and judged fine arts show featuring the multi-media work of the Art League of Fort Myers. The show will continue during gallery hours until May 2. The gallery and gift shop are open on Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays from 11 a.m. until 3 p.m. Call (239) 275-3970 for more information or visit the league's Web site at www. artleagueoffortmyers.org.

Saturday, April 5

ZAP! - A play by Eric Coble is presented in partnership with LCEC by the Florida Repertory Theatre at 11 a.m. at the Brick Bar in downtown Fort Myers. "ZAP!" is a world premiere play commissioned specially by Florida Rep. This fun and inventive play educates children of all ages about the many wonders of electricity, and teaches us all how to Get Smart, Get Safe and Get Saving. Tickets to Lunchbox Theatre are $12, and admission includes the performance, a boxed lunch provided by McAllister's Deli, and an interactive workshop with the cast. 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.

Art show - The Estero Fine Arts Show runs from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the Miromar Outlets, 10801 Corkscrew Road in Estero. The juried art show features 125 artists from 30 states and Canada. The artists work in glass, clay, wood, fiber jewelry, sculpture, painting, photography and metal. Admission and parking are free. Live art demonstrations will occur throughout the weekend. there's also live entertainment, activities for children and food. For further information go to www.hotworks.org.

Sunday, April 6

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."

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.

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.

Art show - The Estero Fine Arts Show runs from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Miromar Outlets, 10801 Corkscrew Road in Estero. The juried art show features 125 artists from 30 states and Canada. The artists work in glass, clay, wood, fiber jewelry, sculpture, painting, photography and metal. Admission and parking are free. Live art demonstrations will occur throughout the weekend. There's also live entertainment, activities for children and food. For further information go to www.hotworks.org.

Tuesday, April 8

Art - Award winning Fresco artist Cindylee Alexander will give a demonstration on the art of Buon Fresco at Rising Stars Art Studio in Cape Coral April 8 from 6 to 8 p.m. Learn the techniques and history of one of the oldest forms of art known and see the process of fresco being painted. Rising Stars Art Studio is located at 5781 Cape Harbour Drive at The Prominade in Cape Harbour. For information call 541-9992. Ongoing events 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

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.

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 genderbased 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 6 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

Call for entries - The 2D/3D All Florida Juried Exhibition is looking for artists to appear in the show set for June 13. The categories for the 2D 3D exhibit are sculpture, painting (including oil, acrylic, collage, watercolor, and mixed media), fiber art, photography, prints and drawings (no crafts). Cash awards will be given totaling $2,000, including $1,000 for Best in Show Announced on Opening Night. Digital Graphics, Entry Form and Fee must be hand delivered or received on or before April 23, at 5 p.m.August 4-5: Hours to pickup all artwork, 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. 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" performance 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.

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. 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.

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.

Addy - Addy Walker's journey to freedom leaps off the page and onto the stage in "Addy: An American Girl Story," at the Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall Saturday, April 12 at noon and 4 p.m. The live theatrical performance produced by Kids Entertainment, Inc.Adapted from Connie Porter's books by celebrated playwright Cheryl L. West, the play follows Addy and her family on their dangerous quest to escape slavery and take their freedom in the North. Recommended for ages 8 and older. Tickets are on sale at the box office, by calling (239) 481- 4849 or at www.bbmannpah.com.

Marc Salem - Marc Salem, a world-renowned mentalist, will appear at the Philharmonic Center at 8 p.m. on Thursday, April 10. Recently featured on 60 Minutes, Salem has performed around the world. In past shows, he called out the serial numbers on a dollar bill in an audience member's wallet, accurately described an item while blindfolded and changed the time on a person's watch while standing several feet away. Tickets are $33. For more information or to order tickets, call (239) 597-1900 or toll-free at (800) 597- 1900. The Philharmonic Center for the Arts is at 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd. in Naples. Writing - Award winning Sanibel author Charles Sobczak will be giving a free seminar on "Writing, Printing and Marketing" on Saturday, April 12 at the Coconut Point Barnes & Noble bookstore. The seminar will get underway at 2:00 p.m. and the writing as well as the reading public are invited to attend. The Barnes & Noble bookstore is located at 23130 Fashion Drive in Estero. The seminar will focus on the importance of good writing as well as excellent editing, then discuss how best to handle the printing of your work - from small order print on demand publishing to larger runs of up to 5,000 books. Freda Payne - Jazz singer Freda Payne pays tribute to the legendary Ella Fitzgerald as part of the Naples Philharmonic Center's "Cabaret at the Phil" series on Friday and Saturday, April 11 and 12 at 6 and 8:30 p.m. Known for her No. 1 hit song "Band of Gold," Payne will perform such favorites as "A Tisket, A Tasket," "Sweet Georgia Brown," "It Don't Mean a Thing," "Lady Be Good" and "Mack the Knife." Tickets for Freda Payne are $39. For more information or to order tickets, visit www. thephil.org or call Customer Service at 597-1900 or toll-free at (800) 597-1900.

Do Jump! - Do Jump! is turning the world upside down, one person at a time. The innovative dance troupe performs at the Philharmonic Center in Naples on Sunday, April 13 at 8 p.m. For 30 years, Founder and Artistic Director Robin Lane has led the Do Jump! acrobats in creating a unique blend of theater, dance, aerial work, acrobatics, dynamic visuals and live music that defies categorization. Tickets for Do Jump! are $39. For more information or to order tickets, contact Customer Service at (239) 597-1900 or toll-free at (800) 597-1900. Tickets are also available online at www.thephil.org.

Ballet - The Russian National Ballet Theatre and Orchestra, one of the most acclaimed international ballet companies, is coming to Naples for one performance on Monday, April 14 at 8 p.m. at the Philharmonic Center for the Arts. Tickets for Russian National Ballet Theatre are $50. For more information or to order tickets, contact Customer Service at (239) 597-1900 or tollfree at (800) 597-1900. Tickets are also available online at www.thephil.org.