WHAT TO DO, WHERE TO GO

>>"Wit" is on stage at the Sugden Community Theatre in Naples through June 14. This week's theatre

Wizard of Oz - The classic movie musical "The Wizard of Oz" comes to the Broadway Palm Dinner Theater stage June 5 through July 26. The Wizard of Oz, based on the book by Frank L. Baum and the world famous 1939 film, chronicles the adventures of Dorothy, the Scarecrow, the Tin Man, the Cowardly Lion and… Toto, too. You'll hear the songs from the score you know and love such as "Somewhere Over the Rainbow," "We're Off to See the Wizard" and "Follow the Yellow Brick Road." Performances are Wednesday through Sunday evenings with selected matinees. Ticket prices range from $25 to $52. There is a summer special for children 18 and under, tickets are just $18 for dinner and the show. 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.

>>Sweet Baby James - A tribute to James Tayor features Bob Stillman at the Phil in Naples on Saturday, June 14. Wit - The Naples Players' summer drama "Wit," an extraordinary, Pulitzer Prize winning play by Margaret Edson, runs through June 14 at the Tobye Studio in the Sugden Community Theatre in downtown Naples. Janina Britolo, wellknown to Naples' audiences, stars as Vivian Bearing in a role that is intellectually challenging and emotionally gripping. "Wit" tells the story of a noted professor of English who has specialized in teaching the Holy Sonnets of John Dunne, and who has been diagnosed with terminal ovarian cancer. She becomes a prize patient in a teaching hospital - and comes to reassess her own life with humor and profundity. The play runs Wednesday through Saturday evenings at 8 p.m., through June 14, and on Sunday, June 1 and June 8 at 2 p.m. Tickets are $20 for adults; $10 for students. Tickets may be purchased at The Naples Players Box Office, 701 5th Avenue South in downtown Naples, by phone at (239) 263-7990 or at www.naplesplayers. org

Run for your wife - "Run for Your Wife" is Ray Cooney's biggest hit and the longest running comedy to have played in London's West End. It plays at the Schoolhouse Theater on Sanibel on Saturday, Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Saturdays. until June 14. In this hysterically funny British farce, London cabbie John Smith lives a happy life with his wife Mary. He also lives a happy life with his wife Barbara. Since neither Mary nor Barbara knows the existence of the other, John's cleverly scheduled life is free of incident…UNTIL…a trip to the hospital sends John Smith into the most hilarious mix-up. All showtimes are at 7 pm. For more information and tickets for the show, call the box office at 472-6862 or online at www.theschoolhousetheater.com Bald Soprano - London-trained theater director Annette Percivall of More Crinoline Productions, will put her spin on Ionesco's "The Bald Soprano" from June 6-21 at 8 p.m.. The production will be performed at the Theatre Conspiracy, 2711 Park Windsor Dr. suite 302, Fort Myers. An anti-play, exposing the alienation of individuals in a superficial society, the work remains as timely today as it did when it premiered in the 1950s. Percivall questions whether we can be an audience at all in this production, or whether we are all unwitting players in this tragicomedy. Call 936-3239 for tickets and information. Tickets are $10 for students and $15 for adults. For more information or to purchase tickets, call the Theatre Conspiracy box office at 936-3239.

Friday, June 6

Barely a Chance - "Barely a Chance," an independent movie filmed and produced in Southwest Florida by filmmaker Eric Raddatz will premiere at the Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center at 8 p.m. Guests will enjoy a concert by the Heather Brooks Band, Modulation and the fresh chunky sounds of DJ Michael Briscoe during a pre-premiere concert and mixer starting at 6:30. The movie's stars; Keegan Shayne, Scott Thompson, Doug MacGregor, Amy Whicker, Jessica DiTomaso, director and executive producer Raddatz will be at the social. The romantic comedy about the journey of a man miserably lost in the '90s who becomes single and learns to embrace the five stages of grief while struggling to accept his dysfunctional asexual and somewhat dork-like identity was filmed in Cape Coral, Fort Myers, Captiva Island, Bonita Springs and Naples. The movie contains original music by Dan Miller, Danny Sinoff, Darrell Nutt, Heather Brooks, Mike Rogers, DJ Michael Briscoe and Kelsey Merritt. The event is sponsored by the Sidney and Berne Davis Center for the Arts, Fort Myers Downtown Redevelopment Agency, Erad Productions L.L.C., Southwest Florida Modeling and Talent, Three Kings Productions, Capomaestro Studios, Envie Lounge.

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.

Auditions - The newly formed Naples Publick Theatre, dedicated to free Shakespeare in the park, will hold auditions for its inaugural production, "The Comedy of Errors," Tuesday, June 17, from 5 to 8 p. m. at the Norris Center, 755 8th Ave., S. (across from City Hall), Naples. The Shakespeare play will be presented at the Norris Center Amphitheatre during November and December. The production is non-union and all roles are open. Previous acting experience is required. Casting: Duke Solinus (50+); Egeon (50+), Antipholus twins (20-30); Dromio twins (20-30), Adriana (20-30); Luciana (16-25); Angelo (35+); Balthasar (additionally taking all Merchant roles, 30+), Nell/Abbess (50+); Courtesan (25+); Dr. Pinch (50+); Maid (taking Messenger role, 16+); Officer/ Jailer (30+); male extras (16+). NPT is also seeking a costume designer, stage manager, light-sound techs, wardrobe mistress/master, and any other parties who wish to be involved. Send email stating your interest, or resume where applicable, to d@DonatoPresents.com.

Art - "First Look" is a visual art exhibit at the Alliance for the Arts featuring Senior Projects of Florida Gulf Coast University visual art students. An opening reception, free to the public, runs from 5 - 7 p.m. Also in attendance at the opening will be the new C.E.O. of the Alliance, Gary Conley. The artwork created by FGCU visual arts students will be featured in the exhibit at the Alliance and were chosen by the Exhibition Committee from the Alliance. "First Look" will be on display at the Alliance for the Arts through June 6. The Alliance for the Arts is located at 10091 McGregor Boulevard just south of Colonial Boulevard. Visit www.artinlee. org for further information.

Call to artists - The Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program, a partnership program working to protect the natural environment from Venice to Estero Bay to Winter Haven, is encouraging artwork submissions for its 2009 calendar. People can submit up to three digitized entries by 5 p.m. on July 14. Qualifying images captured must be within the watershed of concern to the CHNEP, which includes all or portions of Charlotte, DeSoto, Hardee, Highlands, Lee, Manatee, Polk and Sarasota counties. Entries and forms must be received by Maran Hilgendorf, CHNEP, 1926 Victoria Ave, Fort Myers FL33901-3414 prior to the deadline. If you have any questions, please contact Maran at mhilgendorf@ swfrpc.org.

Art - Space 39 Modern & Contemporary gallery presents "Reflexive," featuring the works of Pavol Roskovensky. The artist explores a more naturalistic method of painting, creating images that are meticulously detailed and provide an almost spiritual transcendence. He explores the idea that true nature cannot be rendered on a picture plane by a human hand. "Reflexive" will be on display until June 15. Space 39 Modern & Contemporary is located at 39 Patio de Leon, Fort Myers. For more information, call (239) 690-0004 or visit www.spacethirtynine. com.

Art - Art of the Olympians will be featured in the Bob Rauschenberg Gallery/ Edison College through June 19. There will be a special preview event featuring the Art of the Olympians collection to be showcased at the 2008 Summer Olympic Games at The Prince Jun Palace. Olympic Gold Medalists, Bob Beamon and Pat McCormick, among other Olympians will be present at this special preview exhibition, from 6:30-9:30 p.m. The Bob Rauschenberg Gallery is located on the campus of Edison College. For additional information call: 239-489-9313 or visit the Web site, www.bobRauschenberggallery.com

Call to artists - The Alliance for the Arts recently partnered with Florida Shores Bank to administer a juried exhibition, where all work will be for sale. This is a rare opportunity for artists to sell artwork and be recognized in the community. The bank has ample space available for paintings, photographs, drawings, sculptures, and prints of all shapes and sizes. There is a $25 entry fee for up to five pieces. All submissions need to be digital and must include dimensions and weight. Send submissions to Chelsea Birczak at rentals@artinlee.org. Submissions must be labeled with name, title, medium, size/weight and price. Due date is June 11. The show will open Monday, June 16.

Upcoming events

Backyardigans - A national touring production of "The Backyardigans Live! Tale of the Mighty Knights" will stop at the Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall on July 15 and 16 for two performances. Tickets are now on sale. Since its debut on Nickelodeon's preschool weekday lineup, "The Backyardigans" has become the No. 2-rated preschool show on all of commercial TV among the target audience of preschoolers. The shows will start at 7 p.m. Tickets are $32.50, $27.50 and $17.50. For more information, call (239) 481-4849 or visit www.bbmannpah.com.

Space 39 - Space 39 Modern & Contemporary gallery hosts a reception June 28, from 6-10 p.m. for "New Works" featuring the distinguished students of Florida Gulf Coast University. The gallery picked specific pieces from this juried group show to bring to Space 39 for your enjoyment. The exhibit will be on display from June 28 to July 19. Please call ahead for summer hours. For more information, call (239) 690- 0004 or visit www.spacethirtynine.com.

Piano Men - "The Piano Men 2," an acclaimed musical journey through the 1970s and 1980s showcasing the songs of legendary performers Billy Joel and Elton John, comes to the Philharmonic Center for the Arts for one show on Saturday, June 28 at 8 p.m. Multi-talented entertainer Jim Witter is featured on grand piano and lead vocals, along with his band, which includes guitar, bass, sax, electric keyboard and drum backup. The Piano Men 2 is the sequel to The Piano Men, Witter's critically acclaimed show featuring Billy Joel and Elton John hits from the 1970s. Tickets to The Piano Men 2 are $35. For more information or to order tickets, contact Customer Service at (239) 597-1900 or toll-free at (800) 597-1900 or online at www.thephil.org.

Sweet Baby James - Multitalented entertainer Bob Stillman stars in Sweet Baby James - A Tribute to James Taylor, featuring such legendary hits as Fire and Rain, You've Got A Friend and How Sweet It Is, at the

Philharmonic Center for the Arts on Saturday, June 14 at 8 p.m. Stillman has lit up some of New York's best-known stages as a writer, musician and actor. The two-time Tony Award nominee, who studied piano and composition at the Juilliard and Manhattan Schools beginning at age 9, has appeared on Broadway in Grey Gardens and Kiss of the Spider Woman and in the cult off-Broadway hit The Last Session. Joining Stillman will be classically trained singer and actress Connie James, a New York staple for the past 20 years as a performer and studio singer. Tickets to Sweet Baby James are $35. 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.

Fab Four - The Fab Four, known for their uncanny, note-for-note live renditions of Beatles' songs, return to the Philharmonic Center by popular demand on Saturday, July 19 at 8 p.m. This incredible stage show includes three costume changes representing each era of the Beatles' career. Hear record-perfect live performances of such classics as Can't Buy Me Love, Yesterday, A Day In The Life, Penny Lane, Here Comes The Sun, Hey Jude and many more. Tickets to The Fab Four are $35. For more information or to order tickets, contact Customer Service at (239) 597-1900 or toll-free at (800) 597-1900 or visit www.thephil.org.

Secret Garden - For its Naples summer musical extravaganza, The Naples Players bring to the stage "The Secret Garden," a production based on the novel by Frances Hodgson Burnett. The book and lyrics for "The Secret Garden" were written by Marsha Norman; the music is by Lucy Simon. The Naples Players' production includes a cast of more than 30 and a full orchestra. Tickets for "The Secret Garden" are on sale at The Naples Players Box Office. Also on sale is a return of the summer dinner/ show package offered by The Naples Players and Vergina Restaurant. Beginning Saturday, June 28 and continuing Wednesday through Saturday evenings until the last performance on August 2, the dinner/show package costs $48 for an adult. After enjoying a three course dinner at Vergina, the ticket holder then watches a performance of "The Secret Garden." On Sundays, dinner follows the matinee. Individual tickets for The Secret

Garden cost $30 per adult and $10 for children under 18. The show opens June 27 (opening night is sold out) and runs through August 2. For reservations for the dinner/show package or for individual tickets to any performance, visit The Naples Players Box Office at 701 5th Avenue South in downtown Naples. The office is open Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Tickets also may be purchased by phone at (239) 263-7990 or at www.naplesplayers.org

Festival of Dance - Local students have teamed up with guest choreographers and professional dancers to present Dance Bochette's 2008 Festival of Dance, the annual celebration of ballet, modern, jazz, tap and cultural works. The show will be held Sunday, June 15 at 3 p.m. at Bishop Verot High School's Anderson Theater. This year's performance includes "Polovtsian Dances," a ballet from Borodin's opera "Prince Igor." In addition, Valladon and Incollingo will perform the grand pas de deux from "Don Quixote," one of the best-known scenes in classical ballet repertoire. All seats are $12 and tickets are available at the door.