WHAT TO DO, WHERE TO GO

>>Nick Willett is on stage at the Harborside Event Center June 11-13. This week's theatre

Wizard of Oz - The classic movie musical "The Wizard of Oz" comes to the Broadway Palm Dinner Theater stage 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.

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, well-known 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

>>Pavol Roskovensky's "Reflexive" is on display at Space 39 through June 15. 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

>>The cast of the Schoolhouse Theatre's "Caught in the Net." The show plays Tuesdays and Saturdays on Sanibel. Bald Soprano - London-trained theater director Annette Percivall of More Crinoline Productions, will put her spin on Ionesco's "The Bald Soprano" through June 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.

Wed.-Fri., June 11-13

Nick Willett - Nick Willett Entertainment, Inc. in partnership with 3 Kings Productions Company, Inc. welcome world-wide performer and vocal sensation Nick Willett, to Fort Myers, June 11-13 at 7 p.m. at the Harborside Event Center in downtown Fort Myers. Willett is one of Europe's hottest sensations. He's traveled throughout the continent performing in England, France, Italy and Germany. Now Willett is ready to start his U.S. Tour by bringing his musical talent and full orchestral concert to Fort Myers. Willett will be kick starting his USA Tour with a spectacular presentation featuring music from the 1950s, 1960s and 1970s all in three unforgettable concerts. Some of the songs Nick will be performing will include music from; Elvis Presley, Roy Orbison, Dean Martin, Al Martino, Charlie Rich, Frankie Lane, Engelbert Humperdinck, Marty Robbins, Brenda Lee, The Bee Gees, Bobby Darin and Billy Fury, just to name a few. Tickets are $39 per person in advance or $45 at the door. Tickets can be purchased online at www.NickWillett.com or at any Lazy Boy Furniture Galleries in Fort Myers or Naples as well as Bananas Salon in Cape Coral and Fort Myers. For tickets or information call Bob Encarnacion at 243-6253.

Ongoing events

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 - 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.

Saturday, June 14

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 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.

Sunday, June 15

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 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.

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.

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 Schoolhouse Theatre - The

Schoolhouse Theater's summer in rep officially begins Saturday, June 14 with the opening of "Caught in the Net," the sequel to Sanibel's favorite comedy, "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. In this superb, 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 of a lifetime. "Caught in the Net" takes place 18 years later, and modern technology is about to lead John Smith's two families into a head-on collision. His son Gavin (with his mum Barbara) and daughter Vicki (with her mum Mary) are discussing having met in an Internet chat room. They are amazed that they both have fathers named John Leonard Smith who are London taxi drivers, and since romance has blossomed, they are determined to meet in person…and chaos ensues…Come see "Run for Your Wife" on Mondays and Wednesdays and "Caught in the Net" on Tuesdays and Saturdays - all shows are at 7 pm. And don't forget about our special toll relief coupon! Bring us your toll receipt and we'll give you a $5 coupon off the purchase of your next adult priced ticket. That's both shows for the price of one toll! 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. Rauschenberg - On behalf of the family and friends of Robert Rauschenberg, Edison College will host a celebration of the famed artist's life on Saturday, June 21. The public event will be held from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. in the Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall and the Bob Rauschenberg Gallery on Edison College's Lee Campus, 8099 College Parkway. A tribute will begin at 5:30 p.m. in the Mann Hall. Photographs of Bob's life and Ruminations print will be on view in the Gallery. The Gallery exhibit can be viewed daily from June 22 through July 3. Hours are Monday though Friday 10 am to 4 pm, Saturday from 11 am to 3 pm, and for this very special exhibit, Sundays from 12-4 pm. For additional information, contact the Bob Rauschenberg Gallery at (239) 489-9313, or visit the Gallery web site at bobrauschenberggallery. com or the Edison College web site at www.edison.edu. Art classes - Rising Stars Art Studio is offering painting workshops in Acrylics by guest artist Maria Pia Malerba. Two summer classes will be offered; one focusing on still-life and one on landscape painting. Maria Pia will also introduce several new techniques. Classes start Tuesday June 24 and run through July 3. This is an afternoon and an evening class. Ages 13 and older. Class size is limited to five students. Rising Starts Art Studio is located in Cape Harbour at 5781 Cape Harbour Dr. #105 in Cape Coral. Call 541-9992 or 945-8400 for further information or to register.