WHAT TO DO, WHERE TO GO

>> Henry Ford in 1924 with quadricycle and universal car. The Edison Estates is celebrating Ford's birthday on Wednesday, July 30. This week's theater

High School Musical - Broadway Palm Dinner Theatre will present Disney's "High School Musical," playing July 31 through Sept. 20. This is the first production in Broadway Palm's Sweet 16th Season. The Emmy awardwinning "High School Musical" quickly became a world-wide phenomenon after its 2006 debut on the Disney Channel. The Prather Entertainment Group production follows the much-loved story of the movie, featuring the popular songs from the original movie that include "Start of Something New," "Get'cha Head in the Game," "We're all in this Together" and "Breaking Free." There is a "Back to School Special" of $35 for adults for dinner and the show and $20 for those ages 20 and under. Performances are Wednesday through Sunday with selected matinees. Dinner is at 5:30 pm and the evening shows begin at 7:30 pm for this production. For reservations and show information, visit www. BroadwayPalm.com, call (239) 278-4422 or stop by the box office at 1380 Colonial Blvd.

Schoolhouse Theatre - The Schoolhouse Theater presents "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. See "Run for Your Wife" on Mondays and Wednesdays and "Caught in the Net" on Tuesdays and Saturdays - all shows are at 7 p.m. through Aug. 16. And don't forget about the 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, call the box office at: (239) 472-6862 or check out www.theschoolhousetheater. com. 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.

More than 100 works of art are on display at the Sanibel library and BIG ARTS this month. 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. The show runs Wednesday through Saturday evenings until the last performance on Aug. 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

>> The Afro-Caribbean artwork of George Rodez is on display at The Art House. 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 runs through Aug. 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. Tickets also may be purchased by phone at (239) 263-7990 or at www.naplesplayers.org

The Dining Room - Theatre Conspiracy is performing "The Dining Room," July 31 and Aug. 1 and 2, at 8 p.m. at Theatre Conspiracy's new home located at 2711 Park Windsor Dr #302, in Fort Myers. "The Dining Room," which opened in New York in 1982 and earned Gurney a Pulitzer Prize nomination, focuses on the one room in the house that was once the hub of American family life — the dining room. The play stars six wonderful actors who combined, play over 50 different roles, mothers, fathers, giddy teenagers, energetic youngsters, elderly grandparents and domestic servants among others. The show plays Thursday, Friday and Saturday at 8 p.m. with one Saturday matinee on July 26 at 2 p.m. Tickets are $20 or $10 for students. Theatre Conspiracy's new home is just north of Southwest Florida Regional Hospital off Evans Avenue. It is located in the plaza behind Sasse's Restaurant. For tickets, complete directions or more information, call (239) 936-3239.

Wednesday, July 30

Ford's birthday - The Edison & Ford Winter Estates will celebrate the 145th birthday of Henry Ford at "The Mangoes," the winter home of Henry and Clara Ford at 9:30 a.m. Admission to the event is free. The celebration will include cake, new and antique cars, presentations and a special performance by the Estates summer campers. The Estates is open daily 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m and is an official project of "Save America's Treasures" at the National Trust for Historic Preservation, a National Register Historic Site and a Florida Historic Landmark. For additional information call (239) 334-7419 or visit the Web site at www. efwefla.org.

Friday, Aug. 1

Friday Night Live - Bedman Creek Bluegrass bring their banjo-driven bluegrass to the next Friday Night Live. The event is part of a free summer concert series in the Fort Myers River District. The Fort Myers Redevelopment Agency and River District business are hosting Friday Night Live on Friday evenings from 5 to 8 p.m. through August. The events feature a headline band at Patio de Leon and strolling musicians performing throughout the River District.

Upcoming events

Sara Evans - Country superstar Sara Evans comes to the Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall Friday, Sept. 19. The award-winning country singer dominates country radio airwaves, was celebrated as one of People magazine's "50 Most Beautiful People", and attracted a new legion of fans with her spirited turn on "Dancing with the Stars." Evans has earned numerous number-one hits, two of which she cowrote, including "Born to Fly," "No Place That Far," "Suds In The Bucket" and "A Real Fine Place to Start," which spent two weeks at the top of the country charts. Of the five albums Evans has released, her sophomore set, "No Place That Far," has been certified gold; 2001's "Born to Fly" is double-platinum and 2003's "Restless" and 2005's "Real Fine Place" are both platinum. Evans recently released "Sara Evans - Greatest Hits" - a 14-song collection featuring 10 of her signature songs as well as four inspired new songs. Tickets are available at the box office, by calling (239) 481-4849 or online at www.bbmannpah.com. For groups of 20 or more, call Lois at (239) 489-3033, extension 3122.

Chris Isaak - Performer Chris Isaak comes to the Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall Friday, Sept. 9. In the course of Isaak's career, he has released nine extraordinary albums, 12 singles (such as "Wicked Games," "Baby Did A Bad Thing" and "Blue Hotel,") been nominated for two Grammy awards, acted in several motion pictures and starred in his own critically acclaimed TV series. His legendary shows with his longtime band Silvertone have entertained tens of thousands of people for over two decades. On Sept. 9, Isaak, with special guest Lisa Loeb, comes to the Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall. Tickets go on sale Friday, June 27 at 10 a.m. at the box office, by calling 481-4849 or online at www.bbmannpah. com. For more information, visit www. chrisisaak.com and www.lisaloeb.com. Tickets are $39.50 to 75.

Blood, Sweat & Tears - Tickets for Edison College's sixth annual Edison POPS @ Sunset concert, featuring the legendary jazz/rock bank Blood,

Sweat & Tears, are now on sale. Tickets can be purchased through the Edison POPS Web site, www.edisonpops.com. Tables of 10 are $400, and reserved seats are $40. Tables and reserved seats can be purchased online until Oct. 20. General admission tickets are $20 and can be purchased online up to the day of the event. The sixth Annual Edison POPS @ Sunset concert is scheduled the evening of Saturday, Oct. 25 on the grounds of Edison College, 8099 College Parkway in Fort Myers. Additional information is available through the Edison POPS Web site or by calling (239) 489-9085.

Auditions - Creative Theater Workshop will be holding auditions for "Cinderella" on Saturday, Aug. 9 at 10 a.m. at the Alliance for the Arts in Fort Myers. A workshop fee will be $150 per person (includes workshop and costume fee). Workshops are held every Saturday morning and typically last one to two hours. The workshop teaches techniques to be applied in the production as well as mime, stage combat, Fosse-style dance, audition etiquette, and tech (lights and sound equipment). After a short lunch, rehearsal for Cinderella takes place. You must be available for all rehearsals (Saturdays 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.) unless otherwise approved by the director prior to the first rehearsal. Show dates are Nov. 7, 8, 9, 14, 15, and 16. Please bring your headshot, resume, karaoke CD or sheet music and be prepared to sing 16 bars. Ages 6 and up. For questions, e-mail creativetheaterworkshop@ yahoo.com or visit www. creativetheaterworkshop.com.

Auditions - The Southwest Florida Symphony Chorus, under the direction of Joseph Caulkins, will hold auditions for open positions in the Symphony Chorus and new members in the Children's Chorus on Aug. 23 from 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. and Aug. 25 from 6:30 a.m. - 9 p.m. at the Sanctuary of Cypress Lake United Methodist Church. Auditions are 10 minutes in length and those auditioning should bring a prepared classical or pop vocal selection with two copies of sheet music, be prepared to sing scales, and sight sing (adults only). Auditions are by appointment only by calling Michelle at 433-9035.

Artist's Choice - The Art League of Fort Myers will host an opening night reception for its new show, "Artist's Choice," on Friday, Aug. 8 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. "Artist's Choice" is a judged fine arts show featuring the multimedia work of members who belong to the Art League of Fort Myers. Artists will display their latest oil, acrylic and watercolor paintings as well as collages, mixed media, fiber works and photography — all original works of art. The show will continue during gallery hours until Sept. 27. The gallery and gift shop are open on Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays from 11 a.m. until 3 p.m.

Lakeside Bash - Country music sensation Sugarland will headline the second annual "Sam Galloway Ford Lakeside Country Bash" at Lakes Park on Nov. 8. The Lakes Park Enrichment Foundation, Lee County Parks and Recreation and Gator Country 101.9 FM are planning the outdoor concert with international concert promoter AEG Live. Tickets for the concert are $35 in advance and $40 at the gate, with proceeds benefiting the Lakes Park Enrichment Foundation. Tickets go on sale Aug. 15 at 10 a.m. at all Ticketmaster retail outlets and www.ticketmaster. com, or avoid ticket surcharges by purchasing at Gator Country, Lakes Park or Estero Community Center. For updates and additional information on the upcoming concert, listen to Gator Country 101.9 or visit www.lakesparkenrichmentfoundation. com

Olympic Art - The Art of the Olympians will host a celebration at The Venu on First Street in downtown Fort Myers on Friday, Aug. 8 at 6:30 p.m. to promote the fusion of the sport and art worlds. Art of the Olympians will introduce guests to the world of Olympian artists as they enjoy the opening ceremonies of the 2008 Olympic Games. A limited number Al Oerter "Passion" prints will be given away at the event. The event is free of charge. Food and cash bar will be available.

Ongoing events

2D/3D All Florida - The 2008 2D/3D All Florida exhibition is open at the Alliance for the Arts gallery. This year over 300 artists submitted entires for consideration in the categories of sculpture, painting (including oil, acrylic, collage, watercolor, and mixed media), fiber art, photography, prints and drawings (no crafts). Forty-seven pieces were chosen for inclusion in the show and cash prizes will be awarded for Best in Show, second, and third places. The show will be on display through Aug. 1. The Alliance for the Arts galleries are open from 9 to 5 Monday through Friday and from 10 to 3 on Saturdays, located at 10091 McGregor Blvd. just south of Colonial Boulevard. Visit www.artinlee. org for more details.

Cape Library - The Friends of the Cape Coral Library announce a new exhibit which runs through July 31. The Gallery, located at the Cape Coral Library, 921 SW 39th Terrace, off Mohawk Boulevard, is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Featured artists are Rosalie Scanlon, Florene Welebny and June Bennett. Rosalie Scanlon, a graduate of the NY Institute of Photography, has been an awardwinning photographer for many years. She has exhibited photos of school children and nature locally at BIG ARTS, Art from the Parks, Bonita Art League, Beatniks, Cape Coral Art League, Cape Coral Library, the Visual Arts Center and Ding Darling. Florene Welebny's extensive travels have resulted in a wide and varied perspective for the foundation of her artwork. Her photographic subjects range from classic to contemporary and her work is un-retouched. Using only lenses and filters, the magic happens before the button is pressed. June Bennett's early years were spent roaming the historical castles and cathedrals of England, fascinated by the beauty of the great stained glass windows. Creating work in stained glass was only the beginning. She then ventured into fused glass, further developing new techniques at the University of Miami. Now an awardwinning artist and teacher, her work continues to be exhibited throughout Southwest Florida.

San-Cap Art League - Over 100 paintings are currently on view at the Sanibel Public Library and in Phillips Gallery at BIG ARTS. By displaying their work in these Annual Summer Art Shows sponsored by the Sanibel-Captiva Art League, the artists attain goals set during past academic and studio studies and during local painting workshops. These shows provide local artists with encouragement to practice and improve their skills while sharing their work with the community to critique and purchase. Some of the artists have only recently started painting while others have won awards and also show their work in art galleries throughout the year. To see current shows, call the library, 472-2483, for regular hours. The Sanibel Library has a newly-expanded media center with periodicals, reference material, CDs and DVD's, tapes and computers with Internet access for all to use. Phillips Gallery is open weekday afternoons. Both buildings are on Dunlop Road near Sanibel City Hall. For Art League information, write P.O. Box 1192, Sanibel, FL 33957 or call 395-4518. For the Phillips Gallery, call 395-0900.

Dance Workshop - The Schoolhouse Theater is holding its first Musical Theater Dance Workshop. In this six-week series of classes, aspiring dancers will work with professional choreographer/dancer Bobby Logue, learning original choreography from some of Broadway's most exciting Tony award-winning shows. Classes start run Mondays and Wednesdays from 10 a.m. until noon through Aug. 15. The fee is $20 per class - or save by purchasing a full 12-class session for only $210. Call (239) 472-6862 to sign up or stop by the box-office at The Schoolhouse Theater, 2200 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel.

ArtFest - ArtFest Fort Myers, the ninth annual downtown Fort Myers outdoor juried fine art festival, announces a "Call for Artists". The Juried Art Show showcases the work of 200 fine artists in a true celebration of "excellence in art." All artwork must be created solely by the displaying artists. Entries are accepted in 16 categories: Ceramics, Digital, Drawing, Fiber, Glass, Jewelry, Metal, Mixed Media 2-D, Mixed Media 3-D, Painting-Watercolor, Painting-Oil/ Acrylic, Photography, Printmaking, Sculpture, Wearable and Wood. Artists are selected to participate through a jury rating of artistic conception, originality and workmanship. Cash prizes totaling $5,000 will be awarded at the festival. For an Artist Application, contact Art- Fest Fort Myers at (239) 768-3602, e-mail info@artfestfortmyers.com or visit the Web site at www.artfestfortmyers and click on "Artists."

Auditions - More Crinoline Productions will be holding auditions on Aug. 7, 8 and 9 for a January production of Macbeth at the Sidney and Berne Davis Art Center in downtown Fort Myers. All roles, males and females from age 7 to 70, are needed. The language will be the original, with a modern concept. The show will rival crime TV shows for its graphic violence and gore. Inexperienced actors with raw talent are welcome. Come prepared to read from the script at Dean Building in downtown Fort Myers on Aug. 7 (6:30 to 9 p.m.), Aug. 8 (6:30 to 9 p.m.) and Aug. 9 (9 a.m. to noon). Call (239) 898-4586 for more information.

Alliance for the Arts - The Alliance for the Arts in Fort Myers is looking for artists for its exhibit "Reboxed- A Small Works Show For Members." The exhibit will be on display Aug. 8-30. Each piece shown will measure 4-inches by 12-inches by 8-inches. The show is open to all Alliance for the Arts members free of any additional charge. Non-members wishing to enter may do so by joining the Alliance ($50) when delivering artwork for exhibition. One entry per member will be accepted, the medium is open (no crafts). All artwork must be wired and ready to hang. Artwork must have been completed in the last two years and not previously been shown at the Alliance. Artists are responsible for all delivery or shipping costs. For information call Krista at the Alliance for the Arts at (239) 939-2787 or visit the Web site at www. artinlee.org

Arts for Act - Without color, life can be dull, but there is nothing dull about the two-featured artists at Arts for ACT Gallery this August. Artist Jessi Miller of Ocala, will join renowned artist Stephen Gray-Blancett for a twofriend exhibit titled "Colorful Friends." Join Arts for ACT Gallery, located at 2265 First Street in downtown Fort Myers on Saturday, Aug. 9 from 6 to 10 p.m. for the August meet the artists opening reception featuring Gray-Blancett and Miller. Also on exhibit will be "ECO ART" featuring artwork made from recycled objects and created by local artists. "Think Ecologically" is a public service campaign of the American Advertising Federation, Fourth District. As past presidents of AAF Chapters, this project is close to the hearts of both Miller and Gray-Blancett. For more information about Think Ecologically, please visit www.thinkecologically.com. The public is invited to attend the free event and meet the talented artists. For more information, call (239) 939-2553.

Photo art - Without The photo art of three photographers, Scott Bigletti, Carol Orr Hartman and Paul Rodino, will be featured at the Broadway Palm Dinner Theater Art Gallery from July 31 through Sept. 27. The exhibit will be on view throughout the theatrical run of "High School Musical." Connecticut photographer Scott Bigletti specializes in live concert shots of top-line performers and groups such as KISS, Iron Maiden, Christina Aguilera, Tina Turner, Faith Hill, Charlie Daniels and others. Carol Orr Hartman is a fine-art photographer whose work has appeared in many area galleries. She presents computer images for her gallery work. Paul Rodino uses black and white photos to achieve subtle and dramatic effects. All photos will be for sale.

La Casa Del Arte - The Art House, a new art gallery located on one of the oldest streets in the historic Fort Myers River District, is featuring "La Casa Del Arte," an exhibition of the Afro-Caribbean artwork of George Rodez, plus a selection of varied themes from Rodez as well as other contemporary Cuban and Latin American artists. Situated in the city's Art District, The Art House is a contemporary gallery in an historic 1904 Sears Catalog home at the corner of Hough and 4th streets. Rodez is a self-taught artist whose passion for art reflects his diversity and belief that "artists should explore all of their infinite possibilities and use their artistic creativity." He does not limit himself to one style; on exhibit will be his brightlycolored, stylistic Afro-Caribbean collection, yet he also defines other abstract themes with a more blended approach. The Art House is located at 1803 Hough St., Fort Myers. For information, visit www.thearthousefortmyers.com

Call to artists - Arts for ACT Gallery in the River District, at 2265 First Street in Fort Myers, is looking for artists who work with found objects and trash to treasure objects for an ECOART exhibit for August. "ECO-ART" is made with found objects or trash turned to treasures. This exhibit is open to any artist - 2D or 3D. The gallery is accepting art via e-mail submission. If accepted. the art must be brought to the gallery on Friday, Aug. 1 or Monday, Aug. 4. The opening artist's reception will be Saturday, Aug. 9 from 6 to 9 p.m. E-mail Claudia at cgoode@actabuse.com for additional information.