WHAT TO DO, WHERE TO GO

>>The Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center presents the fourth annual Gala Fundraiser Saturday Nov. 1. This week's theater

Best Little Whorehouse - Broadway Palm Dinner Theater presents "The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas" running through Nov. 15. A sizzlin' good time is coming when Miss Mona and her "ladies" from the heart of Texas entertain politicians, cowboys and even a college football team after their victory. When her legendary house of ill-repute is ordered to be closed down by the governor, Miss Mona and her girls take on the establishment in this rip-roaring, high-octane production! Includes the songs "Hard Candy Christmas" and "The Aggie Song." Performances are Wednesday through Sunday with selected matinees. Dinner is at 5:30 p.m. and the evening shows begin at 7:30 p.m. For reservations and show information, visit www.BroadwayPalm.com, call 278-4422 or stop by the box office at 1380 Colonial Blvd.

Bad Dates - "Bad Dates," the uproarious smash hit comedy that has left audiences in stitches across the country, runs at Theatre Conspiracy through Nov. 1. Part "Sex in the City," part "Bridget Jones' Diary" and part "The Perils of Pauline," "Bad Dates" is all good fun. You'll be wiping away tears of laughter and sympathy as Texas transplant, single mother and shoe fanatic Haley Walker struggles to raise her daughter, run a popular restaurant and find her way back into the dating world in modern-day Manhattan. Witty, endearing and laughout loud funny, "Bad Dates" takes a stream-of-consciousness look at modern day relationships through one woman's search for the perfect date and the perfect pair of shoes. Theatre Conspiracy is located at 2711 Park Windsor Dr., suite 302, Fort Myers.

The Goodbye Girl - The Naples Players opens its new season at the Sugden Community Theatre with Neil Simon's romantic comedy, "The Goodbye Girl." The show runs through Nov. 8. Performances are at 8 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday and 2 p.m. Sunday. Dallas Dunnagan directs and Meg Pryor choreographs. Music directors are Julie Shaffer and Aurora Wells. Scenic design is by Matt Flynn, and costume design is by Dot Auchmoody. Vergina Restaurant has partnered with the theater again for the season, offering "Dinner and a Show" for $58, which includes a three-course dinner before a stroll across 5th Avenue for the show. Tickets to the show only are $35 for adults and $10 for students 18 and younger. For information and tickets, stop by The Naples Players box office at 701 5th Avenue South, call (239) 263-7990 or go to www. naplesplayers.org.

Forbidden Broadway - "Forbidden Broadway" is on stage at the Broadway Palm Dinner Theater - Off Broadway, through Dec. 20. "Forbidden Broadway" is the hysterical musical comedy that pokes fun at Broadway productions. For reservations and show information, visit www.BroadwayPalm.com, call 278-4422 or stop by the box office at 1380 Colonial Blvd.

Born Yesterday - "Born Yesterday," by Garson Kanin, opens at the Florida Repertory Theatre Friday, Oct. 24 and runs through Nov. 16. A perfect play for the heated election season, this play is a classic love story set in the midst of 1940's Washington politics. When Harry Brock, an uncouth & corrupt tycoon, brings his showgirl mistress, Billie, to Washington, her innocence and naivety threaten to undermine his shady business deals. When Harry hires someone to teach Billie the ropes, he gets more than he bargained for. Tickets are on sale through the box office, 332-4488. Visit Florida Rep online at www.floridarep. org

We Love a Piano - The toetapping musical revue, "We Love a Piano," is playing at The Schoolhouse Theater on Sanibel. "We Love a Piano" features classic hits by Irving Berlin. "I Got the Sun in the Morning," "Steppin' Out With My Baby" and "Cheek to Cheek" are just a few of the many musical numbers in this light-hearted journey. The show runs through Nov. 8. Tickets are $30 for adults and $20 for children and students. Call the box office at 472-6862 for tickets or visit www.TheSchoolhouseTheater.com. The Schoolhouse Theater is located at 2200 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel.

This week's symphony

Fall Music Festival - Naples Philharmonic Center for the Arts Fall Music Festival on Oct. 25 features the works of Dvorak, Nielsen and Mozart. Conducted by Jorge Mester, the Naples Philharmonic Orchestra plays Mozart's 39th Symphony, the first of the three symphonies (his last) that he wrote in the summer of 1788, a graceful, melodic work, and one of Mozart's sunniest symphonies. Also featured will be the witty, warm-hearted flute concerto by Danish composer Carl Nielsen. Performing it will be Principal Flutist Suzanne Kirton. 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.

Thursday, Oct. 23

East meets West - Worlds collide when Ferrari Gallery and daas Gallery host "East meets West." Join the galleries from 6 to 10 p.m. for a new and invigorating experience through art and travel. Joining together to explore the balance of opposing forces, Ferrari and daas will feature works from opposite ends of the light spectrum. In the West, guests will be enlightened by predominately white and light artwork, lifting and stretching their spirits at Ferrari Gallery in Cape Coral. In the East, they will be submerged into the deep souls of the artists when viewing the predominately black and dark artwork at the daas Gallery in Fort Myers. For details, call 939-1194.

Friday, Oct. 24

Mamie Holst - With her ongoing series of black, gray, and white paintings titled "Landscape Before Dying," begun in 1997, Mamie Holst explores the inspiring abstract landscape within her experience of Chronic Fatigue and Immune Dysfunction Syndrome. Her work will be on display at the Bob Rauschenberg Gallery on the campus of Edison State College. An opening reception will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. with a gallery talk at 7 p.m. The Bob Rauschenberg Gallery is open Monday through Friday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Saturday 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. For additional information, call 489-9313 or visit www. bobRauschenberggallery.com

Saturday, Oct. 25

Blood, Sweat & Tears - Edison State College's sixth annual Edison POPS @ Sunset concert features the legendary jazz/rock bank Blood, Sweat & Tears at 7 p.m. Tickets can be purchased through the Edison POPS Web site, www.edisonpops.com. General admission tickets are $20 and can be purchased online up to the day of the event. The event will be held on the grounds of Edison State College. Additional information is available through the Edison POPS Web site or by calling 489-9085.

NASA Art - "NASA Art: 50 Years of Exploration" opens at the Art League of Bonita Springs. The show is a Smithsonian Traveling Exhibition. More than 200 NASAcommissioned artists experienced a behind-the-scenes look at the agency — the scientists, astronauts, and other personnel who shaped the missions and programs. This fascinating look at our nation's space program will appeal to all ages. The exhibit is open through Jan. 24. For details, call (239) 495-8989.

Zombies downtown - The streets of downtown will once again play host to legions of the "Living Dead," as Zombicon returns to Fort Myers. The first Zombie Walk, which is the heart of Zombicon, will officially kick off the event at 6 p.m., as the assembled horde walks the streets of downtown, entering local bars and businesses. Last year more than 1,000 people turned out on the Patio de Leon in full costume to participate in the first Zombicon, a gruesome spectacle at which attendees dressed as zombies and enjoyed live music and performances.

Sunday, Oct. 26

SWF Symphony - "European Tour Part One: American Music in France," plays at 4 p.m. at the The Village Church at Shell Point with the Symphony Chorus, Sarasota Key Chorale and Reiko Niiya on violin. Be the first to hear the program that will be presented throughout France this summer. For details, call 454-2067.

Ongoing events

NASA Art - "NASA Art: 50 Years of Exploration" opens at the Art League of Bonita Springs Sataurday, Oct. 25. The show is a Smithsonian Traveling Exhibition. In 1958, soon after the inception of the U.S. space program, an art program was created dedicated to the accomplishments, setbacks and excitement of space exploration. More than 200 NASA-commissioned artists experienced a behind-the-scenes look at the agency - the scientists, astronauts, and other personnel who shaped the missions and programs. This fascinating look at our nation's space program will appeal to all ages. The exhibit is open through Jan. 24.

Clyde Butcher - The Southwest Florida Museum of History is showing renowned photographer Clyde Butcher's new exhibit, "Visions of Florida — A Clyde Butcher Retrospective," through Oct. 31. An award-winning black and white fine art photographer, Butcher's collection will be a combination of 30 pieces comprised of Giclees and some original silver gelatin photographs that show images of Florida in addition to images from the "America the Beautiful" collection. The exhibit will include a running DVD of Butcher's work and methods and an exclusive display of one of Butcher's trademark photographic cameras: a Deardorf. The museum is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Tuesday through Saturday. For more information, call the museum at 321-7430 or visit www.cityftmyers.com/museum. Animal Magnetism - The

Arts for ACT Gallery, located at 2265 First Street in the River District, Fort Myers, is exhibiting "Animal Magnetism" by Ken Hoffman from Peoria, Ill. Hoffman, professor emeritus of art from Bradley University, has had his paintings exhibited in Paris, Germany, Poland, Australia, Ireland, and Argentina. He is currently represented by Walter Wickiser Gallery and Amos Eno Gallery, both in New York City. For the past 15 years, the anthropomorphic subject matter of his animal portrait paintings has been the central focus of his work; he strives to convey animal-people expressions, revealing to the viewer how close humans are to animals.

Political issues - The Alliance for the Arts is showing "Too Hot to Handle: A Political Issues Show" through Nov. 15. The juried show was open to all artists in the categories of sculpture, painting (including oil, acrylic, collage, watercolor, and mixed media), photography, prints and drawings. The Alliance for the Arts is located at 10091 McGregor Blvd. Hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday. For a complete prospectus and entry form, visit www.artinlee.org or call 939-2787.

Cele-BRA-tion - "Cele-BRAtion" is at the Art League of Fort Myers gallery in downtown Fort Myers. The show was open to area artists and features original artwork in various media including oils, watercolors, acrylics, digital prints, collages and photography. A portion of the artists' sales will be donated to the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation. This exhibit will be on view until Oct. 31. The gallery and gift shop are located at 1451 Monroe Street in downtown Fort Myers. The hours are Monday through Friday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. For information about membership and upcoming events, call 275-3970.

Mamie Holst - With her ongoing series of black, gray, and white paintings titled "Landscape Before Dying," begun in 1997, Mamie Holst explores the inspiring abstract landscape within her experience of Chronic Fatigue and Immune Dysfunction Syndrome. Her work will be on display at the Bob Rauschenberg Gallery on the campus of Edison State College. An opening reception will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. with a gallery talk at 7 p.m. The Bob Rauschenberg Gallery is open Monday through Friday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Saturday 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. For additional information call 489-9313 or visit www.bobRauschenberggallery. com

Upcoming events

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 are on sale 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

The Producers - The Cypress Lake High School Center for the Arts theater department is performing the hit musical "The Producers" Nov. 20-22. For details, call 481-2233.

Call for artists - The new daas Gallery encourages all artists, local and international, to be part of this uniquely diminutive collection. A juried collective exhibition of small format pieces. Artists may submit their work by Friday, Nov. 14, for an opening on Friday, Dec. 5. Submission pieces can not to exceed 12 inches on any side. Each artist may submit up two pieces. Veron Ennis, the curator of the Ferrari Gallery in Cape Coral, will jury this "tiny" collection. Entry forms are available at the gallery. The gallery is open from Tuesday to Friday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturdays 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Visit www.daasgallery.com for more information.

Art Walk - Eleven historic River District art galleries and venues have united to form Art Walk, a free downtown art celebration, on the first Friday of each month from 6 p.m. until 10 p.m. The next Art Walk is Friday, Nov. 7. Participating groups in the year-round event will include Art of the Olympians, Art League of Fort Myers, Arts for ACT Gallery and Boutique, Community Art Showcase in the Harborside Event Center, daas Gallery, Southwest Florida Museum of History, Howl Gallery, La Casa Del Arte Gallery, Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center, Space 39 Gallery, and Union Street Artist Company. Along with the art galleries, restaurants and other businesses will support the monthly trek. Opening receptions will be held at many of the galleries, along with refreshments and music. Friday Night Live, the popular weekly concert series in the Patio de Leon, will provide a musical interlude between 5 and 8 p.m. as art patrons wander from one art stop to the next.

Women of Lockerbie - "The Women of Lockerbie" opens at the Tobye Studio at Sugden Community Theatre on Oct. 29. The Naples Players' poetic drama by Deborah Brevoort runs through Nov. 22. The Sugden Community Threatre is located at 701 5th Avenue South in downtown Naples. Shows are at 8 p.m.Wednesday through Saturday, Sunday matinees, 2 p.m. Tickets are $20 for adults; $10 for students 18 and younger. For information and tickets, call The Naples Players Box Office at (239) 263-7990 or online at www.naplesplayers.org

White Christmas - The Broadway Palm Dinner Theatre presents "Irving Berlin's White Christmas," "Nov. 20 through Dec. 27. "White Christmas" is based on the movie classic made popular by Bing Crosby, Danny Kaye and Rosemary Clooney. It's 1954 and two army buddies turned show biz partners follow a duo of singing sisters to Vermont where the girls are scheduled to perform over Christmas. Bob, Phil and the girls decide to put on a show to save the inn run by their former commanding officer. The Irving Berlin score includes Happy Holidays, "Sisters", "Blue Skies" and the title song, "White Christmas". For reservations and show information, visit www. BroadwayPalm.com, call 278-4422 or stop by the box office at 1380 Colonial Blvd.

Cinderella - 'Cinderella' at Alliance beginning Nov. 7. The Creative Theater Workshop will present "Cinderella" Nov. 7, 8, 9, 14 and 15 at the Alliance for the Arts, 10091 McGregor Blvd. This children's production of the Rodgers & Hammerstein musical brings adventure, romance, and a miraculous kingdom to the stage. As the timeless fairy tale unfolds, a pumpkin turns into a golden coach, mice turn into horses, a dove becomes a footman, and a famously shabby maid sees her wildest dreams come true. Even if you know the ending, this quintessential classic will still have you asking, "Will the slipper fit?" Tickets are $8 for children 12 and under/seniors and $12 for adults when purchased online and $10/$15 at the door. Visit www.CreativeTheater- Workshop.com for tickets and show information or call 738-3525.

Bird photos - Avian photographer Eric B. Orkin will present his remarkable images of Sanibel Island bird life in a special exhibition and sale at the Naples Philharmonic Center's Collector's Corner Gallery beginning Saturday, Nov. 1. The exhibition was brought to Naples on the recommendation of Thomas Hoving, former director of the Metropolitan Museum of Art and advisor to the Naples Museum of Art.

The Wizard of Arts - Grab your ruby slippers and travel the yellow brick road to the Emerald City at The Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center. Broadway performances by stars from the show "Wicked," a delicious seated dinner and a silent art auction featuring fine art from around the world will create an event you wont want to miss. This year's Gala is dedicated to Robert Rauschenberg (1925-2008), our very own "Wizard" of Southwest Florida arts. The money raised will help continue the final phases of construction to the historic art center in downtown Fort Myers. Visit www.Wizard2008. com or call 333-1933 for details and tickets. Individual tickets are $250. Seating is limited. Evening attire; costumes are encouraged.

Arts for ACT - Join Arts for ACT Gallery, located at 2265 First Street in downtown Fort Myers, on Friday, Nov. 7, from 7 to 10 p.m. for the November "Meet the Artists" opening reception, featuring artists Darryl Pottorf, Renee Rey and the Core Artists from Howl Gallery.