WHAT TO DO, WHERE TO GO

"Born Yesterday," by Garson Kanin, runs at the Florida Repertory Theatre through Nov. 16. 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.

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, runs at the Florida Repertory Theatre 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 and 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 toe-tapping 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.

Women of Lockerbie - "The Women of Lockerbie" is playing at the Tobye Studio at Sugden Community Theatre. 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

Cinderella - The Creative Theater Workshop will present, 'Cinderella' at Alliance beginning Nov. 7. "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.CreativeTheaterWorkshop. com for tickets and show information or call 738-3525.

This week's symphony

Romantic Ideal - The Naples Philharmonic Orchestra's Classical Series opens with "The Romantic Ideal," under the baton of Music Director Jorge Mester. The concerts take place at the Philharmonic Center for the Arts on Thursday, Friday and Saturday, Nov. 6-8 at 8 p.m. The Conductor's Prelude begins one hour before each concert. Included in the program will be Berlioz's "Symphonie Fantastique", a dramatic, dreamlike work about a young man's unrequited love. Among the most original compositions of the 19th century, this mesmerizing symphony covers a vast emotional landscape, from passion to despair. Opening the program will be a charming and witty reworking of Boccherini's "The Night Retreat" from Madrid, reminiscent of Ravel's Bolero. Tickets are $64 for adults and $25 for students. 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, Nov. 6

Navy jazz - The Navy's premier jazz ensemble, the Commodores, presents the finest in America's truly original music at 7 p.m. at the Cambier Park bandshell. A specialty unit of the United States Navy Band in Washington, D.C., the group features 18 of the Navy's top jazz and big band musicians. Under the leadership of Senior Chief Musician Philip M. Burlin, the Commodores combine the best of Jazz and popular music.

Luis Miguel - Known by many as "El Sol de México," Luis Miguel is indisputably one of the most popular singers in Latin America and best known for his smooth vocals and romantic ballads. He plays the Germain Arena at 8 p.m. Mr. Miguel, who only sings in Spanish, has won five Grammys, four Latin Grammys, and sold more than 90 million albums to date worldwide. Tickets are $95, $75 and $55 and are available at Ticketmaster.

Friday, Nov. 7

Art Walk - Eleven historic River District art galleries and venues have united to form Art Walk, a free downtown art celebration from 6 p.m. until 10 p.m. Participating groups in the yearround 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.

Arts for ACT - Join Arts for ACT Gallery, located at 2265 First Street in downtown Fort Myers, 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.

Union Street - Union Street Artist Gallery opens at 6 p.m. at 2363 Union St. in downtown Fort Myers. The gallery is housed in a building that was built in 1922 and used as storage for the trains that ran to Fort Myers. In the 1970s, the building was used as a place for artists to teach, work and display their pieces. Now, Union Street Artist Gallery is bringing it back to life, restoring the structure and showcasing the contents left behind. For information, call 699-1655.

Rising Stars- Rising Stars Art Studio, Inc. in Cape Coral has a new exhibit. "Dragonflies," created by metal sculptor Steven Swenor, are symbols of harmony, good fortune and serendipity. The opening reception is from 6 to 8 p.m. The show runs through Nov. 30. The Studio is located at 5781 Cape Harbour Dr., #105 in Cape Coral. Call 541-9992 for information.

Saturday, Nov. 8

Lakeside Bash - Country music sensation Sugarland headlines the second annual Sam Galloway Ford Lakeside Country Bash at Lakes Park at 3:30 p.m. Gates open at 3 p.m. Joining Sugarland are Kellie Pickler and Ashton Shepherd. 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 next Jackson Pollock - The Art League of Bonita Springs presents "Finding the Next Jackson Pollock" from 5 to 8 p.m. The evening event lets patrons enjoy a variety of delicious food presentations; dance to soothing Latin rhythms; create an artwork in the "Jackson Pollock" painting studio; and create and fire their own unique raku vessel on the outdoor stage. Proceeds from this fun and entertaining event will benefit the children and outreach programming.

Upcoming events

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.

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.

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. 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.

von Leibig gala - Save the date, Friday, Nov. 21, for the 10th anniversary celebration of The von Leibig Art Center. The party begins with a tribute at 4:30 p.m., when past presidents of the Naples Art Association will be joined by major donors who contributed to the building's construction, representatives from builder Kraft Construction, Mayor Mayor Barnett and other legislators and community leaders. Following the tribute, the NAA's 47th Founders Exhibition and awards presentation takes place from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. As a special treat, Naples Opera is presenting its "Opera Stars Under the Arts" program under the band shell at 8 p.m. For more information, call (239) 262- 6517 or visit www.naplesart.org.

Doobie Brothers - The Grammy Award-winning, multi-platinum-selling Doobie Brothers will perform a special concert at the Philharmonic Center in Naples on Wednesday, Nov. 19, at 8 p.m. For more than 30 years, the Doobies have defied categories, combining rock 'n' roll, country, blues, jazz and soul to create a sound all their own. Tickets to the Doobie Brothers are $69. For more information or to order tickets, contact Customer Service at 597-1900 or toll-free at (800) 597-1900 or visit www.thephil.org.

Iconic Performers - Joe Leonardo, professor emeritus, Temple University Theater Department, will present "Iconic Performers on Broadway," the first class in the series Broadway Medley, as part of the Philharmonic Center's Lifelong Learning arts education program. "Iconic Performers on Broadway" will examine Broadway divas — past and present — from Merman and Martin to Peters and LuPone and will be held on Thursday, Nov. 13, at 2 p.m. in the Toni Stabile Building, located just south of the Philharmonic Center. Tickets for "Iconic Performers on Broadway" are $32. Tickets for the series Broadway Medley are $128. The series includes additional classes: "The British Invasion" on Jan. 29; "Dance on Broadway" on Feb. 19; and "Flaherty and Ahrens on Broadway" on March 19. 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.

Eileen Newton - Elaine Newton, Professor Emeritus of Humanities, York University, Toronto, will present "Loving Frank" by Nancy Horan, the first event in the Critic's Choice series, as part of the Philharmonic Center's Lifelong Learning arts education program. The series features enlightening commentary on some of the most exciting and important contemporary fiction. "Loving Frank" will be presented on Saturday, Nov. 15, at 10 a.m. in Hayes Hall. Tickets are $30. For more information or to order tickets, contact customer service at 597-1900 or toll-free at (800) 597-1900 or visit www.thephil.org.

"Tell no One" - Theatre Conspiracy kicks off its film series with "Tell no One" (Ne le dis à personne), Nov. 14 and 15 at 8 p.m. A man's wife is brutally murdered, then eight years later he receives an e-mail that brings everything into question. This 2006 French thriller has English subtitles. For more information, call 936-3239. Theatre Conspiracy is located at 2711 Park Windsor Dr., suite 302, Fort Myers.

Magic Carpet - The Gulf Coast Symphony presents "Let's Move to the Beat," Nov. 16 as part of its Magic Carpet family concert series. Works feature Central and Latin American composers at the Harlem Heights Community Park, 7340 Concourse Dr, Fort Myers. The Gulf Coast Symphony's Magic Carpet Family Concert series is sponsored in part by Target and the city of Fort Myers. Designed for children of all ages, these free, one-hour concerts are the perfect introduction to the symphony orchestra.

Fall Music Festival - Renowned British pianist Howard Shelley joins the Naples Philharmonic Orchestra to present "Shelley Plays Saint-Saëns," the final program in the Fall Music Festival Series, on Friday and Saturday, Nov. 21 and 22, at 8 p.m. at the Philharmonic Center for the Arts. Shelley will perform Saint-Saëns' most popular piano concerto and conduct the orchestra. Tickets are $47 for adults and $22 for students. 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.

SWF Symphony - In partnership with the School District of Lee County, the Southwest Florida Symphony will honor veterans and celebrate the patriotism of our youth expressed in art, music and poetry with the sixth annual Pride & Patriotism program featuring the Southwest Florida Youth Orchestra on Wednesday, Nov. 19, at 7 p.m. at the Barbara B Mann Performing Arts Hall. Tickets are $7.

SWF Symphony - The Southwest Florida Symphony opens its classical season with "Symphony Spectacular," a gala and Little Black Dress & Bow Tie Event on Saturday, Nov. 22. Maestro Michael Hall will conduct a spectacular classical opening featuring two majestic works: Greig's "Piano Concerto" and Brahms' "Symphony #1." Guest performer will be the the newly named winner of the 2008 Gilmore Young Artist Award, pianist Naomi Kudo. The event plays at the Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall, at 8 p.m., Saturay, Nov. 22 with the Little Black Dress & Bow Tie Event from 6 to 8 p.m. Symphony Spectacular gala opening tickets are $30. On Sunday, Nov. 23 the symphony starts at 2:30 p.m. with the Little Black Dress & Bow Tie Event at 5:30 p.m. Concert and eeception tickets are $50, reception only is $25. For tickets contact the box office at 418-1500.

Love loves - "Love Loves a Pornographer," a contemporary comedy of manners by Jeff Goode, opens at Theatre Conspiracy Nov. 19 and runs through Dec. 6. Lord Loveworthy has a problem. His only daughter is soon to be married. And the only way to pay for her wedding is to blackmail the vicar who's seducing his wife. But how does a Victorian pornographer commit extortion, without inordinate discord, at tea? Theatre Conspiracy is located at 2711 Park Windsor Dr., suite 302, Fort Myers.

Chitty Chitty Bang Bang - You'll believe a car can fly. "Chitty Chitty Bang Bang," the musical comes to the Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall Nov. 15 and 16 for three performances. See sensational sets, stunning special effects, an irresistible story, and an unforgettable Sherman Brothers score, including memorable classics like "Truly Scrumptious," "Hushabye Mountain," and the Oscar-nominated title song, all add up to a Broadway blockbuster the whole family will love. Shows are 2 and 8 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 15 and 1 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 16. Tickets are on sale now and available at the box office, by calling 481-4849 or online at www.bbmannpah. com

Tom Brokaw - Tom Brokaw, legendary NBC newsman, best-selling author of "The Greatest Generation" and "Boom," and the current host of "Meet The Press", is coming to the Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall on Tuesday, Nov. 18, at 7:30 p.m. Mr. Brokaw will share his unique perspective on today's headlines, the qualities that make America special and what we need to do as a nation to overcome challenges we face. His speech will be followed by audience question and answer session. Tickets are on sale now and available at the box office, by calling 481-4849 or online at www.bbmannpah.com

Bob Weir & Ratdog - The Bob Weir & Ratdog Tour 2008 stops at the Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall Friday, Nov. 21 at 8 p.m. Tickets are on sale now and available at the box office, by calling 481-4849 or online at www.bbmannpah. com

Ongoing events

NASA Art - "NASA Art: 50 Years of Exploration" is open at the Art League of Bonita Springs. 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 behindthe 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 additional information call 495-8989 or visit artcenterbonita.org

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.

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. 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

East meets West - Worlds collide when Ferrari Gallery and daas Gallery host "East meets West." Join the galleries 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.

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.

Call for artists - The Fort Myers Art Fair at the Bell Tower announces a call to artists for its juried fine art fair taking place Jan. 3 and 4. The two-day festival is open to all styles and mediums of artwork, including paintings, sculptures, photography, glass, ceramics, mixed media and more, with prices ranging from $25 hand-designed earrings to $20,000 metal sculptures. Interested artists should contact Howard Alan Events at (954) 472-3755. Applications are also available online at www.artfestival.com