WHAT TO DO, WHERE TO GO

This week's theater

Play On - "Play On,'' written by Rick Abbot, is playing at the Schoolhouse Theater on Sanibel Island through Dec. 6. It's the hilarious story of a community theater group trying desperately to put on a play in spite of maddening interference from a haughty author who keeps revising the script up to the day of the performance. Call 472-6862

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.

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 Theatre 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

Love loves - "Love Loves a Pornographer," a contemporary comedy of manners by Jeff Goode, opens at Theatre Conspiracy starts 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.

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.

Alic Lazo 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.

This week's symphony

Vivaldi's World - Naples Philharmonic Center of the Arts presents "Vivaldi's World'' Sunday, Nov, 23. "The Four Seasons'' is Vivaldi's best-known composition and one of the pillars of the Baroque repertoire. These musical tone poems, each depicting one of the four seasons — based on sonnets written by Vivaldi — will be performed by four solo violinists from the Naples Philharmonic Orchestra. Also on the program will be the Vivaldi "Cello Concerto in D Major,'' featuring soloist Thomas May. 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.

SWF Symphony - The Southwest Florida Symphony opens its classical season Saturday, Nov. 22, with "Symphony Spectacular," a gala and Little Black Dress & Bow Tie Event, from 6-8 p.m. at the Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall. 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 newly named winner of the 2008 Gilmore Young Artist Award, pianist Naomi Kudo. 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 reception tickets are $50, reception only is $25. For tickets, contact the box office at 418-1500.

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 597-1900 or toll-free at (800) 597-1900 or visit www.thephil.org. >>Naples Philharmonic Center of the Arts presents "Vivaldi's World'' Sunday, Nov, 23. >>The Southwest Florida Symphony opens its classical season Saturday, Nov. 22, with "Symphony Spectacular." >>Naples Philharmonic Orchestra presents "Shelley Plays Saint-Saëns," on Friday and Saturday, Nov. 21 and 22,

Thursday, Nov. 20

A Man's Place - An Opening Reception for "A Man's Place,'' by Jeffrey Scott Lewis, will be held from 6-9 p.m. at Ferrari Gallery in Cape Coral. The event is sponsored by Engel & Volkers and hors d'œuvres will be prepared by Brew Babies. For post-show dinner reservations, call Brew Babies at 542-2224 or visit MyBrewBabies.com. For details, visit www.ferrarigalleryart.com.

Jazz Ensemble - The Edison State Fall Concert Series continues at the Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall, with a performance by the Edison State College Concert Band, and culminates on Monday, Nov. 24, with a performance by the Edison State College Orchestra & Choir. All performances begin at 8 p.m. and are held at the Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall, located on the Lee Campus. Admission is free, but tickets are required for each performance. Tickets can be picked up at the Mann Hall Box Office during regular business hours: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, and 10 a.m., to 2 p.m. on Saturdays.

Friday, Nov. 21

Bob Weir & Ratdog - The Bob Weir & Ratdog Tour 2008 stops at the Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall 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

Elizabeth Ferrer - Elizabeth Ferrer, former director of the Austin Museum of Art, will present an illustrated lecture on photographer Lola Álvarez Bravo at the Daniels Pavilion, Philharmonic Center for the Arts, at 10 a.m. The lecture is presented in conjunction with the exhibition Lola Álvarez Bravo, on display at the Naples Museum of Art through Sunday, Jan. 4. The cost for the lecture is $25 for adults and $20 for Naples Museum of Art and Friends of Art members. 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.

von Leibig gala - It's 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 Bill 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 262-6517 or visit www. naplesart.org.

Saturday, Nov. 22

Art Royale - The Alliance for the Arts hosts its premier fundraising event, Art Royale, on Saturday, Nov. 22, at 6:30 p.m. Art enthusiasts, thrill seekers and the average curious art lover will experience what participating artists describe as their creative outlet. The key is thinking outsidethe box as local artists team up, in conjunction with the Alliance, to present a campus wide interpretation of this year's theme, Lost in Translation. Purchase tickets in advance or in groups for a discounted price. For tickets, call 939-2787 or visit Art Royale at www. artroyale.org.

Upcoming events

It's a Wonderful Life - Cultural Park Theatre Company presents "It's a Wonderful Life'' Dec. 5, 6, 7, 11, 12, 13, 14, inspired by the classic American film. A live radio play is performed as a 1940s live radio broadcast in front of a studio audience. Five actors perform the dozens of characters in the radio play as well as produce the sound effects. For tickets, call 772-5862 or visit www.culturalparktheater.com.

Latin Dance Party - Champion dancer Alec Lazo, familiar to Philharmonic Center audiences for his performances

with the Naples Philharmonic Orchestra, including Fiesta at the Philharmonic - will lead a new series, Latin Dance Party, as part of the Phil's Lifelong Learning arts education classes. This hot class is

for upbeat, progressive singles and couples of all ages. Classes will be held in the Daniels Pavilion on Mondays at 7 p.m., on the following dates: Dec. 1, Jan. 26 and March 9. Tickets for all three classes are $96 or tickets can be purchased for a single class date for $32. For more information or to order tickets, contact Customer Service at 597-1900 or toll-free at (800) 597-1900. Winners Exhibitions - Florida West Arts presents the 2008 Artscape Florida West Award Winners Exhibitions Nov. 29-Dec. 27. Featured are acrylic and oil paintings by Carol McArdle; watercolor paintings by Christine Scott; fine art photography by Cynthia Walpole and Lynn Berreitter; digital imagery by Arthur Gerstein; pigmented ink on canvas by Pam Brodersen; and acrylic on silk mosaics by Christina Thompson. Contact info@floridawestarts. com or call (239) 948-4427.

Holiday Exhibition - Florida West Arts presents the Holiday Members Exhibition including twoand three-dimensional artworks by Florida West Arts artist members Nov. 29-Ded. 27. A variety of styles, media and subject matter is featured. Contact info@floridawestarts.com or call (239) 948-4427.

Open Houses - Artists will meet the public at two separate open houses on Saturday, Nov. 29 and Saturday, Dec. 6 from noon - 4 p.m. The open houses are part of the International Design Center's "Home for the Holidays" event featuring festive trees and holiday decorations. In addition, community groups will perform holiday favorites in the Grand Atrium from 1-4 p.m. The Showcase is open from 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. Monday - Friday and 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. on Saturday. Contact info@floridawestarts. com or (239) 94804427.

Call For Artists - Artists are needed for ArtFest Fort Myers' "Art Under 20" High School Art Competition and Exhibit, with applications due Dec. 10. Entries will be accepted in five categories: Drawing, Mixed Media, Painting, Photography and 3-Dimensional. Artwork will be display and judged at ArtFest Fort Myers Feb. 7-8. Call Kristin Woolam, 768-3602, e-mail info@ArtFestFortMyers or visit www. ArtFestFortMyers.com

DUKES of Dixieland - BIG ARTS on Sanibel presents DUKES of Dixieland Saturday, Dec. 29. Doors open at 7:30 p.m. and the concert starts at 8. The DUKES of Dixieland wear their New Orleans jazz heritage proudly. As globe-trotting jazz ambassadors from the heart of the Big Easy, they weave strands of pop, gospel, and country with authentic New Orleans sounds, and with more than 32 years of tradition behind them, they are the oldest continuing Dixieland jazz band. Tickets are $36 general and $41 loge. Call 395-0900.

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, Dec. 5. 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.

Purple Heart Theater - The Island Arts Foundation presents "On The Hard," its first Purple Heart Theater production of an original play by local playwright Fay Graetz, on Friday, Nov. 28, running for two weekends. The two-act play is about a husband and wife infected by a dream to cruise the Caribbean. They've sold everything and moved aboard a fixer-upper in a backwater boatyard in Florida. It is a story about the ebb and flow of wanderlust, love and commitment. The show plays Nov. 28, 29 and 30, and Dec. 5, 6 and 7. Friday and Saturday shows are at 7 p.m. with Sunday matinees at 2 p.m. Tickets are $20 and $35 for Island Arts Foundation members and $25 and $45 for non-members. For information, call 218-6061.

Holiday Carol Sing - Area residents can celebrate the holidays at an old-fashioned sing-a-long and help feed the hungry at the Holiday Carol Sing Tuesday, Dec. 9, at First Presbyterian Church in downtown Fort Myers. Admission is at least two cans of non-perishable food for The Soup Kitchen, operated by Community Cooperative Ministries, and a voluntary cash donation. It's the 18th year for the popular event, which is organized and sponsored by the Galloway Family of Dealerships. Because of the overwhelming popularity of the event, an additional 1 p.m. performance has been added this year. Two other performances are planned at 4 p.m. and 7 p.m. The doors will open 30 minutes prior to show time. For more information, call 332-7687.

Quilters Unlimited - Art Quilters Unlimited will have an opening reception on Dec. 4 at Cummings and Locckwood Offices from 5:30 - 7:30 p.m. There will be 37 quilts on display. E-mail AQU.info@yahoo.com.

Ongoing events

NASA Art - "NASA Art: 50 Years of Exploration" is on display at the Art League of Bonita Springs through Jan. 24. The show is a Smithsonian Traveling Exhibition. 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. For information, call 495-8989.

New exhibit - The new daas Gallery encourages is having a juried collective exhibition of small format pieces opening Friday, Dec. 5. Veron Ennis, the curator of the Ferrari Gallery in Cape Coral, will jury this "tiny" collection. 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 announced a call to artists for its juried fine art fair Jan. 3 and 4. The two-day festival is open to all styles and mediums of artwork, including paintings, sculptures, photography, glass, ceramics, and mixed media. Interested artists should contact Howard Alan Events at (954) 472-3755. Applications are also available online at www.artfestival.com Arts for ACT - Arts for ACT Gallery, located at 2265 First Street in downtown Fort Myers, is featuring artists Darryl Pottorf, Renee Rey and the Core Artists from Howl Gallery all of November.

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