WHAT TO DO, WHERE TO GO

>>"A Christmas Carol" plays at the Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall Monday, Dec. 22 This week's theater

Love Loves - "Love Loves a Pornographer," a contemporary comedy of manners by Jeff Goode, opens at Theatre Conspiracy runs through Dec. 13. 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. Call 936-3239 or go to www.theaterconspiracy. org.

It's a Wonderful Life - Cultural Park Theatre Company presents "It's a Wonderful Life'' Dec. 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.

Indian Blood - Florida Repertory Theatre presents "Indian Blood,'' by A.R. Gurney, through Sunday, Dec. 21. "Indian Blood,'' a play the New York Times called a "snow globe for the stage," is a touchingly funny family portrait, and a perfect comedy for the holiday season. Call 332- 4488 or go to www.floridarep.org.

White Christmas - The Broadway Palm Dinner Theatre presents "Irving Berlin's White Christmas," 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.

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.

>>Moscow Ballet's Great Russian Nutcracker hits the stage at the Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall Friday, Dec. 26 Musical Comedy - "Musical Comedy Murders of 1940'' plays at the Sugden Community Theatre through Saturday, Dec. 20. This play happily spoofs the dramatically staged mystery thrillers of the 1940s. The show contains slapstick comedy, satire, mystery, murder and romance, in a lively tribute to the golden age of movies. For information and tickets, call The Naples Players Box Office at (239) 263- 7990 or online at www.naplesplayers.org

This week's symphony

Classical & Romantic Quintets - Naples Philharmonic Center of the Arts presents "Classical & Romantic Quintets'' at 3 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 14. Beethoven and Schubert, who died months apart (and were buried side by side), bridged the Classical and Romantic periods in Western music. Beethoven wrote just one original quintet for two violas and Schubert wrote only one quintet for two cellos. Both of these great chamber works will be showcased in this program. 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. The Irish Tenors - Naples Philharmonic Center of the Arts presents The Irish Tenors at 8 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 14. The Irish Tenors have thrilled audiences for nearly a decade with their gorgeous singing and Irish charm. Worldrenowned tenors Anthony Kearns, Finbar Wright and Karl Scully are celebrated for their abilities to interpret a wide range of material. Their eight bestselling CDs have brought them a huge and dedicated following and their unprecedented five PBS specials have taken them into homes and hearts all over the globe. Bring the entire family for an Irish Tenors Christmas. 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.

COURTESY PHOTO Broadway Palm is ready for the hoildays. Messiah and More - The Southwest Florida Symphony performs "Messiah and More'' Saturday, Dec. 13, and Sunday, Dec. 14, at two local churches. Sounds of rejoicing fill the air in this annual concert featuring the Christmas portion of Handel's beloved Messiah. Seasonal carols from the Chamber Chorus make for a perfect start to the holiday! The first show is Dec. 13 at Faith United Methodist Church, 15699 McGregor Blvd., at 7:30 p.m. The second show is Dec. 14 at First Baptist Church, 4117 Coronado Pkwy., Cape Coral, at 4 p.m. For tickets, call 418-1500 or e-mail tickets@swflso.org

Wednesday, Dec. 10

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.Art- FestFortMyers.com

Thursday, Dec. 11

Phoebe Snow - The Naples Philharmonic Center of the Arts welcomes Phoebe Snow at 8 p.m. With a drop-dead R&B, soul-infused show featuring a new group and a rich catalogue of songs. Since the release of her self-titled debut album in 1974, Phoebe Snow has been one of the most distinctive voices in popular music. 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.

Friday, Dec. 12

Dirty Rotten Scoundrels - The Naples Philharmonic Center of the Arts presents "Dirty Rotten Scoundrels'' at 8 p.m. Based on the popular 1988 film, "Dirty Rotten Scoundrels'' centers on two con men living on the French Riviera - the suave and sophisticated Lawrence Jameson; and small-time crook Freddy Benson. 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.

Saturday, Dec. 13

Seasonal Treasures - The Naples Philharmonic Center of the Arts hosts "Seasonal Treasures,'' conducted by James Cochran, at 8 p.m. Let your spirit soar with this beautiful evening of "Seasonal Treasures'' featuring selections from Handel's masterpiece "Messiah," Mozart's "Laudate Dominum,'' soprano Michele Byrd performing "Praise God in All Lands'' from Bach's "Cantata No. 51,'' John Rutter's "Winchester Te Deum'' and some favorite Christmas carols. The Philharmonic Center Chorale will join the orchestra for this uplifting program. 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.

Messiah and More - The Southwest Florida Symphony hosts "Messiah and More'' at Faith United Methodist Church, 15699 McGregor Blvd., at 7:30 p.m. Sounds of rejoicing fill the air in the annual concert featuring the Christmas portion of Handel's beloved "Messiah.'' Seasonal carols from the Chamber Chorus make for a perfect start to the holiday. For tickets, call 418-1500 or e-mail tickets@swflso.org.

The Nutcracker - Gulfshore Ballet, Southwest Florida's only non-profit classical ballet school, will hold a performance of "The Nutcracker" at BIG ARTS on Sanibel, with performances at 4 and 7 p.m. This Christmas classic will feature principal dancers with The Houston Ballet, Mirelle Hassenboehler and Simon Ball. To purchase tickets, call W at 395-0900 or for more information, contact Melinda Roy at The Gulfshore Ballet office at 590-6191 or visit the www. gulfshoreballet.org

Dirty Rotten Scoundrels - The Naples Philharmonic Center of the Arts presents "Dirty Rotten Scoundrels'' at 8 p.m. Based on the popular 1988 film, "Dirty Rotten Scoundrels'' centers on two con men living on the French Riviera - the suave and sophisticated Lawrence Jameson; and small-time crook Freddy Benson. 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.

Sunday, Dec. 14

Classical & Romantic Quintets - Naples Philharmonic Center of the Arts presents Classical & Romantic Quintets at 3 p.m. Beethoven and Schubert, who died months apart (and were buried side by side), bridged the Classical and Romantic periods in Western music. Beethoven wrote just one original quintet for two violas and Schubert wrote only one quintet for two cellos. Both of these great chamber works will be showcased in this program. 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.

The Irish Tenors, Christmas - The Naples Philharmonic Center of the Arts hosts the Irish Tenors' Christmas show at 8 p.m. The Irish Tenors have thrilled audiences for nearly a decade with their gorgeous singing and Irish charm. World-renowned tenors Anthony Kearns, Finbar Wright and Karl Scully are celebrated for their abilities to interpret a wide range of material. 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.

Messiah and More - The Southwest Florida Symphony hosts "Messiah and More'' at the First Baptist Church, 4117 Coronado Pkwy., Cape Coral, at 4 p.m. Sounds of rejoicing fill the air in our annual concert featuring the Christmas portion of Handel's beloved "Messiah." Seasonal carols from the Chamber Chorus make for a perfect start to the holiday! For tickets, call 418-1500 or e-mail tickets@ swflso.org

Luzerne Trio - The Luzerne Trio performs at BIG ARTS at 3 p.m. This is chamber music at its best, performed by three gifted musicians. BIG ARTS is at 900 Dunlop Road, Sanibel. For tickets, go to www.BIGARTS.com.

Tuesday, Dec. 16

Holiday Pops - The Naples Philharmonic Center of the Arts presents "Holiday Pops,'' conducted by Stuart Malina, at 8 p.m. Mr. Malina, who won a Tony Award for his orchestration of the Broadway hit "Movin' Out,'' again leads the orchestra in a sensational holiday program for the whole family. The many moods of this special season will be evoked in such selections as "Winter Wonderland," "Gloria!'' by Randol Bass, music from "Home Alone'' by John Williams, "Sleigh Ride'' and many others. Guest stars include renowned vocalist Hilary Kole — and special appearances by Santa and Rudolph. 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.

Wednesday, Dec. 17

An Evening With - The Art League of Bonita Springs hosts "An Evening With..." - "Suncoast Brass Quintet: Sensational Selections" at the ALBS Campus - Outdoor Stage from 7-9 p.m. Join Jamie Marshall, Al Mitchell, Thomas Kracmer, Alan Klispie and Cindy Scaruffi- Klispie for a selection of their favorite musical arrangements. These five accomplished musicians will entertain with favorites, both holiday and classics. For information, call 495-8989.

Upcoming events

A Christmas Carol - With all the warmth and comfort of a cup of Christmas cheer, "A Christmas Carol" is packed with laughter, pageantry and gorgeous costumes. It plays at the Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall Monday, Dec. 22, at 7:30 p.m. Heartfelt renditions of traditional characters that audiences have come to love make Charles Dickens' enchanting story a treasured holiday event. Tickets can be purchased at the box office at 481-4849 or online at www.bbmannpah.com.

A Very Merry Pops - "A Very Merry Pops'' is coming up at the Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall at 8 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 20, and 7 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 21. Conducted by Joseph Caulkins, this heartwarming holiday concert is a family favorite — a time to relax, enjoy great music and celebrate the season with family and friends. This year it has a Celtic flair. For tickets, contact the box office at 418-1500.

The Nutcracker - Moscow Ballet's Great Russian "Nutcracker" hits the stage at the Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall Friday, Dec. 26, at 4 and 8 p.m. Tickets can be purchased at the box office at 481-4849 or online at www.bbmannpah.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: 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 in the International Design Center presents the 2008 Artscape Florida West Award Winners Exhibitions through 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.

New Year's Gala - Ring in the New Year in style with the Gulf Coast Symphony. Enjoy a black-tie Gala event starting at 7 p.m. with a multi-course dinner, party treats, special entertainment, along with VIP concert tickets (best seats in the house, only available in this package). Champagne after the concert for all guests. Watch the ball fall in Times Square. Dance and party all night long. New Year's Eve Concert & Gala full package-dinner and concert, $125. New Year's concert only premium, $60 (includes champagne toast) New Year's concert only preferred $45 (includes champagne toast.). Tickets can be purchased at the box office at 481-4849 or online at www. bbmannpah.com.

Ongoing events

Scott Causey - BIG ARTS hosts Black & White with the Color of Scott Causey through Jan. 3 in the Founders Gallery. Mr. Causey's ceramics are surrounded by an array of black and white artwork. BIG Arts is at 900 Dunlop Road, Sanibel. Visit www. BIGARTS. com.

Biennial Exhibit - BIG ARTS features work from artists who have won major awards in juried and juried shows held within the past two years by 10 member leagues from the tri-county area. The exhibit is in the Phillips Gallery through Jan. 3. BIG Arts is at 900 Dunlop Road, Sanibel. Visit www.BIGARTS. com.

Holiday Exhibition - Florida West Arts in Estero's International Design Center presents the Holiday Members Exhibition including two- and three-dimensional artworks by Florida West Arts artist members through Dec. 27. A variety of styles, media and subject matter is featured. Contact info@ floridawestarts.com or call (239) 948- 4427.

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 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. For information, call 495-8989. New exhibit - The new daas Gallery is having a juried collective exhibition of small format pieces. 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 announces 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