WHAT TO DO, WHERE TO GO

COURTESY PHOTO "The Other Shepherds Play," opening at Theatre Conspiracy Wednesday, Dec. 17, is a parody in the tradition of the best British comedies.

This week's theater

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.

>> "Last Comic Standing" plays at the Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall Saturday, Jan. 3, at 8p.m.

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

Holiday Follies - "The Holly Jolly Follies" opens Dec. 16 and runs through Dec. 31 at The Schoolhouse Theater on Sanibel. Songs like "Santa Baby," "Blue Christmas" and others are sure to put you in that holiday spirit. "The Holly Jolly Follies" stars island favorites Chloe Sabin, Samantha Rotella, Madison Mitchell and Victor Legarreta. Also, on Dec. 31 there will be a special New Year's Eve performance of "The Holly Jolly Follies" with guest pianist Jon Weber. This world-renowned jazz artist will entertain, hors d'oeuvres will be had and, champagne will be toasted. Tickets are $30 with student tickets $20. The special New Year's Eve show and event with Jon Weber are only $75. For tickets or information, call the box office at 472-6862. The Schoolhouse Theater is located at 2200 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel.

The Other Shepherds Play - Theatre Conspiracy presents "The Other Shepherds Play" Dec. 17 through 20 at 8 p.m. In the tradition of "Spamalot," this parody, penned by local playwright John Repa, sends up both modern and historic assumptions about the Nativity and also questions what happened and who knew what when. Based on the historic "Second Shepherds Play" (from the 14th century) this retelling incorporates what British comedy has become over the last 700 years: classic songs with parody lyrics, men in drag roles, women in scanty outfits, and lots of innuendo. Tickets are $15 or $10 for students. For reservations or more information, call Theatre Conspiracy's box office at 936-3239 or visit www. theatreconspiracy.org. Theatre Conspiracy

is located at 2711 Park Windsor Dr. off of Evans Avenue, one-quarter of a mile North of Southwest Regional Medical Center.

This week's symphony

Holiday pops - "A Very Merry Pops'' is featured 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 481-4849.

Wednesday, Dec. 17

An Evening With - The Art League of Bonita Springs hosts "An Eve- ning 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.

Thursday, Dec. 18

Christmas Concert - Opera Naples presents a Christmas Concert at 7 p.m. at Moorings Presbyterian Church, 791 Harbor Dr., Naples. Call 287-8694 or e-mail info@operanaples.org. Suggested donation: $20 to benefit the Opera Naples Educational Outreach Program.

Ongoing events

Al Oerter Exhibit - "Al Oerter: Artist and Athlete,'' an exhibit featuring paintings by the late Olympian Al Oerter, is on display through Jan. 3 at the Alliance for the Arts, 10091 McGregor Blvd., Fort Myers. Call 939-2787 or go to artinlee.org.

Holly Jolly Follies - The Schoolhouse Theater presents "The Holly Jolly Follies'' through Dec. 31 at 2200 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel. Performances are at 8 pm. Call 472-6862.

Juried exhibition - The Naples Art Association at The von Liebig Art Center is having its 47th Founders Juried Awards Exhibition through Jan. 18 at the art center, 585 Park St. in Naples. Gallery hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 1 to 4 p.m. on Sunday. Suggested donation is $5 for adults and $2 for children 10 and older. The public may call 239- 262-6517 or visit naplesart.org for more information.

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.

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 back 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 through Dec. 31. 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

Upcoming events

Nutcracker - Moscow Ballet's Great Russian "Nutcracker'' will be performed at the Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall at 4 p.m. and 8 p.m. Friday, Dec. 26. For tickets, contact the box office at 481-4849.

New Year's Eve - The Gulfcoast Symphony New Year's Eve Gala & Concert takes place Dec. 31 at the Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall. Enjoy a black-tie gala event starting at 7 p.m. with a multi-course dinner, party treats and special entertainment. Watch the ball fall in Times Square. Full package - dinner and concert - is $125; other prices, $35 to $60. For tickets, contact the box office at 481-4849.

Singin' in the Rain - Broadway Palm Dinner Theater presents "Singin' in the Rain'' Dec. 31-Feb. 14. "Singin' in the Rain'' is set in the era of Movieland in the late '20s, when the arrival of talking pictures is striking terror in every silent film star. It tells the story of the wild and often wacky world of Hollywood where silent pictures are coming to an end. Don Lockwood, Kathy Seldon and Cosmo Brown take center stage in this all-singing, all-dancing extravaganza. You'll hear "Good Mornin','' "Make 'Em Laugh,'' "Fit as a Fiddle'' and the title song, "Singin' in the Rain.'' For reservations and show information, visit www.BroadwayPalm. com, call 278-4422 or stop by the box office at 1380 Colonial Blvd.

Salute to Vienna - Celebrate the New Year with "Salute to Vienna" as it returns to the Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall at 8 p.m., Friday, Jan. 2. Fall in love with Vienna's "Waltz King," Johann Strauss Jr., in an unforgettable and uplifting performance of music, song and dance. "Salute to Vienna'' continues to feature an astounding cast. The Strauss Symphony of America, an exciting maestro, talented European singers, and costumed dancers performing the popular Viennese waltzes, polkas and operetta excerpts are guaranteed to inspire and delight the audience. Featuring The Strauss Symphony of America, Gerhard Track, conductor (Vienna), Ute Ziemer, soprano (Vienna), Joachim Moser, tenor (Vienna) with dancers from Vienna International Ballet. For tickets, contact the box office at 481-4849.

Last Comic - You've seen them on TV, you voted for them, and now they are here. An evening of great standup comedy featuring the five finalists from NBC's Emmy-Nominated laughfest, "Last Comic Standing," plays at the Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall at 8 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 3. Come see Marcus, Jeff Dye, Louis Ramey, Iliza Shlesinger, and Jim Tavare as they ignite the stage with the jokes and laughter that made them the final five in America's funniest reality show. For tickets, contact the box office at 481-4849. 

Golden Dragons - The Golden Dragons perform at the Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall at 7:30 p.m. Sunday, Jan 4. The ancient art of Chinese acrobatics is an old and long- running tradition that began in China well over 2,000 years ago. The Golden Dragons are recognized throughout the United States and abroad as the premiere Chinese acrobatic touring company of today. Worldrenowned impresario Danny Chang and choreographer Angela Chang combine award-winning acrobatics, traditional dance, spectacular costumes, ancient and contemporary music and theatrical techniques to present a show of breathtaking skill and spellbinding beauty. For tickets, contact the box office at 481-4849. 

Aaron Lewis - Aaron Lewis of Staind brings his solo/acoustic tour to the Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall at 7:30 p.m. Monday, Jan. 5. Aaron Lewis and Staind have produced six albums: Dysfunction, Break the Cycle, 14 Shades of Grey, Chapter V, The Singles Collection and most recently, The Illusion of Progress. For more information, visit www.staind.com or contact the box office at 481-4849. 

Menopause - "Menopause The Musical Out Loud: Breaking the Silence of Ovarian Cancer.' will be presented by the Jeanie C. Linders Fund at the Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 7. The musical is a spirited celebration of real women during an unsettling time in their lives called "The Change.'' A portion of the proceeds will benefit local and regional ovarian cancer chapters. For tickets, contact the box office at 481-4849. 

Visiting Artists - The Art League of Bonita Springs hosts a Visiting Artist Demonstration with Janet Rogers (Watercolor) from 1-3 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 4. The cost is $15 per person. The league hosts Caroline Jasper (Oils) from 3-5 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 4. Visiting artists offer a two-hour demonstration as a prelude to their weeklong workshops. This is an opportunity to see great artists from around the country and beyond sharing their artistic techniques. Location is the Center for the Arts, 26100 Old 41 Road, Bonita Springs. Contact the Art League for further information at 495-8989.

Mist, Myth, and Mystery - World Fusion, Jazz, and Elemental Music will be performed in a fundraiser for Florida Repertory Theatre at 7 p.m. Monday, Jan. 19, at the Arcade Theatre, 2267 First St., Fort Myers. Emmy Award-winning and Grammy nominated flutist and composer Kat Epple will be joined by many renowned musicians. This annual event is notorious for being an evening full of unique music, performance art, fun, and surprises. Ms. Expel will be playing flutes from around the world, including Celtic, Native American, African, Sluing, and bass flute. She will be performing with special guest musicians and performers, including: Chuck Grinnell, keyboard, DL Turner, harp, Darrell Nutt, percussion, Shirley Lorene, guitar and vocals, Pond Water Experiment, and surprise guest performers. Tickets are $20. Call the box office at 332- 4488.

Visiting Artists - The Art League of Bonita Springs presents Visiting Artist Workshops with Janet Rogers (Expressive Flowers & Portraits in Watercolor) and Caroline Jasper (Power Color Painting) from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Jan. 5-9 at the Center for the Arts, 26100 Old 41 Road, Bonita Springs. Cost varies with artist and length of workshop. The Roberts workshop is sold out. Ms. Jasper's workshop is for intermediate/advanced students. Space is still available. $525 member/$575 non-member. Contact the Art League for further information at 495-8989.

Art Fest - The Art League of Bonita Springs presents the Bonita Springs National Art Festival from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Jan. 10-11 at The Promenade at Bonita Bay, U.S. 41 in Bonita Springs. A $3 donation at entrance gates benefits the Art League of Bonita Springs. The first of two highly ranked outdoor festivals hosted by the Art League of Bonita Springs during 2009, the Bonita Springs National Art Festival welcomes thousands of visitors to view and purchase artwork from 208 artists. Participating artists come from the U.S., Canada, Mexico, South America, and Europe. Known for high quality artwork and a very pleasing venue, the festival continues to grow in popularity. For information, call 495-8989.

Art in the Park - The Naples Art Association at The von Liebig Art Center in Naples hosts Art in the Park Jan. 3. Naples' oldest outdoor art festival celebrates its 52nd season by showcasing artwork from Naples Art Association members from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Park Street, alongside The von Liebig Art Center. This juried festival, held the first Saturday of the month from November through April, is a great way to meet the artists and enjoy their original work in a relaxing atmosphere. Free admission. This month's featured artist is Charles O'Neal. The center is located at 585 Park Street in Naples and features an extensive art library and gift shop. Call 262-6517 or visit naplesart.org for more information.

Workshop - The Naples Art Association at The von Liebig Art Center in Naples presents a workshop, "Ultimate Arting: The Essence of the Creative Event'' Jan. 5-7. This fast-moving workshop with instructor Genie Kell explores the having, doing and being of art-making. It takes a group of artists who are active, but dissatisfied with their work, to a new level of appreciation of their individual talents, skills, and uniqueness. The center is located at 585 Park Street in Naples and features an extensive art library and gift shop. Call 262-6517 or visit naplesart.org for more information.

KidzAct - KidzAct classes begin Jan. 12 and continue through the winter at the Sugden Community Theatre, 701 5th Avenue South, Naples. Call 434-7340, ext. 10 or 39, or visit www.naplesplayers.org.

Moon Over the Brewery - The Naples Players presents the comedy "Moon over the Brewery'' Jan. 14 - Feb. 7 live on the main stage at the Sugden Community Theatre, 701 5th Avenue South, Naples. Tickets are $30 (adults); $10 (students). Call 263-7990 or visit www.naplesplayers.org