WHAT TO DO, WHERE TO GO

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.

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

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 the Foulds Theater on Nov. 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.

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. It's 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

"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.

This week's symphony

Magic Carpet - The Gulf Coast Symphony performs the second of this season's acclaimed Magic Carpet Family Concert Series on Sunday, Nov. 16 at 4 p.m. at the Harlem Heights Community Park, 7340 Concourse Dr., just off Gladiolus Drive in South Fort Myers. The concert is free and open to all. No tickets or advance reservations are required. The theme of this Magic Carpet Family Concerts is Move to the Latin Beat. The concert features music by Central and Latin American composer including music from Argentina, Brazil, Cuba and Mexico. For more information call the Gulf Coast Symphony office at 277-1700 or email: info@gulfcoastsymphony.org

Thursday, Nov. 13

Iconic Performers - Joe Leonardo, professor emeritus, Temple University Theater Department, will present "Iconic Performers on Broadway," at 2 p.m. It's 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. Tickets are $32. Tickets for the series Broadway Medley are $128. 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.

Carmen - Metropolitan Opera conductor Steven White, with the Naples Philharmonic Orchestra, presents Bizet's "Carmen" at 8 p.m. at the at the Philharmonic Center for the Arts. "Carmen" is probably the most popular of all operas, a tantalizing tale of dangerous people in dangerous situations. Performed in French with English supertitles. Tickets are $74. 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.

Canadian Brass - The Canadian Brass will perform the first concert in the 2008-09 Fine and Performing Arts Concert Series in the Village Church Auditorium at Shell Point, at 7:30 p.m. The event is open to the public. Tickets are $35. To purchase tickets, call 454-2067.

Friday, Nov. 14

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

Saturday, Nov. 15

Elaine 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 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.

Tuesday, Nov. 18

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 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 are available at the box office, by calling 481-4849 or online at www.bbmannpah.com

Wednesday, Nov. 19

Doobie Brothers - The Grammy Award-winning, multi-platinum-selling Doobie Brothers will perform a special concert at the Philharmonic Center in Naples 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.

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 at 7 p.m. at the Barbara B Mann Performing Arts Hall. Tickets are $7.

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 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.

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.

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., Saturday, 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.

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

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 outside-thebox 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.

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.

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 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.

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. 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 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, 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 for information.