WHAT TO DO, WHERE TO GO
>> Wicked comes B. B. Mann March 7 - 29. Tickets are on sale at www.bbmannpah.com. This week's theater
Macbeth - The drama "Macbeth' runs through Jan. 17 at the Sidney and Berne Davis Art Center, 2301 First St., Fort Myers. Performances are at 8 p.m. The show is presented by More Crinoline Productions. Because the graphic nature of the show, the company suggests viewers younger than 16 be accompanied by an adult. Call 333-1933 or order online at www.fl-arts.org.
Duet for One - Theatre Conspiracy presents "Duet for One'' in partnership with Lee Mental Health Center, Inc. at 8 p.m. through Jan. 23 at 2711 Park Windsor Dr., #302, Fort Myers. Violinist Stephanie Abrahams is young, wealthy and attractive, and one of the greatest violinists in the world. Then one day, a strange feeling in her fingers prevents her from playing. The play unfolds as a series of sessions between Stephanie and her psychiatrist. The interplay of her attempts to avoid the reality of her pain and increasing disability, and the therapist's efforts to bring her to face them, deal with them, and accept them, provide both emotional fireworks and remarkable insight into the inner world of the artist. For information, call 936-3239 or go to theatreconspiracy.org.
Dancing at Lughnasa - Florida Repertory Theatre puts on "Dancing at Lughnasa,'' a Tony-winning Best Play by acclaimed Irish playwright Brian Friel, through Sunday, Feb. 1. This extraordinary story is told through the memories of an illegitimate son as he weaves the tale of his mother and the four maiden aunts who raised him. Set in a small Irish Village in 1936 during the pagan festival of Lughnasa, this haunting play is filled with humor and hope, as a colorful cast of characters leaves a lasting legacy on the mind of an impressionable 7-year-old boy. Call 332-4488 or go to FloridaRep. org.
Church Basement Ladies - Broadway Palm Dinner Theater - Off Broadway presents "Church Basement Ladies,'' a musical tribute to the church basement kitchen and the fabulous women who work there Thursday, Jan. 15, through Sunday, March 29. This funny and down to earth musical comedy gives you a birds-eye-view of the ladies as they debate recipes, plan fundraisers, instruct brides-to-be and keep their pastor on track. For reservations and show information, visit www.BroadwayPalm.com, call 278-4422 or stop by the box office at 1380 Colonial Blvd.
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
Mamma Mia! - Benny Andersson and Björn Ulvaeus' "Mamma Mia,'' the smash hit musical, comes to the Naples Philharmonic Center for the Arts though Jan. 18. Inspired by the storytelling magic of ABBA's songs, from "Dancing Queen" and "S.O.S." to "Money, Money, Money" and "Take a Chance on Me," "Mamma Mia!'' is a celebration of mothers and daughters, old friends and new family found. To order tickets, contact customer service at 597-1900 or toll-free at (800) 597-1900 or visit www.thephil.org.
Out of Order - The Schoolhouse Theater on Sanibel presents "Out of Order,'' written by Ray Cooney, through Feb. 7. Richard Wiley plans an illicit evening in a London hotel. The evening comes to an abrupt halt, however, when he and the lady involved find a dead body in their bedroom. Knowing that the scandal would ruin his marriage and career, he sets about trying to cover up the dead body... but nothing goes as planned. For reservations or subscription information, call the box office at 472-6862
Singin' in the Rain - Broadway Palm Dinner Theater presents "Singin' in the Rain'' through 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, alldancing 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.
Rain - Experience what Beatlemania was all about at the Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall through Jan. 18 "Rain,'' a tribute to the Fab Four, features music and vocals performed totally live, covering the Fab Four from the earliest beginnings through the psychedelic late '60s and their long-haired hippie, hard-rocking rooftop days. "Rain'' is a multi-media, multi-dimensional experience...a fusion of historical footage and hilarious television commercials from the 1960s lights up video screens and live cameras zoom in for close-ups. For tickets, contact the box office at 800-440-7469 or 481-4849.
This week's symphony
Classical No. 3 - The Naples Philharmonic Center of the Arts presents Classical No. 3 Shostakovich, Ravel and Grieg, conducted by Jorge Meste, Thursday, Jan. 22-Saturday, Jan. 24. Three colorful works, The "Sixth Symphony'' of Dmitri Shostakovich is a vibrant composition of many moods — from the introspective and intricate opening movement to the witty scherzo to the exhilarating finale. Also featured will be Grieg's popular "Piano Concerto,'' which combines the simplicity of folk song with drama, lyricism and a fiery cadenza. Performing it with the orchestra will be Philharmonic Center favorite Jodie DeSalvo. 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, Jan. 16
Jazz on The Green - the 13th Annual Jazz on the Green opens at the Reserve Cigar & Wine Bar, 10950 S. Cleveland Ave., at 8 p.m. with Tony Pastrana and the New York Latin Jazz. Jazz On The Green isn't just a good time, it's a good cause and a non-profit organization that raises both money and awareness for children and the environment, through the Southwest Florida Children's Charities and Wild About Green programs. Tickets for Friday's concert are $10 by e-fan, $15 pre-sale and $20 at the door. For details, go to Jazzonthegreen.com.
Writers' Workshop - The landscapes of Lilian Garcia-Roig open at the Rauschenberg Gallery on the campus of Edison State College. The opening reception is at 6 p.m. with a gallery talk at 7. Ms. Garcia-Roig are anchored in the tradition of landscape painting. But, that is just a stepping-stone to what are her main con- cerns. While her paintings do have the initial impact of looking like landscape 'interiors,' it becomes immediately clear her work is less illusionistic than a first glimpse might suggest. For additional information or to schedule a group visit, call 489-9313, Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Schoolhouse Rock Live! - "Schoolhouse Rock Live!" from the Florida Repertory Theatre is on stage at the Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center in downtown Fort Myers at 11 a.m. It's a musical based on the popular television series from the 1970s, and is designed to engage learners of all ages. Audiences will join Tom the Schoolteacher as the Schoolhouse Rock bunch comes to life to help him learn all he needs to know about science, math, history and grammar. Tickets to Lunchbox Theatre are $12, and admission includes the performance, a boxed lunch provided by Jason's Deli and an interactive workshop with the cast. Tickets are available online and through Florida Rep's box office at 332- 4488. Please do not call the Art Center for ticket information.
Saturday, Jan. 17
Jazz on The Green - Grammy Award-winning Latin Jazz artist Arturo Sandoval headlines the 13th annual Jazz on the Green in Centennial Park in downtown Fort Myers. The event, originally planned for October, features Mr. Sandoval, winner of five Grammy Awards, six Billboard Awards and an Emmy Award, along with Four 80 East with Nils & Shilts, BK Jackson, Wendy Renee on Saturday (gates open at 3 p.m. with show starting at 4 p.m.) As always, Jazz On The Green brings fantastic music, fabulous food and refreshments, fine art, fun activities and a feeling of community to a sophisticated and festive audience that comes from all over the world. Jazz On The Green isn't just a good time, it's a good cause and a non-profit organization that raises both money and awareness for children and the environment, through the Southwest Florida Children's Charities and Wild About Green programs. Tickets are $30 e-fan, $35 pre-sale and $45 at the gate. For details, go to Jazzonthegreen. com.
Medieval Faire - The Kiwanis Club of Riverdale will hold its 13th annual Medieval Faire, featuring jousters, minstrels, a human chess match, rides, food and drinks, from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. at Lakes Regional Park, 7330 Gladiolus Dr. Admission is $13 for adults, $5 for children under 13 and free for toddlers. Call 432-2000.
Family Event - The Art League of Bonita Springs hosts Art of Science & Space, a free Family Activity Event, from 1-3 p.m. at the Old 41 campus. Call 495- 8989 for reservations.
Sunday, Jan. 18
Medieval Faire - The Kiwanis Club of Riverdale will hold its 13th annual Medieval Faire, featuring jousters, minstrels, a human chess match, rides, food and drinks, from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. at Lakes Regional Park, 7330 Gladiolus Dr. Admission is $13 for adults, $5 for children under 13 and free for toddlers. Call 432-2000.
Monday, Jan. 19
Mist, Myth, and Mystery - World Fusion, Jazz, and Elemental Music will be performed in a fundraiser for Florida Repertory Theatre at 7 p.m. 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.
Tuesday, Jan. 20
Hitmakers - The Naples Philharmonic Center of the Arts presents The Belmonts, Emil Stucchio and the Classics and the Chantels. The Belmonts topped the charts with numerous hits including "I Wonder Why," "A Teenager in Love" and "In the Still of the Night." Pop and R&B stars The Chantels became nationally known for the song Maybe and other hits such as "Look in My Eyes" and "I Love You So.'' The Classics released their first million-selling record, "Till Then,'' in 1963 and followed it with "Stardust," "P.S. I Love You" and others. 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.
Illusionist - David Copperfield performs at the Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall at 5:30 and 8:30 p.m.. His show is titled "An Intimate Evening of Grand Illusion.'' For tickets, contact the box office at 800-440-7469 or 481-4849.
Wednesday, Jan. 21
Outdoor Jazz - The Art League of Bonita Springs presents "An Evening With..." under the stars with Rebecca Richardson and the Dan Heck Quintet" at the Old 41 campus in Bonita Springs on the outdoor stage. Kick back and enjoy an evening with Rebecca Richardson and the Dan Heck Quintet. This is jazz at its best with Ms. Richardson's remarkable voice; the superb sounds of the quintet. The time is 7-9 p.m. Call 495-8989 for reservations.
Artful Lives - the Naples Philharmonic Center of the Arts hosts "Robin Lane Artful Lives — Georgia O'Keeffe.'' Actress, playwright, director and producer Robin Lane has won worldwide critical acclaim for her original one-woman plays about notable women. For this presentation, Ms. Lane will bring to life the great American artist Georgia O'Keeffe, in a show that celebrates O'Keeffe's life and work. 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.
Joshua Bell - The Naples Philharmonic Center of the Arts welcomes Joshua Bell. For more than two decades - since his debut at age 14 - Grammy Award-winner Joshua Bell has captured the public's imagination with his poetic musicality and charismatic artistry. In concerts and on recordings, this Avery Fisher Prize-winner has brought a fresh voice to the most venerable masterpieces while uncovering lesser-known gems and new works. Performing with him will be concert pianist extraordinaire Jeremy Denk. 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.
Illusionist - David Copperfield performs at the Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall at 5:30 and 8:30 p.m. His show is titled "An Intimate Evening of Grand Illusion.'' For tickets, contact the box office at 800-440-7469 or 481-4849.
Ongoing events
Weekly Concerts - The Fort Myers River District offers its free concert series, Friday Night Live, each Friday night between January and March from 5-8 p.m. in the Patio de Leon. The weekly concerts are sponsored by the Fort Myers Redevelopment Agency and promoted by Frank Greathouse of Real Guitars and Vintage Instruments. Upcoming performances include: Screamin' & Cryin' (as close as you're getting to a juke joint), Jan. 16; Little Eddie and the Fat Fingers (blues and R&B fun), Jan. 23; Joe Virga and Darkwater (originals and pop, great vocals), Jan. 30; Grits and Gravy (quirky R&B — dancing shoes required), Feb. 6; Heather Brooks and Friends (pop and originals), Feb. 13. Patio de Leon is located at 2236 First Street and can be accessed from First, Hendry and Main streets. Free parking is available at the Harborside Event Center. For more information, call 321-7100.
Wild Things - A captivating wildlife exhibit, "Where the Wild Things Really Are, II," by photographer Sallie Rich, is open at The J.N. "Ding" Darling National Wildlife Refuge on Sanibel through Feb. 28. Gallery hours are 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. seven days a week in The Duck Stamp Auditorium of The Visitor's Center at The Refuge on San-Cap Road. In addition, Ms. Rich will discuss her work with visitors on Feb. 2 from 2-4 p.m. in the Duck Stamp Auditorium.
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 262-6517 or visit naplesart.org for more information.
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.
Art at the Edison - daas Gallery presents Arts at the Edison the fourth Thursday of every month, starting Jan. 29, from 6-9 p.m. Artists do live demos and display their works throughout the venue at The Edison Restaurant & Bar, 3583 McGregor Blvd., Fort Myers. For more information, go to www. edisonfl.com.
Man Made - Florida Gulf Coast University Art Gallery invites the public its "Man Made" exhibition featuring the environmental art of Mary Ellen Croteau. The exhibition runs through Feb. 7, and is free and open to the public. For more information about this exhibition or upcoming events, contact interim gallery director Anica Sturdivant at 590-7199 or visit http:// artgallery.fgcu.edu.
Upcoming events
Classical No. 3 - The Naples Philharmonic Center of the Arts presents Classical No. 3 Shostakovich, Ravel and Grieg, conducted by Jorge Meste, Thursday, Jan. 22-Saturday, Jan. 24. Three colorful works, The "Sixth Symphony'' of Dmitri Shostakovich is a vibrant composition of many moods — from the introspective and intricate opening movement to the witty scherzo to the exhilarating finale. Ravel's evocative "Mother Goose Suite", a depic- tion of five nursery rhymes, brings to life the poetry of childhood. Also featured will be Grieg's popular "Piano Concerto,'' which combines the simplicity of folk song with drama, lyricism and a fiery cadenza. Performing it with the orchestra will be Philharmonic Center favorite Jodie DeSalvo. 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.
Mark Nadler - The Naples Philharmonic Center of the Arts hosts "Mark Nadler In a Nutshell'' Friday, Jan. 23, and Saturday, Jan. 24. Singer/dancer/ pianist Mark Nadler presents a maniacally exuberant, wacky tour de force cabaret performance that has been the toast of New York City. 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.
La Boheme - Opera Naples features "La Boheme'' Friday, Jan. 23, and Sunday, Jan. 25, at the Performing Arts Hall of Gulf Coast High School. To purchase tickets, call 1-800-771-1041 or go to
http://operanaples.tix.com
Glory of France - The Southwest Florida Symphony performs "The Glory of France'' Saturday, Jan. 24, and Sunday, Jan. 25, at the Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall. Conducted by Michael Hall, it features works by two of the most prolific and versatile French composers are celebrated in this concert featuring Poulenc's gorgeous Gloria with its ethereal soprano solo and chorus, and Saint-Saens' brilliantly orchestrated "Organ Symphony." For tickets, call 418-1500 or e-mail tickets@ swflso.org.
Pianist - The Naples Philharmonic Center of the Arts presents Pnina Becher "In a Scarlatti Soireé: An Evening of Music and Wine'' Sunday, Jan. 25. It will be a delightful evening of all Scarlatti music, presented as music was experienced in Scarlatti's day - sitting in courts around draped tables, sipping wine. The complimentary wine tastings will be related to the pieces played - creating a memorable evening for all the senses! 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.
Wynton Marsalis - The Naples Philharmonic Center of the Arts features Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra with Wynton Marsalis Sunday, Jan. 25. One of the most important and exciting jazz performers of our time, trumpet player Wynton Marsalis has won nine Grammy Awards and a Pulitzer Prize (the first time it was awarded to a jazz artist). He'll perform with the renowned Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra, made up of 15 of the finest jazz soloists and ensemble players today. Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra is featured in many aspects of Jazz at Lincoln Center programming and performs in concerts and educational events around the world. 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.
Bob Woodward - The Naples Philharmonic Center of the Arts hosts Bob Woodward Monday, Jan. 26. Called the most famous investigative reporter in America by The New York Times, Mr. Woodward has won nearly every major American journalism award, including the Pulitzer Prize. Woodward first gained national attention when he teamed with Carl Bernstein to report on the Watergate scandal. 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.
Momix - The Naples Philharmonic Center of the Arts hosts "Momix: The Best of Momix'' Tuesday, Jan. 27. For 25 years, Momix has been celebrated for its unique ability to conjure up an enchanted world of surrealistic images, using props, light, shadow, humor and the human body. This internationally acclaimed company of dancers-illusionists, under the direction of Moses Templeton, presents a fascinating fusion of contemporary dance, amazing acrobatics and spectacular optical illusion. 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.
Elvis Tribute - Chris MacDonald's "Memories of Elvis'' plays at the Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 22. Mr. MacDonald lovingly brings back the magic of the King of Rock -N- Roll with his tribute. This experienced and energetic entertainer has the honor of being the only tribute artist contracted by Elvis Presley Enterprises for the annual Elvis Week (August) and Birthday Week (January) festivities at Graceland's Heartbreak Hotel for seven consecutive years. For tickets, contact the box office at 800- 440-7469 or 481-4849.
Naples Players - Adult workshops begin Jan. 19 and continue through the winter with the Naples Players at Sugden Community Theatre, 701 5th Avenue South, Naples. For information, call 434- 7340, ext. 10, or go to www.naplespl;ayers. org.
Three Exhibitions - Florida West hosts Three Exhibitions through Jan. 28. Exhibition I is the first exhibition in a series of three, featuring paintings, collage, photography, pottery sculptures and more. Participating artists are competing for a series of awards. The second exhibition features oil paintings by Regis Bobitski. The third exhibition is a group show featuring the Florida West Arts "Gallery Artists.'' For information, e-mail info@ floridawestarts.com, call 948-4427 or go to
www.floridawestarts.com. The Florida West Arts Showcase at the International Design Center in Estero has moved to Suite 182. The much larger gallery and performance space is now open.
KidzAct - KidzAct classes 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.
Critic's Choice - The Philharmonic Center's Lifelong Learning arts education program presents "Tree of Smoke'' by Denis Johnson on Jan. 24; "Mister Pip" by Lloyd Jones on Feb. 28; "Out Stealing Horses" by Per Petterson on March 28; and "Fieldwork" by Mischa Berlinski on April 18. For more information or to order tickets, contact customer service at 597- 1900 or toll-free at (800) 597-1900.
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.