WHAT TO DO, WHERE TO GO

This week's theater

Wicked - The Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall hosts "Wicked,'' Broadway's biggest blockbuster, March 7-29. Long before that girl from Kansas arrives in Munchkinland, two girls meet in the land of Oz. One — born with emerald green skin — is smart, fiery and misunderstood. The other is beautiful, ambitious and very popular. How these two grow to become the Wicked Witch of the West and Glinda the Good Witch makes for a satisfying musical. (800) 440-7469 or 481-4849 or www.bbmannpah. com.

 

Picnic - William Inge's award-winning play, "Picnic," will be performed at the Cultural Park Theater in Cape Coral, March 6-8 and 12-15. It's funny, it's seething with women longing for sexual fulfillment, and it even has a fight scene. 772-5862.

Jekyll & Hyde - TheatreZone, Naples' only professional Equity theater company, presents the musical thriller "Jekyll & Hyde," starring Jason Kraack, at 8 p.m. March 5, 6, 7, 11, 12, 13 and 14; and at 2 p.m. March 7, 8 and 15. Performances are at The G&L Theatre, 13275 Livingston Road, Naples. Tickets: $35-$40; 1-888-ZONE-FLA, 1-888-966-3352 or www. theatrezone-florida.com.

Anything Goes - The Naples Players perform "Anything Goes'' Wednesday, March 4, through Saturday, April 4, at the Sugden Community Theatre. Cole Porter's sublime 1930s musical crams a world of joyous archetypes aboard the oceanliner SS America, and then lets them collide happily. Many of Porter's best-loved songs are here" "I Get a Kick Out of You," "It's De-lovely" and "Anything Goes.'' Tickets: $35 (adults), $10 (students); 263-7990 or www.naplesplayers. org.

All Shook Up - Broadway Palm Dinner Theater presents "All Shook Up'' through Saturday, April 11. This musical comedy combines Elvis hits with a whole new story full of hilarious twists and turns. 278-4422 or www. BroadwayPalm.com.

Happy Days - The Naples Philharmonic Center for the Arts hosts "Happy Days - A New Musical'' through Sunday, March 8. Happy days are here again with Richie, Potsie, Ralph Malph and the unforgettable "king of cool," Arthur "The Fonz" Fonzarelli. Based on the hit television series, it takes us back to the days of 1959 Milwaukee, complete with varsity sweaters, hula hoops and jukebox sock-hoppin'. 597-1900 or www.thephil. org.

Alone Together - Florida Repertory Theatre presents "Alone Together,'' a witty comedy by Lawrence Roman, about a nest that won't stay empty, through March 8. 332- 4488 or 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 through March 29. 278-4422 or www. BroadwayPalm.com.

Classic Broadway - Sanibel's Schoolhouse Theater presents "Classic Broadway Abridged,'' a musical review of Broadway show tunes, through March 7. 472- 6862 or theschoolhousetheater.com.

This week's symphony

Keith Lockhart - The Naples Philharmonic Center for the Arts presents Keith Lockhart and the Boston Pops Esplanade Orchestra Monday, March 9. Lockhart is only the third conductor to lead the Boston Pops since 1930, following Fiedler and John Williams. 597-1900 or www.thephil.org.

 

Pops Series - Take a spin on a musical roulette wheel when conductor Jack Everly leads the Naples Philharmonic Orchestra in the third program of the Pops Series "Viva Las Vegas!" at the Philharmonic Center, Tuesday through Saturday, March 10-14, at 8 p.m. and Saturday-Sunday, March 14-15, at 2 p.m. The concert will feature such hip classics as "Luck Be A Lady and "The Lady Is A Tramp." The cast of high rollers, showgirls and celebrities includes stars from Broadway and the Vegas Strip, along with Martin Preston as the legendary Liberace. Tickets: $74. 597-1900 or www. thephil.org.

Star Crossed Lovers - The Southwest Florida Symphony performs "Star Crossed Lovers'' at the First Christian Church in Fort Myers Saturday and Sunday, March 7-8. Conducted by Michael Hall, this concert features some of the most beloved music of all time: Bernstein's "Symphonic Dances from West Side Story" and Prokofiev's magnificent "Suite from Romeo and Juliet." ; 418- 1500 or e-mail tickets@swflso.org.

Beethoven's Eighth - The Naples Philharmonic Center for the Arts features "Beethoven's Eighth,'' conducted by Laura Joella, at the First Presbyterian Church of Bonita Springs on Thursday, March 5 and Friday, March 6. 597-1900 or www.thephil.org.

Wednesday, Mar. 4

Evening With - The Art League of Bonita Springs hosts "An Evening With..." Clarita Filgueiras, presenting "The Best of Flamenco" from 7-9 p.m. Music, dance, and the history of flamenco dancing combine to provide a magnificent evening of entertainment. 495-8989 or artcenterbonita.org.

 

Movie Night - A free movie night starts at 6:30 p.m. at Gulf Coast Town Center outside in the Market Place (near Borders). AIA Florida Southwest American Institute of Architects is hosting a showing of Michael Miner's film "A Child of the Sun," documenting the West Campus of Florida Southern College in Lakeland, Fla., designed by Frank Lloyd Wright.

Thursday, Mar. 5

Big Bands - Veteran jazz musician and educator Henry Ettman will present "Today's Big Bands," the final class in the series "The Big Band in American Jazz: From Ragtime to the Swing Era and Beyond," at 2 p.m., as part of the Naples Philharmonic Center for the Art's Lifelong Learning arts education classes. The class chronicles the origins and evolution of large ensembles in jazz. 597-1900 or www.thephil.org.

Friday, Mar. 6

Birthday bash - DJ Quest of 105.5 THE BEAT will host his sixth annual birthday bash: Celebrating for a Cause, with proceeds benefiting The Bob Rauschenberg Center for Living, the county's primary treatment center for HIV/AIDS. DJ Quest wants to fight back with music and entertainment in an effort to generate $10,000 for the Rauschenberg Center. The event will be held at the Reserve Cigar & Wine Bar. Tickets: $10. 839-2563 or Felicia@somonsmanagement. com

 

Beethoven's Eighth - The Naples Philharmonic Center for the Arts features "Beethoven's Eighth,'' conducted by Laura Joella, at the Wesley United Methodist Church on Marco Island. 597-1900 or www. thephil.org.

Art Exhibit - The Alliance for the Arts hosts an opening reception for State of Abstraction: Fort Myers, from 5-7 p.m. The exhibit, featuring artists Veron Ennis, Leo Johnson, Raymond Hernandez, Jonas Stirner, Mamie Holst and Lily Hatchett, runs through March 27. 939-2787 or www.artinlee.org. Ronnie Ford - daas Gallery features premiere master Scottish painter Ronnie Ford in a March exhibition. An opening reception is set in conjunction with Art Walk night. Mr. Ford's work features a highly textured surface and use of contrasting colors that captures the French and Scottish landscapes. The exhibition runs through March 27. www.ronnieford.com or www. daasgallery.com.

Benefit Concert - BIG ARTS' annual benefit concert presents perennial island favorite John Pizzarelli, with special guest Aaron Weinstein, at 8 p.m. in Schein Performance Hall. Tickets start at $125 for general admission; 395-0900, www.bigarts. org or e-mail info@BIGARTS.org.

Pastel Show - The Southwest Florida Pastel Society will kick off its Annual Members Show at the Art League of Bonita Springs, with an opening reception from 6 to 8 p.m. Artists from Lee, Collier and Charlotte counties will display a variety of pastel paintings. The exhibition is being held at the Art League of Bonita Springs in conjunction with a campus-wide Open House and "Small Works and Miniature" show open from 11 a.m. to 5 pm, Monday through Friday and from 1:30 to 5 p.m. on Saturday through March 30. 495-8989, artcenterbonita.org or e-mail ann@daltonandreilly. com.

B&W Photos - Internationally known photographer J. Tomas Lopez will present "Photoshop in Black and White: From Shooting to Printing," a class designed for the intermediate to advanced photographer, as part of the Phil's Lifelong Learning arts education program. Friday and Saturday, March 6-7, from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. in the Toni Stabile Building. Cost: $150 597-1900 or www.thephil.org.

Journal Workshop - Artist/writer Carol Todaro will present "Handmade Books: Journals," a two-day workshop where participants will make two versions of a multi-page, blank book, as part of the Phil's Lifelong Learning arts education classes, Friday and Saturday, March 6-7, from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. in the Toni Stabile Building. Cost: $175. 597-1900 or www.thephil.org.

Recital - Andrew H. Yeargin performs an organ recital at 7:30 p.m. at Covenant Presbyterian Church. He will perform works by the great organ composers, Bach, Howells, Mozart and Vierne. Cost: free; 466-1225, 334-8937 or www.covpcfm.com.

Saturday, Mar. 7

ZAP - "ZAP!" is now playing for the Florida Repertory Theatre's Lunchbox Theatre Series. Sponsored by LCEC, "ZAP!" is an electrifying play about electricity. The Lunchbox Series performs Saturdays at 11 a.m. through April 11 at the Sidney Berne Davis Art Center in the historic Fort Myers River District. Tickets are $12, and admission includes the performance, a boxed lunch provided by Jason's Deli and an interactive workshop with the cast. www.floridarep.org or 332-4488.

Saturday, Mar. 7

Art in the Park - The Naples Art Association hosts Art in the Park on Park Street, alongside the von Liebig Art Center. Naples' oldest outdoor art festival celebrates its 52nd anniversary season of showcasing artwork by association members the first Saturday of the month from November through April. The free, juried shows feature a variety of media, including paintings, photography, sculpture and jewelry.

 

Movie in the Park - "The Neverending Story" will be shown at 7 p.m. on at Bonita's Riverside Park on Old 41 as part of the Movies in the Park series. For early birds, cartoons will start at 6:30 p.m. Free; bring a blanket or a lawn chair. 949-6262 or 992-2943.

B&W Photos - Internationally known photographer J. Tomas Lopez will present "Photoshop in Black and White: From Shooting to Printing," a class designed for the intermediate to advanced photographer, as part of the Phil's Lifelong Learning arts education program. Friday and Saturday, March 6-7, from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. in the Toni Stabile Building. Cost: $150 597-1900 or www.thephil.org.

Journal Workshop - Artist/ writer Carol Todaro will present "Handmade Books: Journals," a two-day workshop where participants will make two versions of a multi-page, blank book, as part of the Phil's Lifelong Learning arts education classes, Friday and Saturday, March 6-7, from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. in the Toni Stabile Building. Cost: $175. 597-1900 or www.thephil.org.

Biava Quartet - The Sanibel Musical Festival features The Biava Quartet, winner of the 2003 Naumburg Chamber Music Award, one of today's top young American quartets, at 8 p.m. at the Sanibel Congregational Church. 336-7999 or sanibelmusicfestival. org.

Art in the Woods - The third annual Art in the Woods will be held at 16341 Arbor Ridge Road in the Iona District of Fort Myers from 10 a.m. until sunset. The day will include many local artists, food, cool music and a silent auction. Donation: $5; 945-4527 or bevspan@aol.com.

Sunday, Mar. 8

Choral Masterpieces - The voices of the Philharmonic Center Chorale will be showcased in "Choral Masterpieces" at 4 p.m. at the First Presbyterian Church in Naples. James Cochran, director of the Philharmonic Center Chorale and Youth Chorale, will lead the 75-voice Philharmonic Center Chorale. Tickets: $22/adults, $10/ students. 597-1900 or www.thephil.org.

 

Bluegrass - Frontline Bluegrass will play at the Flamingo Island Flea Market on Bonita Beach Road at 3 p.m. 405-0355.

Monday, Mar. 9

Plant Auction - The Southwest Florida Orchid Society will hold a plant auction at 7:30 p.m. at the Rutenberg Eco- LivingCenter, 6490 South Point Blvd., Fort Myers. Orchids, bromeliads, and other garden plants will be available for sale. At 7 p.m., members will discuss the fundamentals of growing orchids. 561-0587.

Tuesday, Mar. 10

Di Wu - The Sanibel Musical Festival features pianist Di Wu, winner of the 2008 Juilliard William Petschek Piano Debut Recital Award, at 8 p.m. at the Sanibel Congregational Church. 336-7999 or sanibelmusicfestival. org.

Wednesday, Mar. 11

Praise Concert - The 2008/2009 Season of Praise Concert Series by The Village Church at Shell Point continues as the Classic Symphonic Praise, featuring The Wheaton College Symphony Orchestra, takes the stage at 7:15 p.m. under the direction of Daniel Sommerville, conductor. The performance will be in the Village Church Auditorium. Tickets: $10; 454-2147 or http://www. shellpoint.org/villagechurch/events.htm.

Ongoing events

Exhibit in Estero - Florida West Arts' Invitational Fine Art Exhibition - "A Prelude to Spring" - featuring the two and three dimensional artworks by artists from near and far, runs March 7-25. Meet the Artist open house 1-4 p.m. on Saturday, March 7. Florida West is located in Estero's International Design Center.

 

New Exhibit - The Friends of the Cape Coral Library announce a new exhibit that runs throughout March. The Gallery, located at the Cape Coral Library, 921 SW 39th Terrace, is open Monday through Saturday during library hours. Carol Orr Hartman is driven to photograph the images of places, scenes and landscapes seen every day. Linda Riczo, youth services director at the library, has gathered an unusual selection of popups and moveable art books. 477-5100 or www.capefriends.org.

Schwartz Exhibit - The Art Gallery at Florida Gulf Coast University invites the public to an exhibition of works by nationally recognized painter and printmaker Carl E. Schwartz in the FGCU Library Gallery. The exhibition runs through March 22, and is free and open to the public. 590-7199 or asturdiv@ fgcu.edu. Film Series - The BIG ARTS Film Society's Film Series features: "Ordinary People on Monday, March 16; "The Rape of Europa" on Monday, March 23; end "Elsa and Fred" on Monday, March 30. Tickets: $7. 395-0900, www.bigarts.org or e-mail info@BIGARTS.org.

Art Exhibit - The Art Galleries at Florida Gulf Coast University are hosting an exhibition of works from members of the Fort Myers arts community, Leo and Krista Johnson, in the FGCU Library Gallery through March 6; 590-7199 or asturdiv@fgcu.edu.

Upcoming events

New Kids - More seats are now available for the New Kids On The Block concert coming to Germain Arena on Thursday, March 12. Reserved seats: $67; www. ticketmaster.com.

 

Juried Show - BIG ARTS Phillips Gallery will host a juried theme show, Text in Art, which features art with text, numbers or letters as a design element, through Tuesday, March 31. An artist reception and awards presentation will be held from 5:30-7 p.m. is Friday, March 13. The juror is Joan Osborn- Dunkle, abstract artist and gallery owner in Naples. Her juror's talk is at 2 p.m. Tuesday, March 3, in Phillips Gallery. 395-0900, www. bigarts.org or e-mail info@BIGARTS.org.

Circus - Florida's Famous Circus Sarasota is coming to the Big Top at Gulf Coast Town Center Friday, March 6, through Sunday, March 29. Circus Sarasota presents an all-star lineup with an unparalleled array of thrilling acts for its 12th season of performances. There are 32 performances, including matinee and evening shows. Tickets start at $10 per person. www.CircusSarasota.org or (877) 355-9805.

The Duprees - BIG ARTS presents The Duprees at 8 p.m. Friday, March 13, in Schein Performance Hall. Tickets: $41 floor, $46 loge, Since the birth of their unmistakable sound on "You Belong to Me," a top 10 hit in 1962 and continuing with "My Own True Love," "Have You Heard," and dozens of others, their outstanding vocal harmonies have entertained audiences in major venues throughout the world. 395-0900, info@BIGARTS. org or www.BIGARTS.org.

Art Festival - The Art League of Bonita Springs hosts the Bonita Springs National Art Festival from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, March 14-15, at the Promenade at Bonita Bay. Art lovers may view and obtain the work of award-winning national and international artists. Works include paintings, glass, jewelry, clay works, photography, sculpture, wood and more. E-mail artfest@ artinusa.com or 992-1213.

Art Exhibit - The Robert Rauschenberg Gallery hosts Syd Solomon: On Black Friday, March 13, through Thursday, April 9. Mr. Solomon has exhibited globally and his works are held in numerous permanent collections, including The Baltimore Museum of Art and the Tel Aviv Museum. 489-9313 or bobrauschenberggallery.com,

Garden Festival - The Pine Island Garden Club goes to The Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival at Disney in Orlando on March 24 and 25. Non-members are welcome — just eight seats left. pineislandgardenclub. org, 283-7849 or 283-0415. Warhol Exhibit - The Naples Art Association features Andy Warhol Portfolios: From the Bank of America Collection at the Von Liebig Art Center Saturday, March 14, through Sunday, May 3. This exhibition features selected portraits from the Bank of America's collection of Andy Warhol silk screen prints.

Pat Dailey - Renowned singer, songwriter and entertainer Pat Dailey will perform a one-night concert at the Laugh-In Comedy Club on College Parkway at 8 p.m. Wednesday, March 11. Doors open at 6 p.m. and a full-service menu is available. 479-5233.

Blues Fest - The third annual Bonita Blues Festival kicks off Saturday, March 14. Tickets: $10 in advanced and $15 day of the show. Performers include Joey Gilmore, Albert Castiglia, The Jony James Blues Band, Rastus Kainand Tommy Lee Cook, Danny Shepard and the All Stars. Proceeds of the Bonita Blues Festival will benefit the Bonita Springs Assistance Office. www.bonitablues. com., info@bonitablues.com or 947-0715.

Jose Carreras - Spanish tenor José Carreras, one of the most revered opera singers of his generation, will perform for one night only at the Naples Philharmonic Center for the Arts at 8 p.m. Sunday, March 15. Tickets: $135. 597-1900 or www.thephil.org.