WHAT TO DO, WHERE TO GO

>>Glass Menagerie through Nov. 17 at the Sugden Community Theater

This week's theatre

Grandmother - "Funny, You Don't Look Like a Grandmother!" runs at the Off Broadway Palm Theater through Dec. 22. A humorous, yet heartwarming musical comedy that celebrates modern-day grandmothers in a whole new light. Throw away the granny glasses, shapeless black dresses and Red Cross shoes, and replace them with tennis dresses, skis and a condo in Florida. Tickets are on sale and can be reserved by calling 278-4422, by visiting www.BroadwayPalm.com, or by stopping by the box office at 1380 Colonial Boulevard in Fort Myers.

Buddy Holly - Broadway Palm Dinner Theatre presents the dynamic international hit "Buddy: The Buddy Holly Story." It runs through Nov. 17. The award-winning celebration tells the brief, but spectacular musical career of the legendary Buddy Holly. Performances are Wednesday through Sunday evenings with selected matinees. Beginning Oct. 30, performances are Tuesday through Sunday with selected matinees. Ticket prices range from $25 to $52 with group discounts available for parties of 20 or more. Tickets are now on sale and can be reserved by calling 278-4422, by visiting www.BroadwayPalm. com, or by stopping by the box office at 1380 Colonial Boulevard in Fort Myers.

>>3 Mo' Divas performs at the Naples Philharmonic Center for the Arts Saturday, Nov. 17

"Stones in his Pockets" - An Irish village is overrun by filmmakers in "Stones in his Pockets" at the Florida Repertory Theatre through Nov. 18. A runaway London hit and Olivier Award Winner for Best Comedy, this hilarious acting tour-de-force is set in a small picturesque Irish village overrun by a big-budget Hollywood film. Charlie and Jake, two of the many locally hired extras, uproariously bring to life the 15 characters from this celebrity-crazed hamlet including the self-centered American star of the movie, the quirky crew and some pretty eccentric townsfolk. But when a stone on the path to the American dream leaves one boy broken, they find themselves at a bittersweet turning point. Shows are at 8 p.m. Friday and 2 and 8 p.m. Saturday at the Arcade Theatre on Bay Street between Hendry and Jackson in downtown Fort Myers. Tickets are $34 -$38, $17 for selected seats. For information call 332-4488.

>>Vespertine Sacrifice by Mark Messersmith, Oil on canvas with mixed media attachments, 65"x80", 2006

Forever Plaid - The Shoolhouse Theater on Sanibel Island presents "Forever Plaid" through Dec. 1. The funny and charming musical about the classic 1950s male singing group that gets killed on the way to their first gig - only to be revived for the posthumous chance to fulfill their dreams and perform the show that never was. The Schoolhouse Theater is located at 2200 Periwinkle Way across from the Community Center on Sanibel Island. Call 472-6862 for information and tickets. Glass Menagerie - Tennessee Williams' classic memory play runs through Nov. 17 at the Sugden Community Theater in Naples. Williams' work is nearly autobiographical in its poetic depiction of the Wingfield family, Amanda, Laura and Tom, in their seedy St. Louis apartment. For information call the Sugden at (239) 263-7990.

>>Blake Shelton performs at Lakes Park Dec. 8

Arsenic and Old Lace - This classic comedy takes a cheery look at an eccentric family who mix murder and mayhem to give a new meaning to the idea of "charity work." The Naples Players rendition of Arsenic and Old Lace opens on Wednesday, Nov. 21 at the Sugden Community Theatre. The play runs through Dec. 15. For information call the Sugden at (239) 263-7990.

This week's symphony

Fall Major/Minor Concert - Musicians from the Philharmonic Youth Orchestra play side by side with professional musicians from the Naples Philharmonic Orchestra, and by themselves, in this crowd-pleasing concert event on Sunday, Nov. 18 at 7 p.m. at the Naples Philharmonic Center for the Arts. Youth Orchestra Concerto Competition winners will be featured. For information or tickets call (239) 597-1900 or online at www. thephil.org.

>>Michael McDonald performs at the Naples Philharmonic Center for the Arts

Thursday, Nov. 15

Roger Williams - Shell Point Retirement Community's Sixth annual Fine and Performing Arts Concert Series of 2007/2008 Shell Point Retirement Community presents pianist Roger Williams on stage at 7:30 p.m. With over 18 Gold and Platinum albums to his credit, Roger Williams is the greatest selling pianist of all time and has been named "King of the Arpeggios." His showstopping piano magic delights audiences around the globe. Tickets are $25 each, or a season ticket of all five concerts can be purchased for $100. To purchase tickets or receive additional information about the concert series, call (239) 454-2067.

Framing demo - Sanibel-Captiva Art League is holding a special presentation by Paul Roshberg, owner of Sanibel Art and Frame on Palm Ridge. The meeting will take place at the Sanibel Community House, 2173 Periwinkle at 1:30 p.m. Using demonstration materials, Roshberg will discuss the proper way to frame watercolors, oils, pastels, and photographs, and how to accent the art piece.

Friday, Nov. 16

John Tesh - Entertainer John Tesh plays the Harborside Event Center in Fort Myers with a dinner show. Show time is 7 p.m. For information call (239) 495-2100.

Saturday, Nov. 17

Art Royale - Art Royale: The Games People Play at the Alliance for the Arts beginning at 4:30 p.m. is about the viewer's interaction with the artist and their art forms. This year the artists are invited to interpret and express their relationship with the theme: The Games People Play. Interpretation might be personal, artistic, cultural, architectural, or esoteric. Artists are encouraged to engage the viewer into their installation - as a participant, a captivated observer; or in a merger with the artist mentally, philosophically, or physically. Tickets are $75 in advance and $100 at the door. Tickets can be purchased online at at the Alliance for the Arts (10091 McGregor Blvd), or by phone at 939-2787. For information about performers and artists go to www. artroyale.org.

Tori Amos - One of the most outspoken, creative singer/songwriters of our time, Tori Amos, will return to Fort Myers at 8 p.m. at the Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall. Amos' first appearance was in 1996. Tickets are on sale at the box office, by calling 481-4849 or online at www.bbmannpah. com. Groups of twenty or more, call (239) 489-3033 extension 3122.

3 Mo' Divas - A musical celebration of class, sass and style. Created and directed by Three Mo' Tenors mastermind Marion J. Caffey, 3 Mo' Divas plays at the Naples Philharmonic Center for the Arts at 8 p.m. The performance celebrates the versatility of the female voice, showcasing a trio of female vocalists and a small onstage orchestra. The theatrically staged concert features eight musical genres, including opera, Broadway, jazz, soul and R&B. Tickets are $59. For information or tickets call (239) 597-1900 or online at www.thephil.org.

Sunday, Nov. 18

Keith Calmes - Acclaimed guitarist

Keith Calmes performs at BIG ARTS on Sanibel at 3 p.m. A teacher and professional musician for more than 20 years, Calmes has performed as a soloist at Carnegie Recital Hall, Alice Tully Hall, the St. Louis Art Museum, and California Institute of Technology. A dedicated ensemble musician, Calmes has collaborated with Broadway diva Audra MacDonald, rock harmonica virtuoso John Popper, and the Juilliard Symphony under the direction of Leonard Slatkin. With degrees in Classical Guitar Performance from California State University Northridge, University of Southern California, and The Juilliard School, he has served as a faculty member at several music schools. For tickets and information contact BIG ARTS at 395-0900 or online at www.bigarts.org

Concert - Galloway Magic Carpet Family Concerts, featuring the Gulf Coast Symphony, starts at 4 p.m. at the Sam Galloway Ford dealership, 1800 Boy Scout Dr. in Fort Myers. The concert is free and open to children of all ages. No tickets or advanced reservations required.

Ongoing events

Art - Florida Gulf Coast University's Arts Complex Gallery has an exhibition of paintings and constructions entitled "Every X Marks Somewhere" by FGCU Associate Professor of Art, Morgan T. Paine.The show features works created during Paine's 2006-2007 sabbatical, as well as a large walk-able ramp in the shape of an X that will commemorate the first ten years of the University's life as an educational institution. He will also show his "Life Painting and Drawing," a 24-foot-wide painting that contains a series of panels that represent each of the days of a year, and on which he has worked virtually every day since 1979. The exhibition continues through Dec. 15. The Arts Complex Gallery is located at 10501 FGCU Blvd S. Admission is free. Gallery hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Saturday. For additional information contact the Art Gallery at 590-7199.

Art- Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month at the Harborside Event Center with a visit to "A Latin Art Affair", the Community Art Showcase fine art exhibition. This cutting edge show features five local Latino artists whose works are as diverse and electrifying as their countries of origin: Doris Ramos, Ernesto Masis, Juan Diaz, Amarillis Veliz and Lidia Dick. This unparalleled exhibition will showcase the rich and varied talents of our own Latino art community. The exhibit runs through Nov. 28 and is open Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. For information email info@ArtFestFortMyers.com or call 768-3602.

Artists call - Artescape Florida West 2008, Exhibition I and II, juried fine art exhibitions are open to artists who create two dimensional artworks including original oils, acrylics, watercolors, mixed media and collage; and fine art photography. Both Exhibition I and II will be held at the Gallery on Fashion Drive at Coconut Point in Estero's new town center. The series will also be presented on www.floridawestsarts.com. The opening reception for Exhibition I will take place on Jan. 3, and the exhibition will continue through Jan. 30. The opening reception for Exhibition II will take place on April 3 and runs through May 1. To receive an Artescape Florida West Arts 2008 prospectus and application, call (239)784-0707 or send an e-mail to info@floridawestarts.com . For more information about Florida West Arts visit www.floridawestarts.com Art - The Bob Rauschenberg Gallery at Edison College has an exhibition of paintings by Florida State University Painting and Drawing instructor Mark Messersmith. The exhibition, titled "A Southern Landscape," runs through Dec. 8. The Gallery is open Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and on Saturday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. The gallery is closed Sundays and holidays. For additional information please call the gallery at 489-9313.

Call to artists - Communication: The imparting or interchange of thoughts, opinions or information by speech, writing, or signs. "Transmissions: A Juried Competition" is the next exhibit at the Alliance for the Arts. It's open to all artists residing in Florida. Categories are sculpture, painting (including oil, acrylic, collage, watercolor, mixed media), photography, prints and drawings (no crafts). An entry consists of 1 to 3 artworks. Non-refundable Entry Fee is $10 for Alliance for the Arts members and $25 for nonmembers. Membership in the Alliance for the Arts is $50. Please make checks payable to "Alliance for the Arts". The exhibit will run from Nov. 30 to Jan. 9. For information call the Alliance at 939-2787 or online at www.artinlee.org. The Alliance is located at 10091 McGregor Boulevard just south of Colonial Boulevard. Visit www.artinlee.org for more details.

Upcoming events

Blake Shelton - Country music star Blake Shelton will headline the first "Sam Galloway Ford Lakeside Country Bash" at Lakes Park on Dec. 8, presented by BBL Florida and Lodge Construction. The Lakes Park Enrichment Foundation, Lee County Parks and Recreation and Gator Country 101.9 FM are planning the outdoor concert, which will also include guest performances by American Idol star Josh Gracin, James Otto, Jennifer Hanson and Brad Conner. Tickets are $20 general admission and are on sale now at all Ticketmaster retail locations and www.ticketmaster.com. Avoid ticket surcharges by purchasing tickets at Gator Country, Lakes Park, Veterans Rec Center or the Estero Community Center. For additional information visit www.LakesideCountryBash. com or call (239) 432-2006. Michael McDonald - Five-time Grammy-Award-winner Michael McDonald plays at the Naples Philharmonic Center for the Arts on Monday, Nov. 26. Best-known for his husky, soulful, baritone voice, McDonald is one of the most distinctive and popular vocalists to emerge from the laid-back California pop/rock scene of the late '70s. Formerly of the Doobie Brothers and Steely Dan, McDonald has forged a successful solo career with hits solo career with hits spanning the pop, R&B and AC charts. Tickets are $69. For inform ation or tickets call (239) 597-1900 or online at www.thephil. org. Almost Maine - All is not what it seems in this Magical New Off Broadway Comedy - Almost Maine, opening at the Florida Repertory Theatre on Nov. 30. When the Northern Lights hang over the mythical town of Almost, Maine, its residents find themselves falling in and out of love - in the most unexpected, unusual and hilarious ways. This play inventively explores the mysteries of the human heart and touches audiences with laughter, heartbreak and hope. Almost Maine runs through Dec. 23. Tickets are $34 -$38, $17 for selected seats. For information call 332-4488.

Holly Jolly Christmas - Holly Jolly Christmas opens Nov. 22 and runs through Dec. 25 at the Broadway Palm Dinner Theater. This song and dance extravaganza is fantastic entertainment for all ages. It embraces the season with Broadway style dancing, stunning costumes and the traditional holiday favorites you know and love. Tickets are now on sale and can be reserved by calling 278-4422, by visiting www.BroadwayPalm.com, or by stopping by the box office at 1380 Colonial Boulevard in Fort Myers.

Russian Romantics - Russian Romantics is the season opener for the Gulf Coast Symphony on Dec. 15 at the Anderson Theatre - Santini Center for the Performing Arts on the campus of Bishop Verot High School. . Selections feature "Variations on a Rococo Theme" by Tchaikovsky, a concertpiece for solo cellist and orchestra Cellist Ian Maksin; the "Symphony No. 6 in B minor, Pathétique, Op. 74," Tchaikovsky's final symphony; and "Isle of the Dead," a symphonic poem by Sergei Rachmaninoff. Tickets are $10, $15 and $20 and can be purchased online at www.gulfcoastsymphony.org. For information call the symphony at 489-1800. Willie Nelson - Country legend Willie Nelson returns to the Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall Wednesday, Jan. 16. The iconic Texan is the creative genius behind historic recordings like "Crazy," "Hello Walls," "Red Headed Stranger" and "Stardust." His career has spanned six decades, his catalog boasts more than 200 albums and he's earned every conceivable award and honor to be bestowed a person in his profession. He has also amassed reputable credentials as an author, actor and activist. Tickets are on sale at the box office, by calling 481-4849 or online at www.bbmannpah.com. Groups of twenty or more, call (239) 489-3033 extension 3122.

Wynonna - Wynonna - A Classic Christmas plays at the Naples Philharmonic Center for the Arts on Tuesday, Nov. 27. Wynonna is taking her critically acclaimed holiday album, A Classic Christmas, on the road in her first-ever Christmas tour. Spreading holiday cheer across the country, Wynonna will combine her smooth vocals and tremendous live presence in an unforgettable performance that will warm the heart and inspire the spirit. Her soulful renditions of such traditional holiday classics as White Christmas and Winter Wonderland and her awe-inspiring version of Ave Maria, make this a special performance for the entire family. Tickets are $76. For information or tickets call (239) 597-1900 or online at www.thephil.org.

Nine -The winner of the 1982 Tony Award for Best Musical, "Nine" will be on stage at the Theatre Zone in Naples Nov. 29 through Dec. 2. Based on Fellini's classic film 8 1/2, "Nine" is the story of a famous film director and his attempts to come up with a plot for his next film as he is pursued by hordes of beautiful women, all clamoring to be loved by him and him alone. Staring Broadway's Larry Alexander, who was in the Broadway production of "Les Miserables" and on the National tour of "Chess." Performances are Nov. 29, 30 and Dec. 1 at 8 p.m. and Dec. 1 and 2 at 2 p.m. For information or tickets call (239) 449-2323.

The Nutcracker - The wondrous holiday classic "The Nutcracker" is back at the Naples Philharmonic Center for the Arts. The Naples Philharmonic Orchestra and Miami City Ballet again join forces for this acclaimed production featuring dazzling sets and costumes, brilliant choreography and the famous Tchaikovsky score. Shows are Nov. 23 and 24 at 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. and Sunday, Nov. 25 at noon and 8 p.m. Family Day at the Boutique is Friday, featuring a continental breakfast beginning at 10 a.m., Santa's arrival at noon, face painting, a balloon artist, jugglers, magicians, holiday arts and crafts and more. For information or tickets call (239) 597-1900 or online at www.thephil.org.

Sinatra songbook - Legendary Pops Conductor Erich Kunzel returns with The Southwest Florida Symphony and Sinatra/ Big Band favorites and a young vocalist he calls "one of the most exciting young crooners I have ever heard" at the Barbra B. Mann Performing Arts Hall on Friday, Nov 30 and Saturday, Dec. 1 at 8 p.m. The concert includes favorites such as Summer Wind, New York, New York, My Way and more. For tickets or online at www.swflso.org or call the box office at 418-1500.

Art - An exhibit of Florida landscape paintings by Frank Sadera will be held Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 8 and 9, at the Florida Fine Art Gallery in Gannon's Antiques & Art Center, 16521 South Tamiami Trail. There will be a "Meet the Artist" reception on Saturday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Refreshments will be served. Admission is free. The artist is known for his large-scale dramatic landscapes, many with soaring sunlit clouds so typical of South West Florida. The exhibit will include new oil paintings shown for the first time. Gallery hours are Mon. to Sat. 10 to 5:30, and Sundays 11 to 4. For information and directions phone (239) 489-2211.

Upcoming events

Art - The Naples Art Association will host the Naples Renaissance Fall Art Festival from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Nov. 24 and 25 on 10th Street South near the Naples Depot. This is an invitational festival for 125 national, regional and local artists who will sell their original watercolors, paintings, drawings, photography, sculpture, ceramics, glass, jewelry and more. As a kick-off to the holiday shopping season, this Thanksgiving weekend festival is a perfect opportunity to find a one-of-a-kind gift for someone special. Food vendors and entertainment will be provided. A suggested donation of $2 benefits the Naples Art Association at The von Liebig Art Center. For information go to www.naplesart.org or call the von Liebig at (239) 262-6517.

Art - The Florida Gulf Coast University Eighth Annual Pottery Sale and Open Studios Expo is Friday, Nov. 30 from noon until 7 p.m. There is also a Senior Projects Exhibition Opening with a reception from 5 p.m. until 7. Art Fair - More than 75 artists from all over the country will gather to sell their fine and diverse work in BIG ARTS 28th Annual Art Fair on Saturday and Sunday Nov. 24 and 25 from 9:30 a.m. until 4 p.m. New location is at the City Hall Grounds at 800 Dunlop Road, Sanibel. Enjoy the entertainment and live music and partake in the vendor-provided desserts and drinks. Jewelry, ceramics, original wearable art, sculpture, fiber and leather, watercolor, glass, oils and acrylics, photography, and garden spot - mediums that span the gamut. Tickets for all daytime activities are $5, children under 10 are free. Save your Saturday pass for free admission Sunday. For information call (239) 395-0900 or online at www.bigarts.org