WHAT TO DO, WHERE TO GO

>>Tito Puente Jr. performs at the Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall March 7 and 8.

This week's theatre

Forum - "A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum" runs at the Historic Arcade Theatre through March 16. The zany streets of Ancient Rome come alive in this musical farce, which features some of Stephen Sondheim's most memorable songs including "Comedy Tonight" and "Everybody Ought to Have a Maid." With its unforgettable characters and witty book by Burt Shevelove and Larry Gelbart, "A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum" has been delighting audiences for more than forty years. Artistic Director Robert Cacioppo is directing the production and leading another expert team of designers including set designer Richard Crowell ("Rainmaker," "To Kill a Mockingbird") and "Stones in His Pockets'" Graham Kindred is back again this season to design the lighting. Florida Rep resident costume designer, Roberta Malcolm will oversee the costumes that were worn on Broadway in the 1996 revival starring Nathan Lane and Whoopi Goldberg. Florida Repertory Theatre is located on Bay Street between Jackson and Hendry in the Historic Arcade Theatre in the Fort Myers River District. Subscriptions and single tickets are available through the Box Office (239.332.4488), or visit Florida Rep online at www.floridarep.org

>>Michael Pohlman's "Baseball Art" at the Arts for ACT Gallery March 7.

Moonlight and Magnolias - Stage 88 Community Theatre presents "Moonlight and Magnolias" at the Bonita Springs Community Hall through March 8 . The comedy by Ron Hutchinson takes place in Hollywood in 1939. Legendary producer David O. Selznick has shut down production of his new epic, "Gone with the Wind," a film adaptation of Margaret Mitchell's novel. The screenplay, you see, just doesn't work. So what's an all-powerful movie mogul to do? Tickets are $20 at the door. For reservations call (239) 513-8600 or visit www.Stage88.com for more information.

Maternal Spirits - Theatre Conspiracy, a Southwest Florida theatre company presents "Maternal Spirits." Under the direction of Artistic Director Bill Taylor, The comedy revolves around a newly divorced woman whose mother and stepmother have very different and spirited views about her future and love life. The show stars Betty Madonna, Pat Clopton, Annie Wagner and Jesse St. Louis. "Material Spirits" won first place in Theatre Conspiracy's tenth annual new play contest, The Palm Springs International Playwriting Festival and the Ashland (Oregon) New Plays Festival. The new theater is located at 2711 Park Windsor Dr #302, is just north of Southwest Florida Regional Hospital off Evans Ave. It is located in the plaza just behind Sasse's Restaurant. "Maternal Spirits" runs through March 15 with performances Wednesdays through Saturdays at 8 p.m. and select Sunday matinees at 2 p.m. Tickets are $20 or $10 for students with proper I.D. For tickets or more information Theatre Conspiracy can be reached at (239) 936-3239.

>>The Temptations (pictured above) and The Four Tops perform at the Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall on Monday, March 17.

Anything Goes - Cole Porter's hit musical "Anything Goes" is on stage at the Broadway Palm Dinner Theatre through April 5. The fun-filled trip aboard the SS American is packed with Porter classics, lively tap dancing and a boatload of laughs. Performances are Tuesday through Sunday evenings with selected matinees. Ticket prices range from $25 to $52. Group discounts are available for parties of 20 or more. Tickets are now on sale and can be reserved by calling (239) 278-4422, by visiting www.BroadwayPalm. com, or by stopping by the box office at 1380 Colonial Boulevard in Fort Myers.

>>Jackson Browne's performs at the Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall March 19.

Monky Business - The musical comedy "Monky Business" is running at the Off Broadway Palm Dinner Theatre through March 15. The show features some fun-loving monks who hold a fundraiser to save their monastery. The Monks have a divine plan with plenty of singing, dancing and vaudeville routines. For information and tickets call (239) 278-4422 or online at www.broadwaypalm.com.

Cabaret - Welcome to the "Cabaret" says the Emcee. The musical is presented by The Naples Players' through April 5. Performances are 8 p.m. Wednesday Saturday nights, 2 p.m. Sundays, at the Sugden Community Theatre in Naples. For reservations, $35 adults and $10 students, call the Box Office: 263-7990.

Lucky stiff - Don't miss "Lucky Stiff" at The Schoolhouse Theater on Sanibel playing through March 29. Come see why something funny's going on. For tickets and information, contact the box office at 239-472-6862.

This week's symphony

Tito Puene Jr. - The high energy and festive sounds of the "King of Latin Dance," Tito Puente, will fill the stage at the Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall. Tito Puente Jr. and his fivepiece band will perform with the Southwest Florida Symphony at 8 p.m. on March 7 and 8. Music Director Michael Hall and conductor Frank Fiore will conduct. Puente has dedicated his life's work to nurturing the musical legend of his father. "There was magic in the music my father made," he said. "It made people happy all over the world. My goal is to keep it alive … and expose it to a whole new generation." Single tickets are $15-$50. Call the box office at 418-1500 or visit www. swflso.org to order tickets.

Thursday, March 6

Anne Murray - Anne Murray's signature voice has graced the airwaves on recordings since 1968. She will perform at the Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall at 7:30 p.m. A consummate entertainer, her quick wit and easy sense of humor find their place on stage alongside a string of hits such as "Could I Have This Dance", "Danny's Song" and of course, "You Needed Me". With over 50 million career album sales, the legendary singer continues to sell out concert halls throughout North America. Tickets are on sale at the box office, by calling 481-4849 or online at www.bbmannpah. com.

Art - Fans of artist Ikki Matsumoto are in for a rare treat. Matsumoto will be ensconced on the comfortable back porch of the McGregor Blvd. Art Gallery from 6 to 9 p.m. to meet and greet collectors of his avian-inspired paintings. Inside the gallery, thirty new works will be on display. Matsumoto closed his own Sanibel gallery in 2006 and now lives in Ohio where he has been adding northern birds to his repertoire. The event marks the artist's first reception at the recently opened gallery owned by Leoma Lovegrove and Teri Causey.The gallery will continue to represent Matsumoto locally.

Friday, March 7

Art - Arts for ACT Gallery, located at 2265 First Street in downtown Fort Myers, will hold its artful evening opening artist's reception from 7-10 p.m. The work of Tracie, Doug and Oscar Thompson will be featured. The Thompsons, father, son and daughter, each possess unique styles and subject matters, including a mixture of painting, photography and mixed media using found objects. Michael Pohlman will also be exhibiting his mixed media baseball art. Arts for ACT Gallery provides a quality, contemporary exhibition gallery featuring original art, limited edition prints, giclees, hand-crafted fine crafts, tee shirts, silver and glass bead jewelry, gourd art, raku, clay, and art cards. Highlighting the art of the current featured artist, the front gallery, reminiscent of galleries in SoHo, has high ceilings, distressed brick walls, and warm wooden floors. Come out to meet the gallery's featured artists, enjoy some local food and wine, and engage in lively artful discussions.

Art - The Sanibel-Captiva Art League's 32nd Annual Juried Exhibition will hold an artist's reception from 5:30 p.m. until 7 p.m. featuring the member artists of the Art League BIG Arts, 900 Dunlop Rd., Sanibel Island. Exhibition consists of tropical scenes, native wildlife, still life, figures and abstracts in oil, acrylic, pastel, pencil, mixed media, prints and silk screen are among the large number of paintings the Sanibel-Captiva Art League's 31st Annual Juried Exhibit. These all original works are on view and for sale at BIG Arts through March 31.

Art - Arts for ACT Gallery located at 2265 First Street in downtown Fort Myers will hold an opening reception from 7 to 10 p.m. for Michael Pohlman's "Baseball Art." Coach Michael Pohlman will be exhibiting his mixed media baseball art. He is an artist and pitching coach for Bishop Verot High School. He was one of the players to play against the last Cuban team to play in the United States. This exhibit includes collages of baseball positions and teams as well as action paintings. Baseball lovers will delight in Pohlman's series.

Art - Harbour View Gallery in Cape Harbour in Cape Coral is holding its March Visiting Artists' reception from 6-8 p.m at the gallery at 5789 Cape Harbour Drive #104, Cape Coral. Meet and greet our visiting artists for the month: Manfred Behr - Photography; Petra Keiser - Glass Fusion. For information call 540-5789

Saturday, March 8

Mischief Makers - Florida Repertory Theatre's Lunchbox Theatre Series presents "The Mischief Makers" by Lowell Swortzell, a funny and exciting play for children of all ages, at 11 a.m. in the New Brick Bar Theatre at 2226 Bay Street in the Fort Myers River District, and plays March 29, April 19 and May 10. A lesson in world mythology and folklore, "The Mischief Makers" shows audiences what happens when three of the world's most famous and mischievous char- acters find themselves mysteriously thrown together on the same totem pole. Tickets to Lunchbox Theatre are $12, and admission includes the performance, a boxed lunch provided by McAlister's Deli and an interactive workshop with the actors. Tickets are available through the Florida Rep's box office at 332-4488. Please do not call the Brick Bar for ticket information.

Art - An exhibit of William North oil paintings completed in 2007 during the artist's term as "resident artist" at Delnor-Wiggins Pass State Park, Naples, will be held Saturday, March 8, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Paintings will include views of Wiggins Pass and the beach, with an emphasis on morning shadow patterns on the sand. North is a well-known impressionist artist with more than 60 years painting experience. The exhibit is a benefit sponsored by the park's volunteer Citizen Support Organization. It will be held in the Pavilion at Parking Area 5. Admission for nonmembers is $5 per vehicle with up to 8 people, $3 for a single driver and vehicle, $1 for walkers and bicyclists. For Park information, phone 239-597-6196.

Lecture - You'll never approach a beach lazily again. Blair and Dawn Witherington combed Florida's 1,200 miles of coastline to compile their comprehensive guide to all things alive at the beach. "Florida's Living Beaches: A Guide for the Curious Beachcomber" will be the touch point for their special lecture starting at 1 p.m. at the "Ding" Darling Education Center on Sanibel Island. Professional naturalists, the Witheringtons overlap their biological research and graphic-scientific design experience to create an illustrated compendium of shore life. They have also written "Florida's Seashells: A Beachcomber's Guide." Admission is free to the event, which is sponsored by the "Ding" Darling Wildlife Society, the refuge's nonprofit "friends" organization, as part of its 12-week Thursday Afternoon Lecture Series. Seating is limited and available on a first-come basis. Future events are listed below. For more information, or to become a friend of the refuge, call 472-1100 ext. 241 or log on to www. dingdarlingsociety.org

Art fair - Creativity and uniqueness abound when over 50 area crafters, vendors, and artisans display and sell their wares at Gateway Charter High School's 2nd annual Community Arts & Crafts Fair from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Featured will be a wide variety of handcrafted and specialty items in all price ranges; custom jewelry, hand painted & embroidered clothing, handbags, quilts, sports coasters, jeweled mirrors, hand decorated ladies' accessories, beauty & health products, home décor, gourmet delights, kitchenware, ceramics, original oil paintings, Chinese watercolors, handcrafted furniture, etched & hand painted glassware, gift baskets and more. Gateway Charter High School is located on the corner of Daniels Parkway and Gateway Boulevard at 12770 Gateway Blvd., Fort Myers. For more information, contact Ginger Paulino, parent volunteer, at 939-3141 or gatewayartsandcraftsfair@ yahoo.com

Sunday, March 9

Johnny Mathis - Johnny Mathis is one of a mere handful of performers today who truly deserves the "living legend" status. He will perform at the Barbara B. Mann

Performing Arts Hall at 7:30 p.m. Since his initial impact on the music scene in the mid- 1950's, he has maintained a consistently high level of performance both on recordings and on stage. Tickets are on sale at the box office, by calling 481-4849 or online at www. bbmannpah.com.

Film - The annual Jewish Film Festival of Southwest Florida will be offering more films on more screens than ever before. The festival, sponsored by the Jewish Federation of Lee & Charlotte Counties, kicks off on with an exciting double feature - "Sallah Shabati" and "The Impossible Spy" - at the Regal Bell Tower Cinemas beginning at 2 p.m. Tickets are $12 per person for this double feature. Tickets are available by contacting the Federation at (239) 481-4449. They will also be available for an hour prior to show time at each of the scheduled screenings.

Tuesday, March 11

Bird watching - Experience Smokehouse Bay Preserve with Bird Patrol beginning at 8:30 a.m. Rarely open to the public, Smokehouse is on Pine Island. Meet at Philips Community Park (swimming pool car park) at Pine Island Center and carpool, following guide to the site. The site is an old palm plantation growing on a salt marsh and will have had recent restoration work completed on it. For information call 482-6250. The event is free and provided in cooperation with Lee County Parks & Recreation.

Symphony - The Southwest Florida Symphony Society has planned a fun-filled event to raise money for the Southwest Florida Symphony Orchestra and Chorus Association. Renoir's Garden Party will be held from 2 to 4 p.m.. at the gardens of Berne Davis in Fort Myers. Gentlemen and ladies will delight in strolling along the flower beds, savoring the fragrant and colorful floral displays. In addition, wonderful party treats will be served. Parking is available at the Gulf Coast Church of Christ, 3825 McGregor Blvd. Trolleys will be available to ferry guests back and forth from the parking lot to the gardens. The cost is $25 per person. For further information and reservations, contact Nancy Hamann at (239)768- 3275.

Wedsday, March 12

Auditions - The Schoolhouse Theater is holding auditions for upcoming plays from noon to 6 p.m. for its upcoming Ray Cooney plays: "Funny Money," "Run for Your Wife," and "Caught in the Net." All plays are British comedies, so come prepared with a comedic monologue. "Funny Money" runs April 3 - May 3, with rehearsals beginning March 20. "Run for Your Wife" and "Caught in the Net" will be playing in rep during the summer (May 24 - Aug. 16). Audition times are appointment only. For an appointment, please email Victor Legarreta at schoolhousevic@aol.com or call 472-8930.

Ongoing events

Call to artists - The Lee County Port Authority and the Alliance for the Arts have partnered to make the new "Art in Flight" exhibits at the Southwest Florida International Airport a success. Creative and planning committee members also include Florida Gulf Coast University, the United Arts Council of Collier County, and the Arts and Humanities Council of Charlotte County. Artists now have an opportunity to have their artwork considered for upcoming exhibits at the South- west Florida International Airport. The entry deadline for consideration is March 13 before 5 p.m. All artists are encouraged to enter this juried selection process. Categories are sculpture, painting (including oil, acrylic, collage, watercolor, and mixed media), photography, prints and drawings (no crafts). An entry consists of one to three artworks. There is a non-refundable entry fee of $25 per artist. For an entry form with complete details please visit www. artinlee.org or call the Alliance for the Arts at 939-2787.

Art - The 32nd Sanibel-Captiva Art League Juried Exhibit attracts artists from Charlotte County to Naples and is open to the 4,000 members of the Art Council of Southwest Florida. BIG ARTS Phillips Gallery will host the exhibit through March 31, at 900 Dunlop Road, Sanibel. Realistic and abstract work in oil, watercolor, acrylic, pastel, charcoal, ink and printmaking will be showcased. An artists' reception and awards presentation will be held from 5:30- 7 p.m. on Friday, March 7. The Sanibel-Captiva Art League Juried Exhibit is sponsored by Lily & Co. Jewelry. Gallery hours are 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday. For more information, call (239) 395-0900, email info@BIGARTS.org or log on to www.BIGARTS.org.

Art - The Bob Rauschenberg Gallery presents "New Century New Painting: Recent Acquisitions from the Martin Z. Margulies Collection." The exhibit runs through April 5. The work in this exhibition, produced since the turn of this century, speaks directly to some of the central issues painters are working with today. Imagery, gesture, form, abstraction, representation, pattern and materials are explored in this exhibit and reflect the broad range of ideas being developed by some of today's premier artists. On loan from the Martin Z. Margulies Collection in Miami Beach, the exhibit includes work by Claire Woods, Bram Bogart, Jonathan Meese, Tal R, Chris Ofili, Karin Davie, Ulf Puder, Oliver Dorfer and others. Gallery hours are Monday-Friday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Saturday, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. For additional information call: 239-489-9313 or visit www.bobRauschenberggallery.com

History - One of the greatest anthropological finds in history, "LUCY: The Story of Human Origins" spans 50 million years in scope, from the early primates to the dawn of humanity. This exhibition, at the SWFLMuseum of History in downtown Fort Myers, represents a historical frame of reference for the human timeline which includes this comprehensive collection of exact replicas of skeletons, skulls, footprints, tools, and artifacts dramatically illustrates the story of the progression of humankind on Earth. As part of the exhibit, the museum store will feature anthropological items and gifts and the best-selling book by the man who discovered her; "Lucy: The Beginning of Humankind," by Donald Johanson and Maitland Edey. The exhibit runs through June 12. Call (239) 332-5955 or visit www.cityftmyers.com/museum.

Call to artists - The Naples Art Association at The von Liebig Art Center in Naples, Florida, invites artists residing in the State of Florida to submit up to three entries of current work (created after January 1, 2006) in any media for ART ENCOUNTER 2008. The fine art and contemporary craft exhibition will be installed in the art center's six galleries from May 10 to June 29. At least $3,000 in cash awards will be presented to artists during the Members' Preview Reception and Awards Presentation on May 9. Works appearing in the exhibition as well as the award winners will be selected by guest juror Brian Dursum, director and chief curator of the Lowe Museum of Art at the University of Miami in Coral Gables. Online entries will be accepted at juriedartservices.com until March 16 with a non- refundable online application fee of $42 ($30 for current NAA members), and late entries (extra $20) will be accepted through March 30. NAA membership is not required. ART ENCOUNTER 2007 featured 68 works by 49 artists from 416 entries submitted by 155 artists. Entries came from as far away as Crystal River and Jupiter. For details, visit naplesart.org or call (239) 262-6517 x106.

Upcoming events

Jackson Browne - Jackson Browne's Solo Acoustic Tour comes to the Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall Wednesday, March 19 at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are on sale at the box office, by calling (239) 481-4849 or online at www.bbmannpah. com. Groups of 20 or more, call (239) 489-3033, extension 3122.

Vocal groups - Broadway Palm Dinner Theatre brings its fourth annual concert series to a close with two classic four-part vocal groups from the 1950s and 60s: the internationally acclaimed The "Original" Diamonds" on March 17. The Diamonds will mix their hits with tributes to classic four-part vocal groups of the era - The Four Seasons, The Four Aces and the Four Lads, to name a few. They also honor some of the greatest solo artists in rock n' roll history. Tickets for both concerts are on sale now. Prices are $50 for dinner and the show or $30 for the show only and can be reserved by calling (239) 278-4422, online at www.Broadway- Palm.com or by stopping by the box office located at 1380 Colonial Boulevard in Fort Myers.

Art - Space 39 in downtown Fort Myers will hold an opening reception for "Women's Work: Feminist Art from a Man's Perspective" on Saturday, March 22 from 6-10 p.m. The issues of the Feminist Art movement are re-examined and re-interpreted from the point of view of a single dad. Artist Jeffrey Scott Lewis uses acrylic paint and canvas to create collages that are inspired by the Quilts of Gees Bend. Using color, line and texture, the artist questions traditional gender-based roles and responsibilities. The abstract works are given titles that suggest the issues a stay at home mom faces in raising children, keeping a home and maintaining relationships.

Film - The annual Jewish Film Festival of Southwest Florida will be offering more films on more screens than ever before. The festival, sponsored by the Jewish Federation of Lee and Charlotte Counties, kicks off on Sunday, March 9, with an exciting double feature - "Sallah Shabati" and "The Impossible Spy" - at the Regal Bell Tower Cinemas beginning at 2 p.m. It continues on Wednesday, March 12, with "The Rape of Europa," which airs at 7 p.m. at the Regal Bell Tower Cinemas. The next film, "Three Mothers," is being offered in two locations - at Regal Bell Tower Cinemas on Tuesday, March 18, beginning at 7 p.m.; and at the Regal Town Center 16 in Port Charlotte on Wednesday, March 19, at 7 p.m. The annual festival concludes with "Aviva My Love" at the Regal Bell Tower Cinemas in Fort Myers on Tuesday, March 25, beginning at 7 p.m. Series tickets for all five movies are being offered at $36 per person. Tickets for individual films are $8 per person, with a special $12 per person price for the March 9 double feature. Tickets are available by contacting the Federation at (239) 481-4449. They will also be available for an hour prior to show time at each of the scheduled screenings.

Smooth soul - The Temptations and The Four Tops perform at the Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall on Monday, March 17 at 7:30 p.m. The Temptations stand in the forefront of American music - as current today as they were when they formed in the early sixties. The Four Tops have been amazing audiences with their infectious blend of pure vocal power and sweet harmonies since 1954. With hit after hit, starting with "Baby I Need Your Loving," and including "Standing in the Shadows of Love," they maintain their vocal magic and continue to play to sell-out audiences all over the world. Tickets are on sale at the box office, by calling 481-4849 or online at www. bbmannpah.com.