WHAT TO DO, WHERE TO GO

>>Lucky Stiff at The Schoolhouse Theater on Sanibel playing through March 29.

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

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.

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.

>>Michael Feinstein performs at the Naples Philharmonic Center for the Arts March 16 at 8 p.m.

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.

>>Kenny G performs at the Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall on Tuesday, March 25 at 7:30 p.m.

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.

>>Liza Minnelli performs at the Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall on Friday, March 28 at 8 p.m.

Friday, March 14

Art - An Artist reception to benefit the American Cancer Society will be held from 5 to 9 p.m. on Friday, March 14 at the office of Wayne Burr, MD, Concierge Internal Medicine, 9407 Cypress Lake Drive, Suite C, Fort Myers, in Cypress Lake Commons. Proceeds benefit research efforts of the American Cancer Society and aid local cancer patients and their families. In addition to funds raised through the sale of original works of art, donations for the American Cancer Society will be accepted. View works and meet artists Jo Ann Lizio, aviation/flight themed mixed media; Ralph Bigletti, metal sculptor; Jo-Ann Golenia, fabric artist; Elsa Morales, watercolor on silk painting; Leoma Lovegrove, painter; and Debra Stone, painting and mixed media. For more information contact the office of Wayne M. Burr, MD, at (239) 333-3748.

Art - An Artist reception to for the new exhibit, 13 Sculptors, at the Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center begins at 7 p.m. The exhibit features the work of FGCU students .As part of their curriculum they are taught how to design,install, and market an Art Show of their work. The exhibit runs through March 18.

Orchids - An Oasis of Orchids is the theme at the Naples Orchid Society's 35th annual orchid show and sale. This year's show will be March 14-16 in McSpadden Hall at the Naples United Church of Christ, 5200 Crayton Road, Naples. The church is on the corner of Crayton Road and Seagate Drive, close to the Waterside Shops. Hours are Friday from 3 to 6:30 p.m., Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday from noon to 4 p.m. Admission is $6 and children under 12 are free.

Blue Men - The Blue Man Group "How to be a MegaStar 2.1" rock concert national tour plays at Germain Arena in Estero at 7:30 p.m.

Saturday, March 15

ZAP! - A play by Eric Coble is presented in partnership with LCEC by the Florida Repertory Theatre at 11 a.m. at the Brick Bar in downtown Fort Myers. "ZAP!" is a world premiere play commissioned specially by Florida Rep. This fun and inventive play educates children of all ages about the many wonders of electricity, and teaches us all how to Get Smart, Get Safe and Get Saving. Tickets to Lunchbox Theatre are $12, and admission includes the performance, a boxed lunch provided by McAllister's Deli, and an interactive workshop with the cast. For tickets and more information, contact Florida Rep's box office at 239-332-4488. Please do not call the Brick Bar for ticket information.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.

Fiddle - National Fiddle Competition winner Bethany Dick presents a fiddling master class and workshop from 1 to 2:30 p.m. at the Sidney and Berne Davis Art Center. A competitive fiddler throughout her youth, she won several major titles including a National Championship in 2001. Her first album, "The Beat of My Heart" released in 1998, went to No. 2 on the bluegrass gospel charts. In 2000, Dick moved to Nashville, Tenn., and released her second album, the critically acclaimed "This Beautiful Life." Dick will work with participants in a master class setting, and will present individual and group fiddling instruction to all participating students. Students must have had at least two years of violin instruction to participate. The class participation fee is $10 per non-member and free for all SBDAC members. All audience members are invited to watch free of charge.

Blue Men - The Blue Man Group "How to be a MegaStar 2.1" rock concert national tour plays at Germain Arena in Estero at 8 p.m.

Movin' Out - Movin' Out is on stage at the Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall at 8 p.m. Five-time Grammy winner Billy Joel and legendary director/ choreographer Twyla Tharp have joined forces to create the spectacular new musical Time Magazine calls "The #1 show of the year!" The New York Times calls the show "a shimmering portrait of an American generation. These tornado driven dancers and rock musicians propel the audience into delirious ovations." Movin' Out brings 24 Billy Joel classics to electrifying new life as it tells the story of five life-long friends over two turbulent decades. It all adds up to one unforgettable Broadway musical. Tickets are on sale at the box office, by calling 481-4849 or online at www.bbmannpah.com.

Sunday, March 16 y,

Movin' Out - Movin' Out is on M stage at the Barbara s b B. Mann PH Performing Arts Hall at 2 p.m. Fivetime Grammy winner tim ner Billy Joel and legendary endary director/choreographer Twyla Tharp have joined forces to create the spectacular new musical Time Magazine calls "The #1 show of the year!" The New York Times calls the show "a shimmering portrait of an American generation. These tornado driven dancers and rock musicians propel the audience into delirious ovations." Movin' Out brings 24 Billy Joel classics to electrifying new life as it tells the story of five life-long friends over two turbulent decades. It all adds up to one unforgettable Broadway musical. Tickets are on sale at the box office, by calling 481-4849 or online at www.bbmannpah.com.

Michael Feinstein - Michael Feinstein performs at the Naples Philharmonic Center for the Arts at 8 p.m., One of the leading interpreters of American popular song, Michael Feinstein has been a household name since the success of his 1988 one-man Broadway show Isn't It Romantic? A master vocalist and pianist, Feinstein has brought new life to such great American composers as Irving Berlin, Cole Porter, Harold Arlen and the Gershwins. Feinstein is known for his singular commitment to the American songbook, celebrating its art and preserving its legacy. For information or tickets call (239) 597-1900 or online at www. thephil.org.

Monday, March 17

Diamonds - Broadway Palm Dinner Theatre brings its fourth annual concert series to a close with two classic fourpart 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.BroadwayPalm.com or by stopping by the box office located at 1380 Colonial Boulevard in Fort Myers.

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.

Tuesday, March 18

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, continues with "Three Mothers," at Regal Bell Tower Cinemas at 7 p.m. Tickets for individual films are $8 per person. 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.

Wedsday, March 19

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.

Theater - Humanities scholar, author and social commentator, Clay Jenkinson returns to OnStage at BIG ARTS as J. Robert Oppenheimer at 8 p.m. Oppenheimer, the father of the atomic bomb, is one of Jenkinson's more recent characters. Tickets are $35 each and can be purchased by calling BIG ARTS at (239) 395-0900 or at the MARKS Box Office, BIG ARTS. 900 Dunlop Rd., Sanibel.

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 Southwest 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.

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, concludes with "Aviva My Love" at the Regal Bell Tower Cinemas in Fort Myers on Tuesday, March 25, beginning at 7 p.m. 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.

Kenny G - International superstar and Grammy Award-winner Kenny G plays at the Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall on Tuesday, March 25 at 7:30 p.m. He's is acknowledged as the most successful instrumental recording artist in contemporary music history. An artist who effortlessly bridges the genres of pop, jazz and R&B with his distinctive and instantly recognizable style, Kenny G has distinguished himself as a master craftsman through his fourteen bestselling albums. Tickets are on sale at the box office, by calling 481-4849 or online at www.bbmannpah.com.

Liza - Liza Minnelli performs at the Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall on Friday, March 28 at 8 p.m. She began performing at the age of three and hasn't stopped since. She is an icon of stage and screen who has won virtually every award possible, including three Tonys, an Oscar, two Golden Globes and an Emmy. From 'Sally Bowles' in Caberet to 'Lucy Austero' in FOX's Arrested Development; her talent is enduring and her performances legendary. Tickets are on sale at the box office, by calling 481-4849 or online at www.bbmannpah. com.