Tom Hall

Florida Studio Theatre's 'Lucky $tiff' is a musical farce with heart. Writer-lyricist Lynn Ahrens and composer Stephen Flaherty deliver witty and wonderful lyrics and breezy songs. Ahrens builds a comic twist into nearly every line and Flaherty provide moments in each song that enable the performers to shine.

In November, there are 31 shows at art centers throughout Southwest Florida, underscoring the importance of the arts in our part of the country.

This week, three shows open, two close, 12 continue their runs and there are two limited engagements at Southwest Florida equity and community theaters.

During the month of November, four exhibitions open, two close and 23 others continue their runs.

The Gulf Coast Jazz Collective opens its season with “A tribute to Ella Fitzgerald & Louis Armstrong.” Music Director Andrew Kurtz says the Gulf Coast Jazz Collective plays the best professionally curated jazz in Southwest Florida. On November 13, the Collective will be playing all of Ella Fitzgerald and Louis Armstrong’s classic hits.

United Way needs more tax return preparers and will provide volunteers with free training, certification, and all the support needed to become IRS certified tax preparers.

The regional premiere of Christian St. Croix’s “Monsters of the American Cinema” takes center stage at Urbanite Theatre this Halloween. Debuting on Oct. 31 and running through Dec. 7, this award-winning play takes audiences on a haunting journey through fatherhood, queerness, and the monsters inside of us.

An unnamed investor and the Captiva Island Fire Department have made an offer to purchase Bob Rauschenberg’s 22-acre compound from his foundation. To persuade the foundation to accept that offer, the Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation has initiated a letter writing campaign. It is encouraging people to tell the Foundation how important the property’s conservation is to islanders and to honoring the late artist’s memory.

At FSW, lies a hidden treasure: The Bob Rauschenberg Gallery. Currently on display is Rauschenberg 100: A Centennial Celebration of one of the most prolific artists of the 20th Century.

Construction begins Wednesday on Florida Studio Theatre’s McGillicuddy Arts Plaza. The new complex will include a state-of-the-art mainstage theatre, two cabarets, three stories of parking, and on-site artist housing to cultivate local talent.