FIM Statewide Entertainment Calendar

NORTH
May 1-18: Orlando Cabaret Festival. Musical performances by artists from Florida and the rest of the country. Music genres represented will include jazz, pop and Broadway. Mad Cow Theatre, Orlando. 407/297-8788

May 1-25: The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe. Award-winning playwright Joseph Robinette beautifully recreates the world of  C. S. Lewis’s Chronicles of Narnia. Orlando Repertory Theatre. 407/896-7365

May 1-4: Wicked. In this retelling of The Wizard of Oz we get a glimpsed at the lives of the story’s two witches before Dorothy and Toto dropped in on them. Carr Centre, Orlando. 407/423-9999

May 3: The Spring Concert 08: Dancing Under The Stars. An outdoor concert featuring the Orlando Philharmonic performing on a stage built on top of the Sanlando Springs. The program

is a variety of contemporary and classic music from the fox trot to the cha cha. Featured vocalist: Michelle Amato. Conductor: Andrew Lane. The Springs Community, Longwood. 407/770-0071

May 3: Concert Under The Stars. The Imperial Symphony Orchestra performs a program of classical music under the moss-covered oak trees of the garden. Historic Bok Sanctuary, Lake Wales. 863/734-1222

May 3-24: The Mikado. Set in exotic Japan, this comic opera by W.S. Sullivan and Arthur Gilbert features lovable villains, hidden identities and thwarted lovers. Sands Theater Center, DeLand. 386/736-7456

May 10: Spring Jazz Stroll. Live jazz featuring Steve Moore, Bobby Blackmon, Thom Chambers and Christian Valenzulea. Harry P. Leu Gardens, Orlando. 407/246-2620
May 10: Verdi Requiem. A concert by the Orlando Philharmonic in collaboration with the Bach Festival Society of Winter Park. Program: Verdi’s Requiem. Conductor: Christopher Wilkins. Carr Centre, Orlando. 407/770-0071

May 28: Memorial Day Concerts. Special carillon concerts to honor the men and women in the Armed Forces who have given their lives for their country. Historic Bok Sanctuary, Lake Wales. 863/734-1222

EVENTS

May 1: First Thursdays. An art theme party with live music, local artists and an eclectic mix of people. Orlando Museum of Art. 407/896-4231 ext. 256
May 2: Orange City Farmer’s Market. The first Friday of every month, vendors sell produce, plants, gourmet foods and specialty items. U.S. Highway 17-92 and East Blue Springs Avenue, Orange City. 386/775-3333

May 2: Mall at Millenia’s First Friday. Outdoor music and leisure. Performer Joyce Cooling will present a variety of music that combines jazz, pop, funk and R&B. Main Entrance of Mall at Millenia, Orlando. 407/363-3555
May 2: Date Night at Leu Gardens. An outdoor screening of Moonstruck starring Cher and Nicolas Cage. Harry P. Leu Gardens, Orlando. 407/246-2620

May 1 — June 1: Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival. The park gets dressed in ultimate flower style with hundreds of topiaries and floral displays as well as live entertainment and nightly concerts. Walt Disney World Resort, Lake Buena Vista. 407/934-7639

May 9-11: A Cobalt Affaire. A weekend with a celebrity golf tournament and live entertainment to benefit the Kids’ Kidney Center at Arnold Palmer Hospital for Children. Scheduled to attend are Joe Namath, Jackie Flynn, Tony Siragusa, Ian Baker Finch, Nick Faldo and Kim Alexis. Ritz-Carlton Orlando, Grande Lakes. www.cobaltaffaire.com  

May 15: Third Thursdays. Monthly arts event with special art exhibits and performances at various venues throughout downtown Orlando. For information, call 407/648-7060
May 15-26: Orlando International Fringe Theatre Festival. The oldest annual unjuried theater festival in the country presents performances ranging from mild to wild in all genres of theater. Loch Haven Park, Orlando. 407/648-0077
May 16-18: The Sleeping Beauty. The Orlando Ballet performs the 19th Century classic by Marius Petipa with music by Tchaikovsky. This production features sets and costumes by David Walker, from the Royal Ballet, Covent Garden, London. Carr Centre, Orlando. 407/426-1739

ART

May 2 — June 21: The Art Of Tea. The age-old vessel is interpreted by contemporary ceramic artists from all regions of Florida. Curated by Vincent Sansone. Crealdé School of Art, Winter Park. 407/671-1886

May 10 — Aug. 17: Volvo Mayfaire By-The-Lake Purchase Awards: 25 Years Of Collecting. For the last 25 years, the Polk Museum has collected at least one piece of work from the Volvo Mayfaire by-the-Lake, its annual outdoor art festival. This exhibition will feature some of the highlights from the dozens of works that have been added to the permanent collection through these purchases. Polk Museum of Art, Lakeland. 863/688-7743

May 18 — Aug. 31: The World Of William Joyce. Works by one of the most dynamic and talented picture book artists working today. This exhibition includes works of art created for such popular children’s books as Dinosaur Bob and His Adventures with the Family Lazardo and Santa Calls. Orlando Museum of Art. 407/896-4231
May 24 — Sept. 7: Karsh, Leonard and Bagert: A Photographic Legacy. Three generations of photographers are the focus of this exhibition. Karsh is recognized as one of the pioneers of the 20th Century portrait photograph. His protégé, Herman Leonard, achieved international fame for his documentation of jazz musicians, and Leonard’s protégé, Jenny Bagert, is a young photographer whose work, like Leonard’s, owes something to her early mentor. This exhibition will show the way photographic traditions have been passed down from mentor to student. Polk Museum of Art, Lakeland. 863/688-7743
May 24 — Sept. 7: Digital Art In The Post-Digital Age: Works From Florida Faculty. More and more artists are using digital media and processes as either their primary means of artistic expression or as a supplement to traditional media. This exhibition will feature artwork by current faculty at Florida colleges and universities who use digital media in their work. Polk Museum of Art, Lakeland. 863/688-7743

May 1-11: Silver Springs: The Underwater World of Bruce Mozert. This exhibit celebrates the pioneering art of Mozert’s mid-century underwater photography, featuring cheesecake publicity shots promoting what was then Florida premier tourist vacation. Appleton Museum of Art, Ocala. 352/291-4455

May 1-12: Louise Nevelson. The artist’s pioneering assemblages will be shown for the first time in Central Florida in this feature CFAM exhibition of large-scale wall sculptures. Cornell Fine Arts Museum, Winter Park. 407/646-2526
May 1-12: Corps Exquis. The human figure gets its close-up in this exhibit, which includes works by Picasso, Cezanne, Dumas and Quinn. Cornell Fine Arts Museum, Rollins College, Winter Park. 407/646-2526

May 1-18: Florida Visual Artist Fellowship Exhibition. Presented in this exhibition will be work from the winners of the Florida Visual Artist Fellowship Award, which includes 25 of the best working artists in Florida working in various mediums. Polk Museum of Art, Lakeland. 863/688-7743

May 1-23: Image & Identity. Exhibition of student works drawn from the Southeast Museum of Photography’s 2007 Summer School in the Arts Youth Camp. The works explore issues of identity, culture and history. Southeast Museum of Photography, Daytona Beach. 386/506-4475

May 1-26: American Chronicles: The Art of Norman Rockwell. A look at the iconic work of the nation’s premier illustrator for more than six decades. Commentary focusing on recurring personal themes, artistic and cultural influences and the commercial climate that influenced Rockwell’s creative process will be woven throughout the exhibition. Orlando Museum of Art. 407/896-4231

WEST

May 1-3: Equus. In Peter Shaffer’s play a young man commits a horrible crime at the stable where he works and is sent to psychiatrist Martin Dysart for help. Mertz Theatre, Sarasota. 941/351-9010

May 1-4: Pirates of Penzance. Gilbert & Sullivan’s operetta about a band of pirates, who are wild but relatively nice, who make it a rule never to hurt orphans. American Stage, St. Petersburg. 727/823-7529

May 1-4: The Underpants. The very staid household of Theo Maske is thrown into chaos when his wife Louise loses her bloomers at a rally for the Kaiser in this new adaptation of the German farce by comedian and author Steve Martin. Asolo Repertory at the Cook Theatre, Sarasota. 941/351-8000

May 6-11: Avenue Q. A cast of people and puppets tells the story about a group of characters trying to make it in New York City. Mahaffey Theater, St. Petersburg. 727/892-5798
May 8 — June 22: The Lion King. This Tony Award winning musical tells the story of a young lion cub who must assume his role as king of the jungle and claim his spot on the circle of life. Tampa Bay Performing Arts Center.  800/826-9303
May 9: Nick Swardson. Stand-up comedian Nick Swardson takes on everything with no holds barred. Tampa Bay Performing Arts Center. 800/826-9303

May 9 — June 1: Lady. In this play, three old friends come together on a hunting trip outside their Midwestern hometown and soon realize that the men they’ve become are very different from the boys they once were. Asolo Repertory at the Mertz Theatre, Sarasota. 941/351-9010

May 11: Chamber Afternoons 6. The Florida String Quartet performs Part’s Fatres, Barber’s String Quartet, Piazzola’s Tango Ballet and Dvorak’s Quartet No. 14. Van Wezel Hall, Sarasota. 941/953-3434

May 15-17: Larry The Cable Guy. The stand-up comedian entertains with his brand of blue collar comedy. Ruth Eckerd Hall, Clearwater. 727/791-7400
May 15 — June 1: Brighton Beach Memoirs. In Neil Simon’s play, a Jewish teenager goes through the hardships of puberty, sexual fantasy and living in a crowded house with way too many relatives around. Tampa Bay Performing Arts Center. 800/826-9303

May 17: Symphonic Pops 3. Clarinet prodigy Dave Bennet and his sextet join the Florida West Coast Symphony to perform hits of the Swing Era in the style of Benny Goodman. Van Wezel Hall, Sarasota. 941/953-3434

May 18: Tchaikovsky’s Piano Concerto No. 2. The Florida Orchestra performs the title piece as well as Prokofiev’s Suite from Romeo and Juliet. Ruth Eckerd Hall, Clearwater. 727/791-7400

May 23: Star Spangled Pops. The Florida Orchestra performs a program in honor of Memorial Day. The program also includes a 100th anniversary salute to American composer Leroy Anderson. Tampa Bay Performing Arts Center. 800/826-9303
May 24: Arturo Sandoval. The Grammy Award winning saxophonist can burn through an Afro-Cuban groove, tear up with a bebop tune and soar over a Mozart concerto with equal ease. Tampa Bay Performing Arts Center. 800/826-9303
May 29: Beethoven & Brahms. Conductor Stefan Sanderling leads the Florida Orchestra through Beethoven’s Violin Concerto and Brahms’ Symphony No. 1. Ruth Eckerd Hall, Clearwater.

727/791-7400
May 30 — June 22: Betrayal. In Harold Pinter’s mystery, an extra marital affair has lasting consequences. American Stage Theatre, St. Petersburg. 727/823-7529

EVENTS

May 2, 3: ArtWalk in the Village of the Arts. Visit area galleries and see work by Florida artists. Every first Friday and Saturday. Village of the Arts, Bradenton. 941/747-8056
May 10 — June 29: Art Encounter 2008. A juried awards exhibition highlighting the recent work in installation, mixed media, painting, photography, printmaking, sculpture and works on paper by artists from all regions of Florida. Von Liebig Art Center, Naples. 239/262-6517

May 16: FridayFest On The Bay. Held on the third Friday of the month, this event features a music series with local Gulf Coast talent on the Sarasota Bayfront. For information, call 941/953-3368

May 16: Art After Dark With Starbucks. Held on the third Friday of every month, this after-hours museum event offers live music, performances and entertainment, culinary delights, libations, and, of course, art. Tampa Museum of Art. 813/274-8130
May 23: Smooth Jazz on St. Armands: Fourth Friday With Style. Featuring light jazz under the stars, this monthly event features extended store hours and food from area restaurants. St. Armands Circle Park, Sarasota. 941/388-1554

ART

May 17 — July 27: Mysterious Clarity: Mark Messersmith, Ray Burgraff, Lilian Garcia Roig. Three distinct views of the Florida landscape by three very different artists. These artists explore the same subject matter but rely on their own esthetic system to interpret the ever-changing Florida landscape. Gulf Coast Museum of Art, Largo. 727/518-6833

May 1-4: Liquid Metal: Carol Jenrette, Jim Liccione & Bob Coon. Prominent Florida metal-smiths display their work, which includes outdoor sculpture, functional furniture and jewelry. Gulf Coast Museum of Art, Largo. 727/518-6833
May 1-4: Jacob Lawrence: Three Series of Prints: Genesis, Hiroshima and Toussaint L’Ouverture. This exhibition features 44 framed works, including 31 color prints and 13 text pages from the three series. The three themes show the depth of Lawrence’s grasp of social injustice, both nationally and internationally. Ringling Museum of Art, Sarasota. 941/358-3180

May 1-11: Vatican Splendors From Saint Peter’s Basilica. Unique objects illustrating the Vatican’s impact of history and culture through the past 2,000 years. The timing of the exhibition commemorates the 500th anniversary of Saint Peter’s Basilica, the founding of the Vatican Museums, Michelangelo’s painting of the Sistine Chapel and the establishment of the Papal Swiss Guard. Florida International Museum, St. Petersburg. 727/341-7900

May 1-18: Pablo Picasso: Preoccupations and Passions. The first major exhibition of Picasso’s work on Florida’s West Coast, this show looks at Picasso’s portraits (including some of the women in his life), his still lifes and the themes of Harlequin, Jester, Minotaur and Faun in his work. Naples Museum of Art. 239/597-1900

May 1-18: Jerome Tupa: Painting the Pilgrimage: From Paris to Compostela. This Benedictine monk’s colorful, lively, large-scale paintings explore the idea of pilgrimage as a metaphor for our journey through life. Naples Museum of Art. 239/597-1900

May 1-28: Dorothy Gillespie: Shaping Sculpture. The 29 works in this exhibition offer a 50-year retrospective of Dorothy Gillespie’s career. The collection includes early oil paintings and later installations created with enamel-painted cut aluminum. Leepa-Rattner Museum of Art, St. Petersburg. 727/712-5762

May 1 — June 29: Modern Mexican Masters. An exhibit made up of the museum’s collection of 20th Century Mexican art. Artists include David Alfaro, Diego Rivera, Jose Clemente Orozco and many others. Naples Museum of Art. 239/597-1900
May 1 — Aug. 26: Unveiled: Rarely Seen Art From The Collection. As its name indicates, this exhibit features works that have rarely been on view from masters such as Goya, Pissarro, Manet, Moriso and others. Museum of Fine Arts, St. Petersburg. 727/896-2667

May 1 — Aug. 26: Mrs. Stuart’s Legacy. Solely devoted to works given to the museum by its founder, Margaret Acheson Stuart, as well as her friends and family, this exhibit reveals how the MFA has both followed Stuart’s vision and how the institution has broadened its scope. Museum of Fine Arts, St. Petersburg. 727/896-2667

May 1 — March 2009: Theater In Ancient Art: The William Knight Zedadski Collection. A spotlight on 50 fascinating Greek and Roman works that help recreate a theatrical experience that was communal, often celebratory and sometimes erotic. Museum of Fine Arts, St. Petersburg. 727/896-2667
 

EAST

May 1-3: The Best Little Whorehouse In Texas. Based on the true story of a legendary brothel known as the Chicken Ranch, this musical dramatizes the real life story of the house, which remained open for many years until the governor of the state ordered the local sheriff to shut it down. Book by Larry L. King and Peter Masterson. Lyrics by Carol Hall. Lake Worth Playhouse, Lake Worth. 561/586-6410
May 1-4: Moonlight and Magnolias. Inspired by real life events, this comedy by Ron Hutchinson tells a fictional story of the behind-the-scenes drama during the filming of Gone With The Wind. Riverside Theatre, Vero Beach. 772/231-5860
May 1-11: Circumference Of A Squirrel. In John Walch’s play, a man’s simple observation of a squirrel with a bagel brings back memories of his intolerant father as he sets out to confront his past. Riverside Theatre, Vero Beach. 772/231-5860

May 1 — June 15: Benefactors. Michael Frayn’s hit play is all about the way the world changes around you just when you are trying to change it as it tells the stories of two couples, one bitter and struggling, the other happy and prosperous. Palm Beach Dramaworks. 561/514-4042

May 3: Twenty Years: A Musical Homecoming. Michael Tilson Thomas leads New World Symphony alumni through a program that includes Tchaikovsky’s Act III from Swan Lake and Stravinsky’s The Rite of Spring. Kravis Center, West Palm Beach. 305/673-3330
May 3: Aztec Two-Step. Renowned for bringing the folk/rock sound of the 60s into the 60s, this legendary duo continues to impress audiences with sweet, supple harmonies and acoustic guitar. Kravis Center, West Palm Beach. 561/832-7469
May 6-8, 9-11: Riverdance. A thunderous celebration of Irish music, song and dance. This is the farewell performance of this troupe. Kravis Center, West Palm Beach. 561/832-7469

May 9 — June 15: Ordinary Nation. A sharp new comedy by Carter Lewis about a bookie who has to go all-in for the future of his family. Florida Stage, Manalapan. 561/585-3433
May 10: Dance Evolution — From Classical To Contemporary. Galmont Ballet performs a program that’s a journey of different dance styles and musical rhythms with a personal and unique way to communicate with the audience. King Center, Melbourne. 321/242-2219

May 13-18: Sweeney Todd. Stephen Sondheim’s musical tells the story of a mad barber who murders his customers and his cohort who cooks them into her pies. Kravis Center, West Palm Beach. 561/832-7469

May 16-17: The Comedy Zone. Stand-up comedy by talent on the touring comedy circuit. Riverside Theatre, Vero Beach. 772/231-5860

May 20 — June 1: Jewish Princesses of Comedy. Three of today’s funniest Jewish female comics salute the trailblazing and treasured pioneers of comedy with their own zany stories and hilarious stand-up routines. Kravis Center, West Palm Beach. 561/832-7469

EVENTS

May 1-4: SunFest. Florida’s largest annual waterfront music and art festival features live music on three stages, fine art displays, international food stations and more. Downtown West Palm Beach. 561/659-5980

May 2: Evening On The Avenues. Held on the first Friday of the month, this art-centric festival features a classic cars exhibition as well as boutiques and art galleries open late for the occasion. Cultural Plaza between Lake and Lucerne Avenues and M Street, Downtown Lake Worth. 561/582-4401

May 2: Sushi & Sail. The Morikami Museum presents this event aboard the Lady Atlantic sailboat. The evening includes a fabulous selection of sushi as the vessel cruises on the Itracoastal. For departure location and information, call 561/495-0233
May 3: First Saturday Beachside. A day by the beach with live musical entertainment, wine tasting and shopping. Downtown Delray Beach. 561/279-1380

May 3: Historical Walking Tours on Wonderful Worth Avenue. The Worth Avenue Association presents this tour guided by James Ponce, proclaimed as Palm Beach’s only “two-legged historical landmark” by the Palm Beach Council in 1996. The tours feature commentary on the history of the world-famous shopping destination. Gucci Courtyard, Palm Beach. 561/659-6909

May 3, 10, 17, 21, 28: Downtown Farmer’s Market. Various produce vendors offer organic foods, produce, citrus, tropical plants, herbs, oils, baked goods and more for sale on Saturdays throughout the month. Downtown Fort Pierce. 772/940-1145

May 4, 17: Sado Omote Senke Tea Ceremony. A class to learn the ancient tradition of Japanese Sado or tea. Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens, Delray Beach. 561/495-0233

May 5: B.B. King. The legendary King of Blues performs with his equally legendary guitar, Lucille. King Center, Melbourne. 321/242-2219

May 7, 14, 21, 28: Clematis By Night. Fountain side music on Wednesdays each month featuring some of the area’s best rock, R&B, reggae, swing, blues and soul music. Centennial Square, Palm Beach. 561/659-8007

May 8: Art & Jazz On The Avenue. Downtown Delray Beach comes alive with the sounds of music and the sights of art. Events feature live entertainment, art exhibits and demonstrations and open house specials. Downtown Delray Beach. 561/279-1380

May 9: Sushi & Stroll Summer Walk. Evening walks through the Morikami with the option for dinner at the Cornell Café. Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens, Delray Beach. 561/495-0233

May 11: Mother’s Day at the Morikami. The Morikami celebrates Mother’s Day with origami demonstrations and special desserts at the museum’s eatery. Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens, Delray Beach. 561/495-0233

May 17: Spring Fiesta. A celebration of the performing arts for kids, this annual event features performances, children’s entertainers and hands-on activities. Riverside Theatre, Vero Beach. 772/231-5860

May 24: Narrated Bus Tour of  Historic Delray Beach. A one-hour and 45-minute excursion around Delray Beach with visits to historic districts and sites. Fee is $10 per person. Held on the fourth Saturday of the month. For information, call 561/243-2662 or visit www.delraybeachbustours.org

May 24: Family Fun Program. A program for entire families who want to learn about Japanese culture through hands-on arts and crafts projects designed for the whole family. Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens, Delray Beach. 561/495-0233
May 24-25: Howard Alan Craft Show. Over 100 craft exhibitors will display a wide variety of unique crafts and items. Downtown Delray Beach. 954/472-3755
ART

May 1-11: Woolies: A Sailor’s Art. More than 30 wonderful examples of British folk art primarily drawn from the remarkable collections of Heidi and Robert Stott and Donald Berezoski. Vero Beach Museum of Art. 772/231-0707

May 1-25: Face Forward: American Portraits From Sargent To The Present. Including approximately 60 works borrowed from public and private collections, this exhibition will feature portraits by John Singer Sargent, Robert Henri, Chuck Close, Andy Warhol, Alex Katz and many other artists that examine how the American portrait has changed over time. Vero Beach Museum of Art.  772/231-0707

May 1-26: Family Images. The 16th annual judged student exhibition, presented by Planned Parenthood of Palm Beach County, features multi-media works by students in grades K through 12. Cornell Museum of Art, Old School Square, Delray Beach. 561/243-7922

May 1 — June 1: Barry Flanagan: Hares In The Garden. Internationally recognized artist Barry Flanagan is best known for his expressive bronze hares, which since 1979 stand as a symbolic item in his personal cosmology. This exhibition presents six works that cover a period from 1984 to 2005 and represent Flanagan’s most emblematic images of hares leaping over symbolic objects such as a crescent moon, bell or pyramid. Vero Beach Museum of Art. 772/231-0707

May 1 — June 15: Alexander Calder Jewelry. While his art has been studied carefully, the jewelry of Alexander Calder is not so well known. This exhibit showcases about 100 objects — necklaces, bracelets, pins, earrings and crowns. Norton Museum of Art, West Palm Beach. 561/832-5196

May 1 — June 21: Everything’s A Portrait: The Watercolors of Dean Mitchell. A retrospective of Dean Mitchell’s work that examines the many techniques used by the artist in his work. Cornell Museum, Old School Square, Delray Beach. 561/243-7922
May 1 — July 20: In The Hands of African American Collectors: The Personal Treasures of Bernard and Shirley Kinsey. Works of art by important African American artists such as Romare Bearden, Jacob Lawrence, Elizabeth Catlett and Sam Gilliam. Norton Museum of Art, West Palm Beach. 561/832-5196

May 1 — July 26: Bernar Venet: New Saturation, Painting & Installation. In this series, Bernar Venet presents real mathematical formulas which cannot be ciphered against a color field that is infinite and therefore immeasurable. Eaton Fine Art, West Palm Beach. 561/833-4766

May 1 — Aug. 31: Highlights: African American Art from the Norton Collection. Important works by African American artists from the 1920s through the 1990s. Norton Museum of Art, West Palm Beach. 561/832-5196

May 1 — Sept. 7: Focus On. A series of photography that highlights a donation of 162 photographs by Irene Hunter. The series will showcase the work of six international photographers paired together. Norton Museum of Art, West Palm Beach. 561/832-5196

SOUTH

May 1-2: Philharmonia of London. Conductor Christoph von Dohnanyi leads the Philharmonic through Mendelssohn’s Symphony No. 4 and Mahler’s Symphony No. 1 on May 1 and Weber’s Der Freischutz Overture, Schumann’s Symphony No. 1 and Beethoven’s Symphony No. 2 on May 2. May 1 at Arsht Center, Miami. May 2 at Parker Playhouse, Fort Lauderdale. 305/949-6722

May 1-25: The Accomplices. Longtime journalist and first-time playwright Bernard Weintraub details how American government, media and even American Jewish officials abetted the WWII massacre of European Jews because they feared too much outcry would lead to anti-Semitism at home. GableStage, Biltmore Hotel, 305/445-1119

May 3, 6, 9, 11, 15, 17: Julius Caesar. In this opera, Julius Caesar and Pompey fight a civil war in Rome while in Egypt, Ptolemy and his sister Cleopatra fight for the throne. Performed by the Florida Grand Opera. May 3, 6, 9, 11 at Arsht Center, Miami. May 15, 17 at Broward Center, Fort Lauderdale. 800/471-1010

May 5: Noa. Israel’s leading international concert and recording artist sings her popular repertory of Hebrew and English songs to mark the 50th anniversary of the State of Israel. Arsht Center, Miami. 305/949-6722

May 7 — June 1: Thumbs. This new comedic thriller by Rupert Holmes takes place in an isolated cabin where two women from two very different walks of life need all their wit to survive a cat-and-mouse game with a devious killer. Actors’ Playhouse at the Miracle Theater, Coral Gables. 305/444-9293

May 8 — June 1: A Body Of Water. Lee Blessing’s play asks “What would you do if you woke up one morning and didn’t know who or where you were?” Mosaic Theatre, Plantation. 954/577-8243

May 8-10: La Boheme. Puccini’s opera tells the story of a group of love, friendship and heartache amongst a group of young Parisians living in the Latin Quarter. Performed by the Florida Grand Opera. Broward Center, Fort Lauderdale. 800/471-1010

May 9-10: Low: Meditations With The Goddess Part One. A one-woman tour-de-force by Rha Goddess that cuts to the harrowing world of mental illness. Arsht Center, Miami. 305/949-6722

May 9-10, 17-18: Program IV. Ballet Gamonet performs its final program for the season with choreography by Jimmy Gamonet de los Heros. Program includes Divertimento Español (Paquita), Grand Pas Classique and Carmen. May 9-10 at Gusman Center, Miami.

May 17-18 at Bailey Concert Hall, Davie. 305/259-9775

May 13-18: Avenue Q. A cast of people and puppets tells the story about a group of characters trying to make it in New York City with a small bank account. Arsht Center, Miami. 305/949-6722

May 21: Paul Anka. The 50s teen idol sings the hits of his career. Hard Rock Live, Hollywood. 800/937-0010

EVENTS

May 1-4: Miami Gay & Lesbian Film Festival. A screening of films that showcase the diversity of gay, lesbian and transgender lives throughout the world. Film screenings take place at various venues throughout Miami Beach. For information, call 305/534-9924 or visit www.mglff.com  

May 1-31: South Florida Theatre Festival. More than 25 of South Florida’s premier performing arts organizations present an array of live theater productions. Various theaters throughout Miami-Dade County. For information, call 954/557-0778 or visit www.southfloridatheatre.com  

May 4, 18: The Outdoor Antique & Collectible Market. Hundreds of purveyors present knickknacks and treasures that range from fabulous to downright intriguing. Lincoln Road, Miami Beach. 305/673-4991

May 10: Lou Gehrig’s Disease 10K Run & 5K Run/Walk. A walk to benefit research for Lou Gehrig’s Disease (ALS) on the scenic streets of Coconut Grove. Dinner Key Marina, Coconut Grove. www.alsrecovery.org  

May 11: Mother’s Day Brunch. A gourmet brunch to celebrate Mom’s day at the park’s Garden House. Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden, Coral Gables. 305/667-1651

May 16: Redland International Orchid Festival. Featuring over 60 vendors from all around the United States and the world, this event features thousands of orchid varieties for sale as well as lectures on orchid growing and care for the delicate flowers. Fruit & Spice Park, Homestead. 305/247-5727

May 17: Harley Hog Days. This benefit for the Humane Society of Broward County begins with a morning police-escorted motorcycle ride from the Humane Society office to Sailfish Marina on Singer Island via AIA and culminates with an evening Harley-Davidson dinner/auction replete with live entertainment, auctions, dinner and dancing. Coral Ridge Country Club, Fort Lauderdale. 954/266-6827

May 23-25: MAQ T20 International Cricket Tournament. Teams featuring star cricket players form India, the West Indies, Pakistan, and the World XI compete in the 20/20 format tournament, a faster paced version of cricket for American audiences.  Central Broward Regional Park, Fort Lauderdale. 954/765-4466

May 28: Battle of the Chefs. Chefs from renowned restaurants in the Downtown Coral Gables area compete for glory as they prepare their best dishes. La Cuisine Gourmet, Coral Gables. 305/662-7152 ext. 103

May 30 — June 7: Brazilian Film Festival of Miami. Now in its 12th year, this festival is the largest competitive showing of Brazilian movies held outside of Brazil. Besides numerous screenings throughout Miami and Miami Beach, the festival will also offer parties, lectures and symposiums on cinema. For locations and information, visit www.brazilianfilmfestival.com  

ART

May 31 — Sept. 8: Sympathy for the Devil: Art of Rock and Roll Since 1967. This group exhibition of about 100 works is the most serious and comprehensive look at the intimate and inspired relationship between the visual arts and rock and roll culture to date, charting their intersection through works of art, album covers, music videos and other materials. MOCA, North Miami. 305/893-6211

May 1-18: Wilfredo Lam in North America. This exhibit focuses on aspects of this Cuban artist’s interaction with artists and artistic developments in North America. Lam traveled to Europe in the 1920s and eventually became close friends with Picasso and the leading Surrealists of the day. When he returned to Cuba, he sought to integrate Cubist-inspired Modernism with imagery evocative of his Afro-Cuban heritage. Lam is the first noted visual artists to have introduced a vision based on the African influence in the Americas into “high art.” Miami Art Museum. 305/375-3000

May 1-31: Lichtenstein at Fairchild. As part of its Art and Flower program, Fairchild will display a number of Roy Lichtenstein large-scale sculptures throughout the flora of the park. Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden, Coral Gables. 305/667-1651

May 1-31: Botero at Fairchild. A sculpture exhibition of works by the Latin American master whose signature pieces portray rotund figures with exaggerated proportions. The sculptures will be installed throughout the garden. Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden, Coral Gables. 305/667-1651

May 1 — June 15: J. Tomas Lopez. Using six cities worldwide as his laboratory (New York, Paris, Rome, Madrid, Barcelona and London), Lopez created a curious study of subway commuters. Said photographs are the focus of this exhibition. Lowe Art Museum, University of Miami, Coral Gables. 305/284-3535  

May 1 — June 22: Picture Perfect: Photorealism Revealed. This exhibition of more than 70 paintings includes work by 22 artists, ranging from the pioneering masters of this movement who helped define Photorealism at its inception in the late 1960s such as Robert Bechtle, Charles Bell, Don Eddy, Richard Estes and many others. Boca Raton Museum of Art. 561/392-2500

May 1 — June 22: Artists & Subjects: From Picasso To Pousette-Dart. Through an examination of 20 works from the museum’s permanent collection, this exhibition demonstrates the complexity surrounding the artistic notion of subject matter. Boca Raton Museum of Art.  561/392-2500

May 1 — June 28: Pivot Points: MOCA’s Tenth Anniversary Collection. Part I. Exhibition showcasing the pivotal works by contemporary artists in the museum’s collection. These works mark important moments in the careers of each of their artists and turning points in contemporary art. Each of the works is key to the development of MOCA’s collection and essential in establishing the important pivot points for its growth. MOCA at Goldman Warehouse, Miami. 305/893-6211

May 1 — June 23: The Great Age of American Automobiles. This exhibition focuses on the height of American automobile design as it flourished in the decades following World War II, when cars became not just vehicles of transportation but vehicles of imagination. Museum of Art Fort Lauderdale. 954/525-5500

May 1 — June 23: The High Style of Dorothy Draper. This exhibit examines the life and career of one of America’s best known interior designers, whose outsized personality, extravagant designs and down-to-earth business sense combined to make her one of the most interesting celebrities of her time. Museum of Art Fort Lauderdale. 954/525-5500

May 1 — June 29: Melanie Smith With Rafael Ortega: Parres Trilogy. English artist Melanie Smith moved to Mexico City two decades ago and her work reflects the tensions and intrinsic contradictions of that extraordinary place. The Parres Trilogy, conceived with Rafael Ortega, is made up of films that use monochromatic painting to investigate the ways in which we see. Smith highlights the technical means of both painting and film as they alternately obscure or reveal the scene in front of the camera. Miami Art Museum. 305/375-3000

May 1 — July 20: Quisqueya Henriquez: The World Outside. The first U.S. survey exhibition of the multifaceted work of Cuban-Dominican artist Quisqueya Henriquez, an artist whose concept driven works serve to shorten the cultural and psychological differences between the Caribbean and the outside world. Miami Art Museum. 305/375-3000

May 1 — Aug. 31: Unbroken Tiles: Dialogues in Cuban Art. This exhibition, which includes nearly 65 works by more than 40 artists, reaffirms the Museum’s commitment to Latin American art in general and Cuban art in particular.  The structure of the show is loosely based on that of a three-act Greek tragedy: “Paradise Lost,” which examines the Cuban paradise that now lies in ruins; “Risking Life and Limb,” which chronicles the voyage of Cuban exiles; and “Unbroken Ties/New Reality,” which documents the range of experiences of those exiles in America. Museum of Art Fort Lauderdale, 954/525-5500 n