Arts and Culture: Upcoming Plays, Puppeteer Classes

Theater, arts, music and comedy does exist outside of NYC, and Largo is home to some of the best venues such as the Largo Cultural Center, Heritage Village, Florida Botanical Gardens, the new Community Center as well as artsy boutiques, photography shows and ETSY-worthy craftspeople. Here's what you need to know this week. Share your finds and upcoming events with your neighbors (wisernan@aol.com).

Art/Southwest Florida With Ford & Edison: This exhibit presents a comparative look at “old Florida” in the time of Thomas Edison and Henry Ford (1885-1940s) and the contemporary Florida landscape. During their winters in the area, the two men and their families explored the beaches, cypress hammocks, Seminole communities, wildlife and waterways of the area. Discover the wild and wonderful places these two families explored during their time in Southwest Florida and see modern day comparisons. The exhibit is offered by the Edison & Ford Winter Estates in Fort Meyers.  It is funded by the Lee County Tourist Development Council, Visitor and Convention Bureau.

• Heritage Village, 11909 125th Street N.; (727) 582-2123

Curtain Call: Searching for your Lancelot? He’s alive and jousting at the Eight O’Clock Theater’s performance of Camelot, the classic love tryst of king, knight and queen with rousing Lerner and Low music (“If Ever I Would Leave You”) illuminating the King Arthur legend. See why this Tony-winning musical entices all ages.  Sept. 19-18 Thursday-Saturday at 8 p.m. with matinees Sunday at 2 p.m. Adults, $25. Students 19 and younger with ID, $12.

• Largo Cultural Center, 105 Central Park Dr.; (727) 587-6793

Do Good: The Suncoast Performing Arts Foundation annual fundraiser supporting Largo Cultural Center and other community arts groups recreates a Camelot-themed gala Sept. 24 at 6:30 p.m.  Cocktails, silent auction and a live stage show “Spam A Lot Meets Camelot” features performers from Palm Harbor University High School, local colleges and Eight O Clock regulars. DJ Christina Huebel follows, turning the Guinevere gala into Fame dancing.

• Largo Cultural Center, 105 Central Park Dr.; (727) 587-6751

Arts Smart: Do you love the Muppets and yearn for Lambchops? Teens and adults can learn how to become a puppeteer and join the Largo Smuppets Puppet Theater Troupe. You must take three puppet training classes or have previous experience. Do the Punch and Judy shuffle Tuesday 6-7:30 p.m. A Largo Rec card is required. Call Warren Ankerberg for more information (727) 518-3333.

• Largo Community Center, 400 Alt Keene Rd.; (727) 518-3131