You can feel it in the air. Spring time! A time when the mind meanders, thinking of the out-of-doors rather than focusing on work. Spring time, when the air is filled with floral fragrances and the eyes relax on the glowing hues of grass and flowers and bushes and trees. Spring time, when one seems to desire to take a moment, to sit and kick back and enjoy live staged entertainment. No, really. And in our fair land of local talents, there are some opportunities to note.

City Lights Theatre

Now into its 25th season, City Lights is presenting "Lysistrata," a play by Aristophanes adapted by Will Huddleston. "Lysistrata" is a bawdy review of the battle of the sexes and politics. What would it take to end all wars? How about an end to sex? The parties duel and duke it out with comic results. Note: This play is for mature audiences.

"Lysistrata" plays at City Lights Theater Company March 20 through April 20. The theater is located at 529 S. 2nd St., San Jose. Call 295-4200 for box office and reservation information.

Broadway West Theatre

Broadway West brings Neil Simon's ubiquitous "The Odd Couple" to stage, those irreverent icons of opposites. Whether on stage, on screen, or on television, Oscar and Felix have lived together in wonderful disharmony for 42 years. Neat-freak Felix is kicked out of his house and moves in with clutter-king Oscar. Things go south from there.

The "Odd Couple" runs March 21 through April 19. The Broadway Theatre

is located at 4000-B Bay St., Fremont. Call (510) 683-9218 for box office and reservation information.

San Jose Repertory

Dubbed by her critics as the "Dire Diva of Din," real-life socialite Florence Foster Jenkins enjoyed a successful concert career unburdened by talent. She was deliciously tone-deaf but made up the lack with enthusiasm. "Souvenir" has been identified as life-affirming and uplifting of the inner spirit attributes many would benefit from today.

"Souvenir" plays at the San Jose Repertory Theatre March 26 through April 20. For box office and reservation information, call 367-7255.

San Jose Sunday Jazz Series

Jazz artist Toshiko Akiyoshi and her orchestra have recorded 18 albums, garnered 14 Grammy award nominations, and entertained many music enthusiasts with their big band sound. "Down Beat" magazine's reader poll honored Akiyoshi by making her the first woman to place first in Best Arranger and Composer categories. Akiyoshi will be performing March 30 at the San Jose Improv, 62 S. 2nd St., San Jose. Call 288-7475 for box office and reservation information.

Smith Center

"Kres Mersky-The Life and Times of A. Einstein" is a one-woman show being presented at Ohlone College Smith Center April 4. The world of the great man is viewed through the eyes of Ellen, Einstein's loyal secretary. Einstein fled Nazi Germany and resides in the United States. Reporters have gathered for an interview on Albert's birthday, but he's late. Ellen holds the household upright, fielding questions and stalling until her employer arrives. The play is filled with wit and charm and story-telling fun. Mersky is an actor and playwright appearing on stage, screen and television. Her research provides a touching view into the details of Albert Einstein's life.

"The Life and Times of A. Einstein" plays on the Ohlone College Smith Center stage, 43600 Mission Blvd., Fremont. Call (510) 659-6031 for box office and reservation information.

Stanford University

The Juilliard String Quartet has a 60-year legacy of setting the standard for music. The ensemble takes on three very different works April 9: Haydn's expansive E-flat Major Quartet, Giuseppe Verdi's only string quartet, and Elliott Carter's String Quartet No. 2. The Juilliard String Quartet performs at the Dinkelspiel Auditorium, Stanford University, 471 Lagunita Drive, Stanford. Call (650) 725-2787 for box office and reservation information.

Stage 1 Theatre

In June, Stage 1 Theatre in Newark will present the classic tale of want and intrigue, "Cabaret." Enter the seedy world of the announcer as he guides you through the action in a 1929 German Kit Kat Klub. Call (510) 791-0287 for box office and reservation information.

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W. Fred Crow is a local music director and frequent attendee

of the arts. Contact him at

wfredcrow@yahoo.com.