The daily digest of Twin Cities culture | Secrets of the City

SPECIAL FEATURE
Secrets of the Season: A Guide to Holiday Harmony

Here at Secrets of the City and MNSpeak, we thrive on the hustle and bustle of the holiday season. We love to feast and be merry with our friends and families...and to exchange cool presents, which is often easier in theory than in practice - especially with all that merriment. But gifts happen, so we prepare! Think of this guide as your brainstorming jump-start: gift ideas, tips for fun shopping efficiencies (oh yeah), and thoughts on how to make your holiday season sparkle in a creative and original way. From decadent drinks to beautiful music, from unique fashion to personal gifts, we've got you covered. We're sharing our most coveted secrets to help your holiday season - and ours - shine a bit brighter!

Check out our 2008 Holiday Guide!

FILM
Ready for Our Close-up: 50 Years of L.A. Noir

The latest film series curated by the silver screen savvy minds of Take Up Productions hits the Parkway Theater starting tonight! Each Monday through January 5th you'll be treated to a different flick of the film noir variety. Tonight's kick off features the 1950 classic Sunset Boulevard, directed by Billy Wilder. Starring William Holden as a down and out screenwriter entranced by the wiles of a fading starlet (Gloria Swanson) who is seeking a return to her former glory. This legendary, Academy Award winning film is an absolute can't-miss on the big screen. Upcoming screenings include such enticing titles as Mildred Pierce, Chinatown, L.A. Confidential, and Kiss Kiss, Bang Bang.

7:30 p.m., Parkway Theater, 4814 Chicago Avenue S., Minneapolis, $5

SPECIAL EVENT
Kevin Kling: Tales from the Charred Underbelly of the Yule Log

Cleverly insightful storyteller and playwright Kevin Kling returns to the Guthrie's Wurtele Thrust Stage tonight for a holiday-spirited performance. Kling will weave tales of family holiday hijinx and tradition, blending in his signature wit with observations on Midwestern Americana. A rollicking seasonal special for those who appreciate the ironic things in life! With special guests Simone Perrin, Dan Chouinard, and The Brass Messengers. Make an evening of it with a pre or post-show cocktail and appetizer at Guthrie next door neighbor, Spoon River, where the fresh, organic fare is as pleasing as the ambiance.

7:30 p.m., Guthrie Theater, 818 2nd Street S., Minneapolis, $28