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

THEATER
Toy Theatre After Dark

Open Eye Figure Theatre presents a mini-festival of, naturally, small versions of actors. This puppetry jam features a miniature opera about the first animals in space, a collection of surreal comedies, a little medicine show, and other theatrical stories all starring tiny, string-manipulated dolls. Remember the campy 80's horror flick, Puppetmaster, where a puppet maker discovers an Egyptian formula that brings his puppets to life and they go on a killing rampage? Well, this is show is nothing like it. But with five dexterous artists, hailing from both Chicago and Minneapolis, and eight creative works, it's a family-friendly, animated opportunity to sample the best puppetry in the Midwest. Reserve your tickets early; only four shows of Toy Theatre After Dark, with limited seating, are scheduled between now and Saturday. -Juleana Enright

Thurs-Sat, 8 p.m., 2 p.m. matinee on Saturday, Open Eye Figure Theatre, 506 East 24th Street, Minneapolis, $15 Adults, $12 Students and Seniors, $8 Kids, Box Office 612-874-6338  or boxoffice@openeyetheatre.org

WINE & DINE
Jazz88 RestauranTour

Head to Uptown's famed Duplex Restaurant this evening for fine dining and smooth jazz with our favorite radio station, KBEM Jazz88! Locally owned eatery, Duplex, is known for, well, being an actual duplex. A beautifully renovated house on Hennepin Avenue, this unique eatery has gotten rave reviews for both its ambience and tasty fare. This evening enjoy a special four-course meal prepared by resident chef Andrew Smith, featuring culinary indulgences such as Tuscan onion soup, pepper and steak stew, and lemon tart. In true Jazz88 style, live music will be tieing it all together, courtesy of local jazz darlings Robert Bell and Maude Hixson, making tonight's event the perfect date night. Proceeds go to benefit independent public radio station KBEM Jazz88, who are currently working towards their 2009 fundraising goal. Support local jazz and enjoy a gourmet meal while doing it!

7 p.m., Duplex Restaurant & Wine Bar, 2516 Hennepin Avenue, Minneapolis, $50 Advance

SPECIAL EVENT
MS Uncorked

The only thing better than free flowin' wine and delicious food is free flowin' wine, delicious food, and a good cause! Join the Multiple Sclerosis Society this evening for a festive benefit event that will definitely please the senses. Sample over 30 fine wines from all over the globe and nosh on a delightful spread of gourmet goodies such as smoked salmon crostinis, jumbo shrimp, decadent cheese platters and more. Bid your heart out in a silent auction featuring such items as Guthrie tickets, jewelry, gift certificates, and even a year's supply of ice cream. Top it all off with the sultry stylings of the ever-charming Nichola Miller and you've got yourself a serious soiree!

6 p.m. to 10 p.m., Varsity Theater, 1308 4th Street SE, Minneapolis, $75 Advance.