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

Photo by Mark Higashino

FILM
'Nobody' Red Carpet Premiere

Screenplay writer Rob Perez arrived in the Twin Cities two years ago and set up camp in Josh Hartnett's Lake Minnetonka home to pen the indie comedy Nobody, and subesquently fell in love with his surroundings. So much so, that when it came time to scout locations to shoot the flick, Minneapolis/St.Paul was the obvious choice. Best known for writing the romantic comedy 40 Days and 40 Nights, which starred local boy-made-good Hartnett (who aptly enough is executive producer on Nobody), Perez set forth with co-writer Ryan Miller to design a thoughtful film about an artist on a mission of self-discovery, and Nobody was born. His first crack at writing and directing one of his own films proved fruitful -- Nobody opens with plenty of fanfare with a red carpet premiere at the State Theater tonight. The film stars Minnesota-bred actor Sam Rosen (now of NYC) as Lindeman, an art school student who struggles with his final project -- and hence the meaning of life. Through a series of comedic events and revelations, Lindeman eventually realizes that "he doesn't need to be somebody to be someone." Filmed at numerous recognizable Twin Cities locations such as the Minneapolis College of Art and Design, and even featuring a scene at Porky's Drive-In, Nobody has plenty of local flavor (and plenty of familiar faces).

7:30 p.m., State Theater, 805 Hennepin Avenue, Minneapolis, $15-$85, tickets HERE

Extra: Nobody opens to the public on Friday at Block E.

Extra, Extra: Read our interview with Rob Perez HERE.

SPECIAL EVENT
Sorella/Sample Circuit Wine Tasting

You may or may not have read it here first.  Sample Circuit - the group that travels the town tasting signature plates and fine wines, spirits and beer - is hosting a fall wine tasting at Sorella Wine & Spirits this Thursday.  There is no charge for the event, and you'll get to talk to experts and select from 40 or more wines as you educate your palette.  Space is limited and advance reservations are required, so sign up now.  Of course, you must be 21 to attend.  While you are there, register for prizes (some courtesy of your pals at Secrets of the City), check out Sorella's Fall Wine Sale which runs through October 10, and learn more about Sample Circuit and their next event, The Affair. 

5:30 - 7:30 p.m., Sorella Wine & Spirits. 1010 Washington Av. S., Mpls;  Advance Reserved Tickets required

SPECIAL EVENT
Twin Cities Free Night of Theater: Tickets Available at Noon Today!

Been eyeing Oklahoma on the Chanhassen Dinner Theater calendar? Wondering if the Orpheum's production of 101 Dalmatians uses real dogs? Feel like trying out that venue you've never been to before? Well, here's your chance to see local theater performances from all sorts of stages and companies --  without having to dig into your pocketbook! Twin Cities Free Night of Theater is all set to open October 15, but act now; the tickets become available today. Five years ago, the national Theatre Communications Group fired up Free Night of Theater in a half dozen cities. (This year, Free Night of Theater encompasses 120 communities and 700 theaters across the country.) Here in the Twin Cities, this is year one! Participating theater and dance companies across the area are shelling out nearly 3,000 free tickets to 118 performances of 39 shows - including nearly every production and venue in town. From beloved classics (The Guthrie), to world premieres (Children's Theatre, Interact Theatre and The Southern), to Pulitzer Prize-winning plays (Ruined at Mixed Blood), to historic dramas, musicals, and satiric comedies, the offerings run the gamut. Starting at noon today, the limited supply of tickets may be reserved, via online only. Twin Cities Free Night performances run from October 13 - November 2. Snag your free tix quick and don't miss this fantastic opportunity to witness the TC's vibrant performing arts community. View the catalog.

 Reservations open at Noon today at www.twincitiesfreenight.com

EXTRA: For more intensive sampling of all that our theaters have to offer, check out Theater All Year.  6 vouchers for $99 can be used in any combination, all season (through July 2010), at any participating theater.