Video (02:32) : Tom and Natalie tour three spots that are sure to heat up your Valentine's Day. Catch the CW crew tonight at 10:00 on The CW Twin Cities, Ch.23.
This year, treat Feb. 14 like dessert.
With Valentine's Day landing on a Sunday, you might want to make the romance last all weekend (some people have to work Monday morning, which might curtail any late-night carousing).
Lucky for us, the long march toward V-Day is filled with shows, plays, movies and music. Check them out before or after dinner. Or just skip dinner altogether.
You won't find any restaurant suggestions here -- reservations should've been made a month ago. Instead, welcome to the everything-but-the-restaurant Valentine's guide.
What to do
Foxy Tann's Burlesque Bonanza at the Ritz Theater
Hot stuff: When it comes to pasties and politics, Foxy Tann is queen of the risqué. The burlesque boss has gathered a small troupe of performers for this cabaret revue, which she says will include "burlesque, magic, music, political commentary and large Afros."
Info: 9 p.m. Sat. 345 13th Av. NE., Mpls. $15 advance/$20 door. 18 and older. 612-623-7660. www.ritzdolls.com.
Le Cirque Rouge at the Black Forest Inn
Hot stuff: Nothing says "Be my Valentine" like burlesque. The famous German restaurant in south Minneapolis has turned its banquet room into a "Kabarett" for Le Cirque Rouge and its 15-member cast.
Info: 10 p.m. Fri.-Sat. 1 E. 26th St., Mpls. $10. 612-872-0812. www.lecirquerouge.net.
"Fame: the Musical" at Mystic Lake Showroom
Hot stuff: The hit musical tracks four years at New York's storied High School of Performing Arts, where the kids come of age through singing, dancing and all-around artiness. Mystic is offering dinner packages with each show.
Info: 2 and 8 p.m. Fri.-Sun. 2400 Mystic Lake Blvd., Prior Lake. $24-$39. 952-496-6563. www.mysticlake.com.
"Rent" at the Lab Theater
Hot stuff: Twin Cities musicians Maria Isa and Harley Wood (of Far From Falling) star in this splashy production of the Broadway musical about young people living with AIDS in the East Village. The show takes place in the Lab's 6,000-square-foot warehouse, with rock band. Some shows are sold out this weekend so you might need to buddy up to a scalper or hop on Craigslist.
Info: 7:30 p.m. Fri.-Sun. Also 2 p.m. Sat. Ends Feb. 21. 700 N. 1st St., Mpls. $46.50.
Punk Rock Dating Game at Bedlam Theatre
Hot stuff: Not your typical Valentine's event, but maybe you're not a typical romantic. The theater is offering dinner, music (Zombie Season and Sleeping in the Aviary) and a dating game for punks.
Info: 7:30 p.m./9 p.m. game show Fri. 1501 S. 6th St., Mpls. $5-$15 donation. 612-341-1038. www.bedlamtheatre.org.
Twilight at the Kitty Cat Klub
Hot stuff: The monthly lesbian dance night at this cushy Dinkytown bar celebrates its 8th anniversary on Valentine's Day weekend.
Info: 9 p.m. Fri. 315 14th Av. SE., Mpls. $7. 612-331-9800. www.kittycatklub.net.
Luv-A-Fair lingerie fashion show at Bar-Fly
Hot stuff: This sultry runway show will supposedly be egalitarian -- both guys and gals will strut in their undies. Prizes for clubgoers who come in their sexiest PJs. Music: DJ Chris Castle and DJ Dorontini.
Info: 9 p.m. Fri. 711 Hennepin Av. S., Mpls. 18 and older. 612-333-6100. www.barflyminneapolis.com.
Tom Arnold at the Comedy Gallery
Hot stuff: Calling Arnold a romantic comedian is like saying Larry the Cable Guy does political satire. But after four marriages, Arnold admitted in an interview last week that "You'll squeeze each other a little tighter after you leave this show."
Info: 8 and 10 p.m. Fri.-Sat. 2201 Burns Av., St. Paul (Holiday Inn). $29.25. 612-961-4242. www.comedygallery.com.
"Brief Encounter" at the Guthrie
Hot stuff: Minneapolis is the last U.S. stop on this exclusive three-city tour for Kneehigh Theatre's version of the Noël Coward movie classic. This telling of a brisk rail-station love affair incorporates film and other multimedia effects.
Info: 7:30 p.m. Fri.-Sat., 7 p.m. Sun. Ends April 3. 818 S. 2nd St., Mpls. $29-$65. 612-377-2224. www.guthrietheater.org.
What to watch
"Two or Three Things I Know About Her" at the Trylon
Hot stuff: No one does baroque sensuality like French New Wave master Jean-Luc Godard. This stylized mess from 1967 might not warm your heart, but it'll get you thinking about love and sex. It'll be an intimate viewing -- the Trylon has just 50 seats.
Info: 7 p.m. and 8:50 p.m. Fri.-Sat. 3258 Minnehaha Av. S., Mpls. 612-424-5468. www.take-up.org.
"Valentine's Day" at the Heights Theatre
Hot stuff: You're either dragging someone to this rom-com or getting dragged yourself -- might as well see it in a theater that has some character. The vintage Heights even has a Wurlitzer organ. As for the movie, it basically stars everyone: Anne Hathaway, Ashton Kutcher, Julia Roberts, Jennifer Garner, Bradley Cooper, Patrick Dempsey, Jamie Foxx, Joe Jonas, Taylor Lautner, Taylor Swift and more. (See review on E1.)
Info: Starts Friday. 3951 Central Av. NE., Columbia Heights. 763-788-9079. www.heightstheatre.com.
Omnifest at the Science Museum of Minnesota
Hot stuff: Wow your date with one of Omnifest's five oversized films, ranging from underwater exploration to extreme skiing. Best bet: "Van Gogh: Brush With Genius" is said to bring a new intensity to the painter's passionate work.
Info: Movies screen all day, through March 11. 120 W. Kellogg Blvd., St. Paul. 651-221-9444. www.smm.org/omnifest/.
thorgen@startribune.com • 612-673-7909
Where to drink
W.A. Frost's new lounge
Hot stuff: If you still want to experience the Old World charm of this primo romantic restaurant but don't have a reservation, check out Frost's new downstairs lounge. The intimate room has cave-like nooks for private nuzzling, plus a wood-burning fireplace.
Info: 374 Selby Av., St. Paul. 651-224-5715. www.wafrost.com.
Dakota Jazz Club and the Artists' Quarter
Hot stuff: Live jazz will always get your date in the mood. Both clubs will feature Twin Cities favorites on Friday and Saturday for a small cover. The Dakota has Debbie Duncan, while the Artists' Quarter has the Bobby Peterson Memorial Piano Showcase.
Dakota: 8 p.m. Fri.-Sat. 1010 Nicollet Av. S., Mpls. $10. 612-332-1010. www.dakotacooks.com.
Artists' Quarter: 9 p.m. Fri.-Sat. 408 St. Peter St., St. Paul. $10. 651-292-1359. www.artistsquarter.com.
Honey
Hot stuff: The dark, lounge-y atmosphere at this new bar (in the old Jitters) is a great foundation for a romantic evening. Add in chocolate flights and jazz, and you're set. Walk-ups are welcome. The bar is only taking reservations until 7 p.m. on Saturday and 7:30 p.m on Sunday.
Info: 205 E. Hennepin Av., Mpls. 612-746-0306. www.honeympls.com.
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