Reality TV's next topic? Arranged marriages

Last update: July 17, 2008 - 8:46 PM

Wanted: Singles willing to wed a total stranger and have first year of marriage filmed and dissected by millions of television viewers.

Sound like fun? Then "Arranged Marriage," a new reality show from the producers of "Top Chef" and "Project Runway," could be your ticket out of the dating slow lane. The documentary-style show seeks four singles willing to let their families and close friends choose their life mate. If that sounds familiar, there's a reason. Nick Gilhool, casting director for Los Angeles-based Magical Elves Productions, says the show owes its inspiration to the Twin Cities' Elizabeth and Dave Weinlick, both 38, whose arranged marriage at the Mall of America a decade ago was an international media event.

"Ten years and three kids later, [ages 7, 6 and 2] they're happier than so many couples I know," said Gilhool. "They're good friends of the show."

The four candidates and their mates, to be selected by fall, will be filmed around the clock for one year, "with obvious boundaries," Gilhool said.

MORE INFO

Go to www.arrangedmarriagetv.com, e-mail casting@arrangedmarriage.com, or call 213-630-6530.

GAIL ROSENBLUM

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TASTE OF MINNESOTA - July 17, 2008

TASTE OF MINNESOTA - Food, music and "Kid Zone," with dancing, face painting and more (open 1 p.m.-9 p.m.). Fireworks start at 10 p.m. Event is open noon-10:40 p.m. Admission: After 3 p.m. daily, visitors 12-54 years old will need to pay a $10 admission fee and in return will be given $10 worth of food/drink tickets. Those older than 54 will pay $5 and get $5 in food/drink tickets, and kids 11 and younger are free with a paying adult. Harriet Island, Plato and Justus Ohage Boulevards, St. Paul. www.tasteofmn.com. More