The Arts Section

Looking Back At War of the Worlds Broadcast + 3Arts Celebrates Gary Zidek On this edition of The Arts Section, host Gary Zidek looks back at the significance of Orson Welles’ notorious War of the Worlds radio broadcast. Author William Elliott Hazelgrove stops by to look back at the landmark the radio event. Theater critic Jonathan Abarbanel joins Gary to review two new productions that deal with f...

Wadada Leo Smith Interview + Pulitzer Prize Exhibit Gary Zidek On this edition of The Arts Section, host Gary Zidek catches up with renowned trumpeter and composer Wadada Leo Smith to talk about his memories of making music in Chicago 60 years ago. Theater critic Jonathan Abarbanel joins Gary to review the Chicago premiere of A STRANGE LOOP. Later in the show, Gary previews a new traveling exhibit...

The Seance, Music Tastes + Popular Haunted House Gary Zidek On this edition of The Arts Section, host Gary Zidek talks to the performer behind a popular live stage show called THE SEANCE. The production mixes comedy, history and a little mystery. Theater critic Jonathan Abarbanel joins Gary to review the world premiere, DEAD GIRL’S QUINCENEARA. Later in the show, Gary catches up with a musicologis...

Chicago Fashion Week + Night of 1,000 Jack O Lanterns Gary Zidek On this edition of The Arts Section, host Gary Zidek takes a closer look at Chicago Fashion Week. The celebration of local fashion is entering year 3. Theater critic Jonathan Abarbanel joins Gary to review a world premiere titled BONNIE’S LAST FLIGHT. Later in the show, Gary talks with one of the country’s top jack o lantern carvers...

AI's Impact on Artist Compensation + New Chicago Stories Gary Zidek On this edition of The Arts Section, host Gary Zidek catches up with a professor who specializes in copyright law to talk about AI’s impact on the arts and what the future might look like. Theater critic Jonathan Abarbanel joins Gary to review a new play that imagines what Tennessee Williams and Marlon Brando’s first meeting might...

Jazz-Flavored Shakespeare + Joshua Redman Interview Gary Zidek On this edition of The Arts Section, host Gary Zidek takes a closer look at a new musical that mashes up Shakespeare’s words and Duke Ellington’s music. Theater critics Jonathan Abarbanel and Emily Werner join Gary to review the super natural play WITCH. Later in the show, WDCB’s Leslie Kerros chats with renowned saxophonist Joshua Red...

Ambitious New Ballet Opens In Chicago + Adolescent Salvation Review Gary Zidek On this edition of The Arts Section, host Gary Zidek previews an exciting ballet program making its Chicago premiere. The rarely presented LILIOM features a full orchestra and jazz band. Theater critic Jonathan Abarbanel joins Gary to review a new play titled ADOLESCENT SALVATION. Later in the show, Gary visits Lillstre...

Filmmaker Joe Swanberg Interview + Fall Theater Preview Gary Zidek On this edition of The Arts Section, host Gary Zidek catches up with renowned Chicago-based filmmaker Joe Swanberg to talk about his new movie, THE SUN NEVER SETS. Theater critics Jonathan Abarbanel and Emily Werner join Gary to preview the fall theater season, what productions are they most looking forward to? And later in the sho...

Eddie Muller Brings Noir City to Chicago + Mandala's Jazz Programming Gary Zidek On this edition of The Arts Section, host Gary Zidek catches up with Turner Classic Movies host and Noir expert Eddie Muller to talk about this year’s music-themed Noir City Festival. Theater critics Jonathan Abarbanel and Emily Werner join Gary to talk about a new sci-fi play titled ADVANCE MAN. Later in the show, Ga...

Chicago Black Dance Legacy Project + Rosemont Museum Gary Zidek On this edition of The Arts Section, host Gary Zidek looks at the work being done by a cohort of black dance companies that have come together to help each other. Theater critic Jonathan Abarbanel joins Gary to talk about an intriguing new play that takes a more nuanced approach to human-AI relationships. Later in the show, Gary visit...

F1 Arcade Comes to Chicago + Marble Review Gary Zidek On this edition of The Arts Section, host Gary Zidek visits a new Chicago attraction that’s aimed at fans of F1 racing. Theater critic Jonathan Abarbanel joins Gary to review the new play MARBLE, that’s all about the disintegration of two marriages. Later in the show, Gary revisits a segment on the history of the Uptown Theater. And we’ll go in...

New Jazz Photo Book + Yo Ho Review Gary Zidek On this edition of The Arts Section, host Gary Zidek dives into a new book of jazz photography with an intriguing backstory, all the pictures were taken over 60 years ago, but were never released. Hear the story behind the new book. Theater critic Jonathan Abarbanel joins Gary to review a new pirate play. And later in the show, Gary catches up with mag...

Museum of Broadcast Communications Ready For Next Chapter + Pasta Time! Gary Zidek On this edition of The Arts Section, host Gary Zidek takes you inside the Museum of Broadcast Communication, we’ll hear about the non-profit’s current exhibits and future plans. Theater critic Jonathan Abarbanel joins Gary to review a free children’s play touring Chicago parks. Later in the show, Gary catches u...

Youth Orchestra Lolla Stage + Author Finds Mystery Niche Gary Zidek On this edition of The Arts Section, host Gary Zidek catches up with the executive director of a youth orchestra that’s getting ready for giant performance this week. Theater critic Jonathan Abarbanel joins Gary to review a new children’s musical. Later in the show, Emily Werner stops by to preview what’s hitting Chicago stages in...

Rainbow Cone 100 + Book Banning Pushback Gary Zidek On this edition of The Arts Section, host Gary Zidek takes a closer look at local ice cream institution that’s turning 100. We’ll hear about an effort to raise awareness as the number banned books increases around the country. Theater critic Jonathan Abarbanel joins Gary to review a new production of CRIME AND PUNISHMENT that’s been extended over...

Grass Roots Jazz Series Thriving + Woodstock Folk Fest Back Gary Zidek On this edition of The Arts Section, host Gary Zidek checks in on an outdoor jazz concert series born in the midst of the pandemic that has not only continued, but expanded long after the COVID restrictions went away. Theater critic Jonathan Abarbanel joins Gary to review a new production of A LITTLE NIGHT MUSIC. Later in the s...

Interviews With John Early and Gary Sinise Gary Zidek On this edition of The Arts Section, host Gary Zidek catches up with celebrated actor and comedian John Early to talk about his new film, MADDIE’S SECRET. Theater critic Jonathan Abarbanel will joins Gary to review a Goodman Theatre world premiere starring Megan Mullaly and Nick Offerman. Later in the show, Gary revisits his interview with acto...

Anerican Weekender + Commute Photo Book Gary Zidek On this edition of The Arts Section, host Gary Zidek catches up with a Chicago couple that launched their own online dining publication that covers restaurants all over the country. Theater critic Jonathan Abarbanel joins Gary to review an ambitious new production of LEOPOLDSTADT. Later in the show, Gary talks to TV and film actor Marilyn Rajskub...

Tom Dreesen Obit + Opera Festival of Chicago Gary Zidek Happy Father’s Day! On this edition of The Arts Section, host Gary Zidek revisits his interview with celebrated comedian Tom Dreesen. The Harvey native, who enjoyed a decades-long career in show business, passed away this week. Theater critic Jonathan Abarbanel joins Gary to review a world premiere at Lookingglass Theater. Later in the show,...

Soccer Photo Exhibit + The Alley Turns 50 Gary Zidek On this edition of The Arts Section, host Gary Zidek visits a new photo exhibit that illuminates the beautiful game. As the World Cup takes center stage, a suburban museum is presenting a new exhibition titled The Saturday Man. Theater critic Jonathan Abarbanel joins Gary to review a stage adaptation of BROKEBACK MOUNTAIN. Later in the show, Gar...

Carolina Caroline Film, Jazzmaster Marilyn Crispell + 76th Old Town Art Fair Gary Zidek On this edition of The Arts Section, host Gary Zidek sits down with filmmaker Adam Carter Rehmeier to chat about his new movie CAROLINA CAROLINE. Theater critics Jonathan Abarbanel and Emily Werner join Gary to review a new production of ANTIGONE. Later in the show, Gary catches up with NEA Jazz Master Marilyn...

Artist/Magician Jeanette Andrews + New Cookbook Dives Into Regional Favorites Gary Zidek On this edition of The Arts Section, host Gary Zidek catches up with magician/artist Jeanette Andrews to talk about her new solo exhibit at the Elmhurst Art Museum. Theater critics Jonathan Abarbanel and Emily Werner join Gary to review A Red Orchid Theatre’s latest. And Gary talks to Chicago-based food writer...

Local Author Adapts Famous Comic + Summer Movie Preview Gary Zidek On this edition of The Arts Section, host Gary Zidek catches up with renowned comic book artist Alex Ross and WDCB radio host Steve Darnall to talk about their new project, an adaptation of the acclaimed comic series MARVELS. The ground-breaking comic series has been turned into a novel. Theater critics Jonathan Abarbanel and Emily...

Route 66 Turns 100, Summer Theater Preview + Youth Theater Thrives Gary Zidek On this edition of The Arts Section, host Gary Zidek takes a ride on the Chicago portions of Route 66. The historic roadway turns 100 this year. Theater critic Jonathan Abarbanel joins Gary to preview the best Chicago theater offerings this summer. Later in the show, Gary visits a west suburban youth theater (with a uniq...

Secret History of French Cooking + Minecraft Experience Gary Zidek On this edition of The Arts Section, host Gary Zidek catches up with the author of a interesting new book that looks back the origins of nouvelle cuisine in France and its lasting impact on dining culture all over the world. Theater critics Jonathan Abarbanel and Kathy Hey join Gary to review the world premiere musical, LOKI: THE E...