The Arts Section

The Life of an Artist Explored In New Indie + Burt Bacharach Musical Revue Gary Zidek On this edition of The Arts Section, host Gary Zidek catches up with the filmmakers behind a Chicago-made indie film set to make its local premiere. Michael Glover Smith and Elizabeth Stam stop by to talk about their new movie, HEKLA. Theater critics Jonathan Abarbanel and Kathy Hey Gary to review a world premier...

Intuit Museum Thriving, Youth Jazz Ensemble DuPage + International Jazz Day Gary Zidek On this edition of The Arts Section, host Gary Zidek visits the Intuit Museum of Art a year after it reopened. The Chicago museum that celebrates outsider art is seeing its attendance numbers go up. The Dueling Critics, Kelly Kleiman and Jonathan Abarbanel, review Steppenwolf Theatre’s world premiere WINDFALL. L...

Dancing The Revolution Exhibit + Geoffrey Baer Looks Back at American Pop Gary Zidek On this edition of The Arts Section, host Gary Zidek visits the Museum of Contemporary Art’s new exhibit, DANCING THE REVOLUTION. The Dueling Critics, Kelly Kleiman and Jonathan Abarbanel, will join me to review a play titled POOR BEHAVIOR. Later in the show, Gary catches up with WTTW’s Geoffrey Baer to talk about...

Producer Gives Recordings New Life + New Book Looks Back At Nintendo's History Gary Zidek On this editon of The Arts Section, host Gary Zidek talks to a record producer who’s found a niche searching for archived and sometimes forgotten jazz recordings, then gives them new life as official releases. His latest project involves the an archive in Chicago. The Dueling Critics, Kelly Kleiman and Jonath...

Tony Fitzpatrick-Inspired Exhibit + Theater of the Mind Opens Gary Zidek On this edition of The Arts Section, host Gary Zidek visits a Chicago gallery that’s set to open an exhibit that pays tribute to artist Tony Fitzpatrick’s influence on collage. The Dueling Critics, Kelly Kleiman and Jonathan Abarbanel, join Gary to review a new production of The Three Musketeers. Later in the show, we’ll prev...

Paul Wertico & David Becker + Isabella Isherwood's Debut Album Gary Zidek On this edition of The Arts Section, host Gary Zidek catches up with renowned jazz musicians Paul Wertico and David Becker to talk about their new project, TUXEDO MAN. The Dueling Critics, Kelly Kleiman and Jonathan Abarbanel, join Gary to review THE JACKIE WILSON STORY. And Gary checks in with Chicago-based vocalist Isabell...

Anti-Book Banning Graphic Novel + Wheaton Drama Turns 95 Gary Zidek On this edition of The Arts Section, host Gary Zidek catches up with Evanston-based author Jarrett Dapier to talk about his new graphic novel, which was inspired by a real life protest against a book-banning effort in Chicago. The Dueling Critics, Kelly Kleiman and Jonathan Abarbanel, will join me to review the world premiere of W...

White Rooster Opens + Oscars Preview Gary Zidek On this edition of The Arts Section, host Gary Zidek checks in with Chicago-based theater artist Matthew C. Yee to talk about his new play, WHITE ROOSTER, that’s premiering at Lookingglass Theatre. The Dueling Critics, Kelly Kleiman and Jonathan Abarbanel, will join me to review TWO SISTERS AND A PIANO. Later in the show, Gary previews the 98th Oscar...

Amy Landecker Interview + Environment-Inspired Dance Piece Gary Zidek On this edition of The Arts Section, host Gary Zidek catches up with acclaimed actor Amy Landecker to talk about her new film, FOR WORSE, which she wrote, directed and starred in. The Dueling Critics join Gary to review a new play set in the immediate aftermath of the covid pandemic. Later in the show, Gary talks to the choreogr...

Natchez Documentary + Bob Dylan As Filmmaker Book Gary Zidek On this edition of The Arts Section, host Gary Zidek catches up with the director behind a thought-provoking new documentary that puts a spotlight on a southern town grappling with its dark history. The Dueling Critics join Gary to review a world premiere titled PIVOT.  Later in the show, Gary checks in with Chicago-based filmmaker...

Celebration Video Art + Democracy Documentary Series Gary Zidek On this edition of The Arts Section, host Gary Zidek talks to the filmmaker behind a new public video art project that utilizes old home movies to create something new. The Dueling Critics join Gary to review a new production of an acclaimed play from the early 80s. Later in the show, Gary takes a closer look at WTTW’s new documentary...

Joffrey Ballet Celebrates American Icons + Small Arts Funding Gary Zidek On this edition of The Arts Section, host Gary Zidek catches up with the Joffrey Ballet’s artistic director to talk about the company’s legacy as it turns 70 and to preview its upcoming winter program. The Dueling Critics join Gary to review a new version of old rom-com, Goodman Theater’s new production of HOLIDAY. Later in t...

Irish-Themed Musical + Vocalist Alyssa Allgood Gary Zidek On this edition of The Arts Section, host Gary Zidek catches up with celebrated theater artist David Girolmo to learn more a new Irish musical he’s directing. Gary also sits down with theater critic Jonathan Abarbanel for a conversation about his life as a critic. And later, we’ll check in with local jazz vocalist Alyssa Allgood to talk abo...

Kelli Connell Exhibit + Ice Art Gary Zidek On this edition of The Arts Section, host Gary Zidek catches up with artist Kelli Connell to talk about a new two part exhibit of her work at the Elmhurst Art Museum. The Dueling Critics will join me to review a new production from A RED ORCHID THEATER. Later in the show, we’ll learn all about one of the country’s premiere ice sculpting businesses that ju...

International Jazz Day Comes to Chicago + Eureka Day Review Gary Zidek On this edition of The Arts Section, host Gary Zidek has all the details of International Jazz Day 2026. Chicago will host the global celebration of jazz this year. Illinois Govenor JB Pritzker, Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson, and jazz legend Herbie Hancock were among the luminaries at a Jazz Day launch event. Theater Critics, K...

MLK Tribute Concert + Paul Marinaro's New ALbum Gary Zidek On this edition of The Arts Section, host Gary Zidek previews the latest installment of a Chicago orchestra’s annual Martin Luther King Jr. tribute concert. Gary also revisits a suburban man who is responsible for some of the most candid photos that exist of the late civil rights leader. Later in the show, Gary catches up with Chicago-base...

American Prophets Exhibit + Favorite Films of 2025 Gary Zidek On this editon of The Arts Section, host Gary Zidek takes a closer look at a new exhibit that highlights the ways spirituality influences authors. Later in the show, we enter awards season, Gary spotlights hist top 10 movies of the past year. Films didn’t make as much money as expected, but the quality was there. And we’ll hear what the...

Happy New Year! Gary Zidek Happy New Year! On this edition of The Arts Section, host Gary Zidek takes a look back at 2025. First up, food critic Nick Allen discusses his favorite new restaurants that opened in 2025. The Dueling Critics, Kelly Kleiman and Jonathan Abarbanel, join Gary to talk about their favorite productions from the last 12 months. Later in the show, WDCB music director Paul Abell...

Happy Holidays! Gary Zidek On this edition of The Arts Section, host Gary Zidek revisits a couple of his favorite pieces from the past year. Back in the summer, Gary got a chance to talk with actor Gary Sinise, we’ll listen to that. The Dueling Critics, Kelly Kleiman and Jonathan Abarbanel, joins Gary to review a new production of ANNIE that just opened on the North Shore. And we’ll hear all about...

It's a Wonderful Life Radio Play, Drinking Tom & Jerrys + Shopping For Books Gary Zidek On this edition of The Arts Section, host Gary Zidek goes behind the scenes of a local production of IT’S A WONDERFUL LIFE: A LIVE RADIO PLAY. The classic film is the inspiration for this play within a play. The Dueling Critics, Kelly Kleiman and Jonathan Abarbanel, join Gary to review a new musical production...

Actor Anthony Rapp Opens Holiday Show + New Book Celebrates Chicago's Holiday Train Gary Zidek On this edition of The Arts Section, host Gary Zidek catches up with theater and film star Anthony Rapp to talk about his new holiday cabaret show opening in Chicago. The Dueling Critics, Kelly Kleiman and Jonathan Abarbanel, join to Gary review a new production of GASLIGHT. Later in the show, Gary check...

Seuss-Inspired Holiday Comedy + MCA Conversation Exhibit Gary Zidek On this edition, host Gary Zidek talks to the star of an R-rated holiday comedy that’s back for a fifth consecutive year. The Dueling Critics, Kelly Kleiman and Jonathan Abarbanel, join Gary to a review a new production of MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING. Later in the show, Gary talks to artist/curator Pablo Helguera about his new exhibit...

Chicago Architecture Biennial + Morton Arboretum Lights Up Gary Zidek On this edition of The Arts Section, host Gary Zidek catches up with two of the women who shaped the Chicago Architecture Biennial. The Dueling Critics, Kelly Kleiman and Jonathan Abarbanel, joins Gary for their annual holiday theater preview. Later in the show, Gary visits the Morton Arboretum for a behind the scenes look at it...

New Book Revisits Farnsworth House + Thanksgiving History Gary Zidek On this edition of The Arts Section, host Gary Zidek catches up with author Nora Wendl to talk about her new book that offers a different perspective on the woman behind the now iconic Farnsworth House. The Dueling Critics, Kelly Kleiman and Jonathan Abarbanel, join Gary to review a new production of AMADEUS. Later in the show, G...

Artist Andi Crist's New Exhibit + As You Like It Review Gary Zidek On this edition of The Arts Section, host Gary Zidek catches up with Chicago-based artist Andi Crist to talk about her new exhibition LIVE, LAUGH, LABOR. The Dueling Critics, Kelly Kleiman and Jonathan Abarbanel, join Gary to talk about a new production of AS YOU LIKE IT. Plus, a report on some new shows on Broadway. And Gary talks...