The Arts Section

Summer Movie Preview + Gorgeous Review Gary Zidek On this edition of The Arts Section, host Gary Zidek previews the summer movie season with Classic Cinemas CEO Chris Johnson. After some uncertainty the past few years at the box office, the industry is hoping audiences will be back in full force this summer. The Dueling Critics, Kelly Kleiman and Jonathan Abarbanel, join Gary to review a world pre...

Comedian Jim Jefferies + ART Play Gary Zidek On this edition of The Arts Section, host Gary Zidek catches up with world famous comedian Jim Jefferies, who is coming to Chicago to film his next stand-up special. The Dueling Critics, Kleiman and Jonathan Abarbanel, join Gary to review a new stage adaptation of A TALE OF TWO CITIES. Later in the show, Gary talks to Remy Bumppo Theater artistic direct...

CSO's Klaus Mäkelä, Comic Book Documentary + Temma Exhibit Gary Zidek On this edition of The Arts Section, host Gary Zidek checks in with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra’s incoming music director, Klaus Makela. The 29-year-old is set to become the 11th music director of 133-year-old institution. The Dueling Critics, Kelly Kleiman and Jonathan Abarbanel, join Gary to review a world premiere titled B...

Dieter Gruen Documentary + Cut to the Chase Fest Gary Zidek On this editon of The Arts Section, host Gary Zidek talks to the director of a new documentary that tells the largely unknown story of a remarkable local man who has worked on cutting edge scientific projects for almost 80 years. The Dueling Critics, Kelly Kleiman and Jonathan Abarbanel, join Gary to review a local production of David Mam...

Secret Mall Apartment Doc + New American Writes Museum Program Gary Zidek On this edition of The Arts Section, host Gary Zidek catches up with filmmaker Jeremy Workman to talk about his fascinating new documentary, SECRET MALL APARTMENT. The Dueling Critics, Kelly Kleiman and Jonathan Abarbanel, join Gary to review a thought-provoking production that tells the story of a Jewish family over the cou...

Kishi Bashi Partners With Chicago Phil + Geoffrey Baer Interview Gary Zidek On this edition of The Arts Section, host Gary Zidek catches up with acclaimed multi instrumentalist and composer Kishi Bashi to talk about his upcoming collaboration with the Chicago Philharmonic. The Dueling Critics, Kelly Kleiman and Jonathan Abarbanel, joins Gary to review Rivendell Theater’s latest, a play titled NO S...

George Streeter Play, Kinks Musical + Roger Deakins Gary Zidek On this edition of The Arts Section, host Gary Zidek talks to the playwright behind a world premiere that takes a comedic look back at one of Chicago’s most eccentric characters. The Dueling Critics, Kelly Kleiman and Jonathan Abarbanel, join Gary to review a new musical that tells the story of the legendary rock group, the Kinks. Late...

Missy Mazzoli's The Listeners, Special Giordano Dance Program + Lil Hardin Armstrong Project Gary Zidek On this edition of The Arts Section, host Gary Zidek catches up with renowned composer Missy Mazzoli to talk abut her latest project, a thriller opera that’s opening in Chicago. The Dueling Critics, Kelly Kleiman and Jonathan Abarbanel, join Gary to review Definition Theater’s latest. Later in t...

Musicians Club of Women Celebrates 150 + Dance Company Mixes Art & Science Gary Zidek On this edition of The Arts Section, host Gary Zidek has a story about one of Chicago’s best kept secrets, a 150 year old club dedicated to supporting women musicians. The Dueling Critics, Kelly Kleiman and Jonathan Abarbanel, join Gart to review a new production of Shakespeare’s A WINTER’S TALE. Later in the sho...

Woven Being Exhibit, The School For Scandal + Old Time Radio Show Turns 55 Gary Zidek On this edition of The Arts Section, host Gary Zidek takes a closer look at the Block Museum of Art’s new exhibit that explores questions through an indigenous lens. The Dueling Critics, Kelly Kleiman and Jonathan Abarbanel, join Gary to review a new production of a play that debuted 1777. Later in the show, Gary...

Celebrating Irish Culture + Novel Looks Back At Start of COVID Gary Zidek On this edition of The Arts Section, host Gary Zidek gets ready to cebrate St. Patrick’s Day. He’ll visit one of Chicago’s biggest hubs of Irish cultural activity. The Dueling Critics, Kelly Kleiman and Jonathan Abarbanel, join Gary to review a revival of GUYS AND DOLLS. Later in the show, we’ll hear from the author who put...

Goodman Theatre Celebrates 100 + Oscar Nominees Gary Zidek On this edition of The Arts Section, host Gary Zidek has the story of how surprise guests helped preview the Goodman Theater’s upcoming milestone centennial anniversary season. The Dueling Critics, Kelly Kleiman and Jonathan Abarbanel, join Gary to review a current Goodman production starring Helen Hunt. Later in the show, Gary highlights...

Oscars Preview, Circus Quixote Review + Sustenance & Land Exhibit Gary Zidek On this edition of The Arts Section, we’re getting ready for the Oscars. Local critic Janet Arvia joins host Gary Zidek to talk all about this year’s Academy Awards. The Dueling Critics, Kelly Kleiman and Jonathan Abarbanel, join Gary to review Lookingglass’ return to the stage. Later in the show, Gary visits the Elmhurst...

Chicago-Shot Film Rounding Opens + Facets Celebrates 50 Gary Zidek On this edition of The Arts Section, host Gary Zidek sits down with acclaimed filmmaker Alex Thompson and renowned actor Namie Smallwood, two of the key players behind the new film ROUNDING. The Dueling Critics, Kelly Kleiman and Jonathan Abarbanel, join Gary to review Steppenwolf’s latest, a revival of FOOL FOR LOVE. Later in the...

Opera Star Sondra Radvanovsky, Marriott Theatre Turns 50 + Orchid Show Gary Zidek On this edition of The Arts Section, host Gary Zidek catches up with celebrated opera singer Sondra Radvanovsky to talk about returning home to the Chicago-area and a series of concerts at Lyric Opera. The Dueling Critics, Kelly Kleiman and Jonathan Abarbanel, join Gary to review the Chicago premiere of a Hamlet-insp...

Lapidary Art Museum + Green & Gold Movie Gary Zidek On this edition of The Arts Section, host Gary Zidek visits one of the only museums in the world dedicated to lapidary art. The Lizzadro Museum of Lapidary Art brings was established in the early 60s by an Elmhurst businessman with a passion for cutting and polishing stones. Theater critic Kelly Kleiman joins Gary to review Porchlight Music Theat...

Chill Out with Ice Sculptures + Jajas African Hair Braiding Review Gary Zidek On this edition of The Arts Section, host Gary Zidek takes you with inside the country’s oldest ice sculpture business, where blocks of ice are turned into crystal clear pieces of art. Later in the show, theater critic Kelly Kleiman joins Gary to talk about a the midwest premiere of the Tony-nominated play JaJa’s African...

Lookingglass Returns With Circus Quixote + WInter Theater Preview Gary Zidek On this edition of The Arts Section, host Gary Zidek goes backstage at Lookingglass Theater to learn about its upcoming world premiere CIRCUS QUIXOTE. The production marks a comeback for the award-winning theater company that’s been hiatus. Later in the show, the Dueling Critics, Kelly Kleiman and Jonathan Abarbanel, join...

Jazz Omnibus + New Elmhurst Art Museum Executive Director Gary Zidek On this edition of The Arts Section, host Gary Zidek catches up with renowned jazz journalist Howard Mandel to talk about the new Jazz Omnibus, that he helped edit. Theater critic, Jonathan Abarbanel Gary to talk about the new musical revue, HITT RECORDS. Later in the show, Gary sits down with the new executive director of the El...

Frank Lloyd Wright Photo Exhibit, Jazz Book + Book House Art Gary Zidek On this edition of The Arts Section, host Gary Zidek visits a new exhibition that highlights Frank Lloyd Wright’s relationship with photography. Theater critic Kelly Kleiman joins Gary to discuss a world premiere that dives into some of the strife that exists in the current political climate. Gary catches up with author James...

Goodbye 2024 Gary Zidek On this edition of The Arts Section, we’ll say good-bye to 2024 with a look back at the past 12 months. Host Gary Zidek revisits a piece on a book that documents a unique piece of Chicago art and nightlife history. The Dueling Critics, Kelly Kleiman and Jonathan Abarbanel, join Gary to talk about their favorite productions from the past year. Later in the show, WDCB hosts P...

Happy Holidays! Gary Zidek Happy Holidays! On this edition of The Arts Section, host Gary Zidek talks to one of the artistic directors of Manual Cinema to learn more about the company’s imaginative adaptation of A CHRISTMAS CAROL. The Dueling Critics will discuss Second City’s latest revue. Later in the show, Gary catches up with the owner of new independent bookshop in the west suburbs. They’ll t...

The Long Christmas Dinner + Creche Exhibit Gary Zidek On this edition of The Arts Section, host Gary Zidek talks to the director of a play that despite it’s famous author, is rarely produced anymore. The Dueling Critics, Kell Kleiman and Jonathan Abarbanel, join Gary to review a new production of LITTLE WOMEN. Later in the show, Gary takes a trip to an exhibit that’s quietly becoming a holiday tra...

Early Latin American Christmas Music + More Holiday Stuff Gary Zidek On this edition of The Arts Section, host Gary Zidek previews a different kind of holiday concert. The Newberry Consort will be presenting Christmas music that comes from Latin America in the 15th through 18th centuries. Thater critic Jonathan Abarbanel, joins Gary to review the world premiere musical THE HOUSE WITHOUT A CHRISTMA...

Chi Typography Exhibit + Small Arts Survey Gary Zidek On this edition of The Arts Section, host Gary Zidek checks out an exhibit that explores Chicago’s relationship with typography. The Dueling Critics, Kelly Kleiman and Jonathan Abarbanel, join Gary to preview all the holiday productions opening on Chicago stages. Later in the show, Gary takes a closer look at the results of a new survey that pr...