The Arts Section

MCA's Living End Exhibit + Chicago's Thanksgiving Parade Turns 90 Gary Zidek On this edition of The Arts Section, host Gary Zidek talks to the Museum of Contemporary Art’s lead curator about a new exhibit that explores the evolution of contemporary paintings. The Dueling Critics, Kelly Kleiman and Jonathan Abarbanel, join Gary to review a new one-man show that parodies Die Hard as a poem. Later in...

Ted Lasso Book, Leroy & Lucy Review + John Waters Masterclass Gary Zidek On this edition of The Arts Section, host Gary Zidek talks to the author of a new book that dives into the history of a surprising TV hit that’s won over fans and critics alike. The Dueling Critics, Kelly Kleiman and Jonathan Abarbanel, join Gary to review a new play that reimagines a moment in Blues legend Robert Johnson’s l...

Chicago Dance Archives, Remembering Quincy + Annie Musical Gary Zidek On this edition of The Arts Section, host Gary Zidek takes a closer look at a new partnership that aims to make Chicago’s dance history more accessible. The Dueling Critics, Kelly Kleiman and Jonathan Abarbanel, join Gary to review a new production of the Pulitzer Prize winning play, DINNER WITH FRIENDS. Later in the show, Gary...

Roger Deakins Interview, Royal Shakespeare Company Comes To Chicago + Insert Coin Exhibit Gary Zidek On this edition of The Arts Section, host Gary Zidek catches up with acclaimed cinematographer Roger Deakins. The 16-time Academy Award nominee just opened a new exhibition of his photography in Chicago. The Dueling Critics, Kelly Kleiman and Jonathan Abarbanel, review the Royal Shakespeare Company...

Memoir of a Snail + Lili-Anne Brown Interview Gary Zidek On this edition of The Arts Section, host Gary Zidek catches up with Oscar-winning animator Adam Elliot to talk about his new film MEMOIR OF A SNAIL. The Dueling Critics, Kelly Kleiman and Jonathan Abarbanel, join Gary to review the world premiere EVIL PERFECT. Later in the show, Gary checks in with acclaimed theater director Lili-Anne Brown...

Immersive Haunted House, Director Steve Pink + An Act of God Review Gary Zidek On this edition of The Arts Section, we’ll get into the Halloween spirit. Host Gary Zidek takes you inside Rough House Theater’s immersive theater puppet haunted house. The Dueling Critics, Kelly Kleiman and Jonathan Abarbanel, join Gary to review a comedy that just opened in Aurora as a part of the Paramount Theater’s...

Indigenous Chicago, Becky Nurse Review + 3Arts Award-Winner Shariba Rivers Gary Zidek On this edition of The Arts Section, host Gary Zidek takes you with to the Newberry Library to check out a new exhibition on Chicago’s indigenous history. The Dueling Critics, Kelly Kleiman and Jonathan Abarbanel, join me to review the midwest premiere of Sarah Ruhl’s BECKY NURSE OF SALEM. Later in the show, Gary...

Silents Synched, Movie Palace Exhibit + Vinyl/Beer Store Gary Zidek On this edition of The Arts Section, host Gary Zidek highlights a new film series that mixes classic silent films with modern day alt rock albums. Gary then takes a closer look at a new exhibit that celebrates the grand movie palaces of the 20s and 30s. Later in the show, the Dueling Critics, Kelly Kleiman and Jonathan Abarbanel,...

True Story Inspires Operas, Maestro Muspratt Celebrates 20 + Hyde Park Jazz Fest Faces Challenges Gary Zidek On this edition of The Arts Section, host Gary Zidek takes a closer look at two new opera productions taking the stage in Chicago that both share an interesting backstory. The Dueling Critics, Kelly Kleiman and Jonathan Abarbanel, join Gary to review Goodman Theatre’s INHERIT THE WIND. Late...

Local Indie, Chi Shakespeare's Henry V + Savoyaires 60th Gary Zidek On this edition of The Arts Section, host Gary Zidek catches up with the multi-talented filmmaker and musician Haroula Rose. Her new movie, ALL HAPPY FAMILIES, opened in theaters this weekend. Gary sits down with Chicago Shakespeare Theatre artistic director Edward Hall to talk about his new interpretation of HENRY V. Later in the...

Jazz Comic Book + New Season of Chicago Stories Gary Zidek On this edition of The Arts Section, host Gary Zidek sits down with trumpeter and composer Joe Clark to talk about his latest project, a jazz comic book series. The Dueling Critics, Kelly Kleiman and Jonathan Abarbanel, joins Gary to review the world premiere play THE HOUSE OF IDEAS. Later in the show, Gary catch up with the executive...

Muralist + Fall Theater Preview Gary Zidek On this edition of The Arts Section, host Gary Zidek catches up with muralist Rafael Blanco. A new exhibit of his vibrant work just opened in the west suburbs. The Dueling Critics, Kelly Kleiman and Jonathan Abarbanel, join Gary to preview all the productions they’re looking forward to seeing this autumn. And we’ll revisit a conversation with au...

Kerri Maher Interview, Comic Book Play + Arts Center Turns 15 Gary Zidek Happy Labor Day Weekend! On Today’s program, host Gary Zidek talks to best-selling author Kerri Maher about her latest book. The Dueling Critics, Kelly Kleiman and Jonathan Abarbanel, join Gary to talk about Red Twist Theater’s new production of THE NORMAL HEART. Later in the show, Gary catches up with Chicago playwright Mark...

Artist Ellie Vergura, Network Review + York Theater Turns 100 Gary Zidek On this edition of The Arts Section, host Gary Zidek sits down with artist Ellie Vergura to talk about her first solo exhibit, ARDOR, and her journey to becoming a painter. The Dueling Critics, Kelly Kleiman and Jonathan Abarbanel, join Gary to review a new stage adaptation of NETWORK. Later in the show, Gary catches up with...

Sugarcane Documentary, Second City Review + Paul Mecurio Gary Zidek On this edition of The Arts Section, host Gary Zidek talks to the co-directors of an affecting new documentary (SUGARCANE) that explores a series of atrocities that occurred at a Canadian school for indigenous children. The Dueling Critics, Kelly Kleiman and Jonathan Abarbanel, join Gary to review Second City’s latest revue and ta...

Wabash Lights, Royko Exhibit + Political Doc Gary Zidek On this edition of The Arts Section, host Gary Zidek has the latest on the public art project known as the Wasbash Lights that’s set to make its debut after10 years of planning. The Dueling Critics, Kelly Kleiman and Jonathan Abarbanel, join Gary to review a musical adaptation of Lewis Carrol’s classic Alice in Wonderland. Later in the show,...