The Arts Section

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...

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...