The Arts Section

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...

Cinematographer Roger Deakins, Lit & Luz Fest + Gabe Polsky Gary Zidek Today on the program, host Gary Zidek catches up with legendary cinematographer Roger Deakins to talk about his new book, a memoir-slash-cinematography guide. The Dueling Critics, Kelly Kleiman and Jonathan Abarbanel, will join Gary to review a new version of Tracy Letts’ SUPERIOR DOUGHNUTS. Later in the show, Gary talks to fil...

David Byrne Theater Project, Joffrey Gets Funky + Black Harvest Film Festival Gary Zidek On this edition of The Arts Section, host Gary Zidek has the story behind alt rock legend David Byrne’s immersive theater project that’s coming to Chicago next year. The Dueling Critics, Kelly Kleiman and Jonathan Abarbanel, join Gary to review a play inspired by a chapter from Bram Stroker’s Dracula. Later in...

7-Eleven Becomes Music Venue, Lillstreet Art Center Turns 50 + Suburban Oddities Gary Zidek On this edition of The Arts Section, host Gary Zidek takes you inside a former 7-Eleven that’s now a music venue on the northside of Chicago. The Dueling Critics, Kelly Kleiman and Jonathan Abarbanel, join Gary to review the world premiere play HUNDREDS AND HUNDREDS OF STARS. Later in the show, Gary profile...

One Golden Summer Doc + Remembering Tony Fitzpatrick Gary Zidek On this edition of The Arts Section, host Gary Zidek talks to the director of a new documentary that dives deeper into the story of the Jackie Robinson West little league team that captured the city’s attention for one summer. The Dueling Critics, Kelly Kleiman and Jonathan Abarbanel, join Gary to review a new play titled UGLY LIES TH...

Paranormal Activity Play + Arts In the Dark Parade Gary Zidek On this edition of The Arts Section, we start to get into the Halloween spirit, host Gary Zidek talks to the celebrated playwright behind a new horror play opening at Chicago Shakespeare Theater. The Dueling Critics, Kelly Kleiman and Jonathan Abarbanel, join Gary to review a new play that imagines a dystopian future with a 26-year old...

Don Was Interview, Banned Books Week + New VR Gary Zidek On this edition of The Arts Section, host Gary Zidek catches up with Blues Note Records president and music legend Don Was to talk about his new music project. The Dueling Critics, Kelly Kleiman and Jonathan Abarbanel, join Gary to review a new play that looks back at how Shakespeare’s works might’ve survived. Later in the show, Gary checks...

Opera Singer Emily Birsan + Tiffany Lamp Exhibit Gary Zidek On this edition of The Arts Section, host Gary Zidek sits down with a local opera singer to talk about her unique path to the stage and an upcoming performance with the New Philharmonic. The Dueling Critics, Kelly Kleiman and Jonathan Abarbanel, join Gary to review a new production of a play that originally premiered in Chicago in 1938. L...

Hyde Park Jazz Fest, Fall Theater Preview + WTTW's Chicago Stories Gary Zidek On this edition of The Arts Section, host Gary Zidek checks in with the executive director of the Hyde Park Jazz Festival to talk about some of the challenges facing the annual event. The Dueling Critics, Kelly Kleiman and Jonathan Abarbanel, join Gary to preview the best local stage productions opening this fall. Later...

Chicago Film Society Begins Next Chapter + Catch Me If You Can Review Gary Zidek On this edition of The Arts Section, host Gary Zidek profiles a Chicago organization dedicated to keeping the tradition of film projection alive. He’ll talk to executive director of the Chicago Film Society. The Dueling Critics, Kelly Kleiman and Jonathan Abarbanel, join Gary to review the musical adaptation of CATCH...

Shakkei Exhibit + Art Therapy Program Gary Zidek On this edition of The Arts Section, host Gary Zidek takes you inside a new exhibit inspired by an old Asian design principle involving borrowed scenery. The Dueling Critics, Kelly Kleiman and Jonathan Abarbanel, joins Gary to review a world premiere that takes a closer look at the teenage girl experience. Later in the show, we’ll hear about a new a...

Oscar-Winning Composer Justin Hurwitz + Bird Exhibit Gary Zidek On this edition of The Arts Section, host Gary Zidek catches up with Academy Award-winning composer Justin Hurwitz to talk about a special live score presentation of one of his most popular films. The Dueling Critics, Kelly Kleiman and Jonathan Abarbanel, join Gary to review a politically charged musical comedy. Later in the show, Gar...

A Little Prayer Movie + Musician Nathaniel Braddock Gary Zidek On this edition of The Arts Section, host Gary Zidek catches up renowned filmmaker Angus Maclachlan to talk about his new movie, A LITTLE PRAYER. Theater critic Jonathan Abarbanel joins Gary to review a new musical revue of Stephen Sondheim’s work. Later in the show, Gary chats with guitarist Nathaniel Braddock about his upcoming perfo...

Uptown Theatre Turns 100 + Puerto Rican Arts Alliance Grows Gary Zidek On this edition of The Arts Section, host Gary Zidek talks to the two authors of a charming new book that shines a light on the history and current state of Chicago’s Uptown Theater. The Dueling Critics, Kelly Kleiman and Jonathan Abarbanel, join Gary to review a musical adaptation of the French film AMELIE. And later in the sh...

Author Rebecca Makkai + Paramount Theater Forced to Make Changes Gary Zidek On this edition of The Arts Section, host Gary Zidek catches up with award-winning author Rebecca Makkai to talk about a writers festival taking place in Chicago. The Dueling Critics, Kelly Kleiman and Jonathan Abarbanel, join me to review a revival of the Tony Award-winning musical PARADE. Later in the show, Gary talks to...

Jazz Vocalist Finds Success With Beauty Brand + Wheaton Music Academy Thrives Gary Zidek On this edition of The Arts Section, host Gary Zidek is highlighting the intersection of arts & commerce. He’ll catch up with a local jazz musician who started her own business after the pandemic changed everything. The Dueling Critics, Kelly Kleiman and Jonathan Abarbanel, join Gary to review a new one-wo...

Stone & Snow, Special Arts Camp + Best Chicago Summer Spots Gary Zidek On this edition of The Arts Section, host Gary Zidek catches up with the indie folk duo STONE AND SNOW. The Dueling Critics, Kelly Kleiman and Jonathan Abarbanel, join Gary to review Celine Song’s play TOM AND ELIZA. Later in the show, Gary takes you with to a special summer arts camp that aims to provide comfort to kids who ha...