The Arts Section

Secret Byrd + Donny Hathaway Play Gary Zidek On this edition of The Arts Section, host Gary Zidek takes a closer look at a new concert-theater work that explores the history of composer William Byrd’s acts of defiance in 16th century England. The Dueling Critics, Kelly Kleiman and Jonathan Abarbanel, join Gary to preview local outdoor theater options, plus we’ll hear about what’s happening this su...

MCA's City In a Garden + Accordion Fest Returns Gary Zidek On this edition of The Arts Section, host Gary Zidek visits the Museum of Contemporary Art’s new exhibit, CITY IN A GARDEN, that explores Chicago’s Queer art and activism communities. The Dueling Critics, Kelly Kleiman and Jonathan Abarbanel, join Gary to review a new ambitious production of ANGELS IN AMERICA. Later in the show, it’s all a...

Local Mystery Author + Indigenous Art Gary Zidek On this edition of The Arts Section, host Gary Zidek sits down with an award-winning local author who just released her second novel, a mystery set in the northwest burbs. The Dueling Critics, Kelly Kleiman and Jonathan Abarbanel, join Gary to talk about the world premiere play DHABA ON DEVON AVENUE. Later in the show, Gary takes you with to Northwe...

Fine Arts Building Book + Iraq, But Funny Review Gary Zidek On this edition of the program, host Gary Zidek catches up with the author of a fantastic new book that dives into the storied history of Chicago’s Fine Arts Building. The Dueling Critics, Kelly Kleiman and Jonathan Abarbanel, join Gary to talk about the world premiere IRAQ, BUT FUNNY. And later in the show, Gary visits a west suburban mu...

Gary Sinise Interview + Rory McEwen Exhibit Gary Zidek On this edition of The Arts Section, host Gary Zidek talks to Steppenwolf co-founder and multiple award-winning actor Gary Sinise. The Chicago-area native is coming back home to perform a concert to raise support for a non-profit that helps disabled veterans. Later in the show, Gary visits the Driehaus Museum to learn more about the subject of...

Vocalist Isabella Isherwood, War of the Worlds On Stage + Legacies Exhibit Gary Zidek On this edition of The Arts Section, host Gary Zidek catches up with local jazz vocalist Isabella Isherwood to talk about some of her upcoming projects, plus an exclusive in-studio performance. The Dueling Critics, Kelly Kleiman and Jonathan Abarbanel, join Gary to review GOLDEN LEAD RAGTIME BLUES. Later in the s...

Old Town Art Fair Turns 75 + Highland Games Return Gary Zidek On this edition of The Arts Section, host Gary Zidek takes a closer look at a Chicago summer tradition that’s turning 75 this week. The Dueling Critics, Kelly Kleiman and Jonathan Abarbanel, join Gary to review a world premiere titled NEIGHBORHOOD WATCH. Later in the show, Gary checks in with the president of the Chiago Scots about this...

Hokusai Exhibit Opens + New Grant Park Festival Artistic Director Gary Zidek On this edition of The Arts Section, host Gary Zidek sits down with the new artistic director of the 90-year-old Grant Park Music Festival. The Dueling Critics, Kelly Kleiman and Jonathan Abarbanel, stop by to preview all the summer plays and musicals they’re most looking forward to seeing. Later in the show, Gary preview...

Intuit Reopens, Vivid Creatures + Jazz Drawings Gary Zidek On this edition of The Arts Section, host Gary Zidek checks in with the CEO of the remodeled and rebranded Intuit Museum of Art. The Dueling Critics, Kelly Kleiman and Jonathan Abarbanel, joins Gary to review a new adaptation of the 1921 play RUR. Later in the show, Gary takes you with to the Morton Arboretum to check out a new sculpture e...

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...