The Arts Section

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...

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...