On this edition of The Arts Section, host Gary Zidek sits down with Lyric Opera general director Anthony Freud, who is retiring after a long career in the arts. The Dueling Critics, Kelly Kleiman and Jonathan Abarbanel, joins Gary to review a new thought-provoking play that looks at the potential impacts of AI. Later in the show, Gary highlights some programs aimed at kids this summer. He visits a new Bluey experience in Chicago and catches up with the artist behind a new exhibit in Elmhurst...

On this edition of The Arts Section, host Gary Zidek visits the National Indo American Museum to check out its new exhibit on the roots of the Desi community in North America. The Dueling Critics, Kelly Kleiman and Jonathan Abarbanel, join Gary to talk about Lifeline Theater’s production of NATIVE SON. Later in the show, Gary looks back at the history of the Rhinoceros Theater Festival as it celebrates year 35. And we’ll hear from a Chicago-based artist turned woodworker.

On this edition of The Arts Section, host Gary Zidek revisits some of his favorite pieces. Plus, the return the Kelly Kleiman to the Dueling Critics. Gary takes you with to the Chicago History Museum to check out an exhibit all about the city’s Polish community. We’ll hear from local author and cartoonist Sophie Lucido Johnson to learn more about her creative process. The O.G. Dueling Critics, Kelly Kleiman and Jonathan Abarbabnel, are back together to review a stage adaptation of GODS AND...

On this edition of The Arts Section, host Gary Zidek sits down with Classic Cinemas CEO Chris Johnson to talk about the current state of the cinema business and preview the upcoming summer movie season. Theater critic Jonathan Abarbanel joins Gary to review Steppenwolf Theatre’s THE THANKSGIVING PLAY. Later in the show, Gary takes a look at this year’s Chicago Cabaret Week. And we’ll hear about a book that looks at the history of the AACM.

On this edition of The Arts Section, host Gary Zidek catches up with a member of the Grammy-winning ensemble Third Coast Percussion to talk about the group’s upcoming 20th anniversary. Gary previews the Cut to the Chase One Act Play Festival that’s coming up this week. The Dueling Critics are off this week, but we’ll revisit an interview with critic Jonathan Abarbanel. Later in the show, host Gary Zidek talks to celebrated vocalist Lizz Wright about her new album and connection to Chicago....

On this edition of The Arts Section, it’s a salute to the western suburbs. Host Gary Zidek talks to two of the stakeholders behind an ambitious public art project that will be presented across DuPage County this summer. Theater critic Jonathan Abarbanel joins Gary to review Drury Lane Theater’s new production of GUYS AND DOLLS. Later in the show, Gary checks out a new eatery in Wheaton that’s winning over customers with homemade biscuits. And we’ll hear what it’s like to open a record store...

On this edition of The Arts Section, host Gary Zidek talks to one of the chairs of the National Hellenic Museum’s popular Trial series, which explores a contemporary issue by looking at the past. The Dueling Critics, Kerry Reid and Jonathan Abarbanel, join Gary to review Court Theater’s latest. Later in the show, Gary takes you inside Chicago’s newest performing arts venue, a loft in the Andersonville neighborhood. And we’ll hear about the history of one Chicago’s oldest performing arts venues.

On this edition of The Arts Section, host Gary Zidek previews the phenomenon that is tomorrow’s solar eclipse. The Dueling Critics, Kerry Reid and Jonathan Abarbanel, join Gary to review a new play that tells the story of a young woman who falls in love with a Dairy Queen sign. Later in the show, Gary chats with the program director at the Donnelley Foundation about how small arts organizations are still figuring out how to navigate life post pandemic. And we’ll take a closer look at the...

Happy Easter! On this edition of The Arts Section, host Gary Zidek takes you inside the Newberry Library to check out its new exhibit on one of Chicago’s hottest nightspots in the 50s & 60s. The Dueling Critics, Kerry Reid and Jonathan Abarbanel, join Gary to review the much-talked about world premiere at Steppenwolf Theater, PURPOSE. Later in the show, we’ll hear about an exhibition at a suburban museum that shines a light on what life was like on the homefront during WWII. And Gary...

On this edition of The Arts Section, host Gary Zidek has a story about a unique collaboration between a west suburban art gallery and a Department of Energy research laboratory. The Dueling Critics, Kerry Reid and Jonathan Abarbanel, review a new Sondheim musical tribute. Later in the show, Gary talks to the owner of a new small business that’s participating in Women-focused arts initiative in Wheaton. And we’ll revisit an interview with acclaimed jazz artist Terri Lyne Carrington.

On this edition of The Arts Section, host Gary Zidek catches up with the new artistic director of Lookingglass Theater to talk about the company’s plans for the future, after taking an almost year-long pause. The Dueling Critics, Kerry Reid and Jonathan Abarbanel, join Gary to review a play about the origins of Alcoholics Anonymous. Later in the show, Gary chats with the author of a new book that dives into the history Miles Davis’ landmark album KIND OF BLUE. And we’ll hear about an exhibit...

On this edition of The Arts Section, host Gary Zidek talks to the composer behind a song cycle that combines music, poetry and history. The project titled SONGS IN FLIGHT is set to make its local premiere in Wheaton this week. The Dueling Critics, Kerry Reid and Jonathan Abarbanel, join Gary to review the world premiere of the new play WIPE OUT. Later in the show, Gary catches up with noted academic Jonathan Katz to discuss a new queer art coffee table book that he edited. And we’ll hear...

On this edition of The Arts Section, host Gary Zidek previews the 96th Academy Awards ceremony. It looks like Oppenheimer will be getting a lot of gold. The Dueling Critics, Kerry Reid and Jonathan Abarbanel, will join me to review American Blues Theater’s local premiere of THE RECLAMATION OF MADISON HEMINGS. Later in the show, we’ll hear all about a unique tradition in Park Ridge, where parents have put on a fundraising variety show for the past 70 years.

On this edition of The Arts Section, host Gary Zidek catches up with Chicago artist Maryam Taghavi to talk about her new exhibit at the Museum of Contemporary Art. The Dueling Critics, Kerry Reid and Jonathan Abarbanel, stop by to review a new, intimate production of THE BAND’S VISIT. Later in the show, Gary talks to the director of documentary that puts a spotlight on a forgotten Black television pioneer. And we’ll hear about a Chicago non-profit’s efforts to inject some resources into the...

On this edition of The Arts Section, host Gary Zidek catches up with Chicago Shakespeare Theater’s new artistic director Edward Hall. He’s taken the creative reigns after the company’s founder Barbara Gaines stepped down last year. Gary checks in with local jazz musician Shawn Maxwell to talk about his new Joliet-inspired album. Later in the show, the Dueling Critics, Kerry Reid and Jonathan Abarbanel, review a new interpretation of Shakespeare’s RICHARD III. And Gary previews a new...

On this edition of The Arts Section, host Gary Zidek catches up with author Doug Preston to talk about the unique literary project he helped put together. Preston and Margaret Atwood recruited over 30 of the world’s most popular fiction writers to work on a collaborative novel called FOURTEEN STORIES. The Dueling Critics, Kerry Reid and Jonathan Abarbanel, join Gary to review Gift Theatre’s latest and discuss the recently announced non-equity Jeff Award nominations. Later in the show, Gary...

On this edition of The Arts Section, host Gary Zidek talks to the author of a new book that explores Chicago’s North Shore. The Dueling Critics, Kerry Reid and Jonathan Abarbanel, join Gary to discuss Shattered Globe Theater’s new production, FLOOD. Later in the show, Gary previews the Grammy Awards, which will be given out tonight. And Gary catches up with the executive director of a suburban theater company that’s presenting a rarely produced musical this month.

On this edition of The Arts Section, host Gary Zidek catches up with filmmaker Clare Cooney to talk about her new movie, DEPARTING SENIORS. The horror/comedy that was shot in Chicago opens later this week. Theater critic Kerry Reid joins Gary to talk about Porchlight Music Theatre’s revival of ANYTHING GOES. Later in the show, Gary talks to author Rachel Koller Croft about her debut novel, STONE COLD FOX. Plus, a look at a report that explores equity in Chicago’s arts secctor.

On this edition of The Arts Section, host Gary Zidek takes you inside the Elmhurst Art Museum, which just opened two new exhibits that take inspiration from John Coltrane’s A LOVE SUPREME. Theater critic Kerry Reid stops by to review a revival of play that premiered in Chicago 20 years ago. Later in the show, Gary catches up with artist and retired bartender Sergio Mayora to talk about a new book that celebrates his poster art. And later we’ll vist a unique shop that’s been drawing customers...

On this edition of The Arts Section, host Gary Zidek previews the 6th Chicago International Puppet Theater Festival. We’ll hear from Fest founder & artistic director Blair Thomas. The Dueling Critics, Kerry Reid and Jonathan Abarbanel, look ahead to the theatrical productions their most looking forward to seeing this winter. Later in the show, Gary catches up with musician and filmmaker Haroula Rose to talk about her new movie, ALL HAPPY FAMILIES. And we’ll revisit a feature on a local...

On this edition of The Arts Section, host Gary Zidek talks to one of the founders of a local women’s jazz festival with big ambitions. The Dueling Critics, Kerry Reid and Jonathan Abarbanel, join me to review a new revue at the Second City. Later in the show, Gary presents my top 10 favorite movies 2023. Definitely some surprises on the list. And we go inside the Museum of Science and industry’s Pompeii exhibit.

Happy New Year Eve! On this edition of The Arts Section, host Gary Zidek looks back at 2023. We’ll revisit when Gary sat down with award winning chef and author Jason Hammel to talk about his new cook book. The Dueling Critics, Kerry Reid and Jonathan Abarbanel, discuss their favorite productions from the past year. And later, WDCB’s own Paul Abella and Leslie Kerros stop by to highlight their favorite jazz albums of 2024.

Happy almost Christmas! On this edition of The Arts Section, host Gary Zidek talks to the artistic director of American Blues Theater about the company’s new permanent home and it’s popular holiday production of It’s a Wonderful Life. The Dueling Critics, Kerry Reid and Jonathan Abarbanel, look back at the year in Chicago theater, highlighting some of the big developments of 2023. Later in the show, Gary takes you inside one of Chicago’s longest running holiday traditions at the Museum of...

On this edition of The Arts Section, host Gary Zidek previews a world premiere opening in Chicago that offers a new spin on a popular holiday favorite. He’ll talk to some of the people involved with SUGAR HILL: THE ELLINGTON/STRAYHORN NUTCRACKER. The Dueling Critics, Kerry Reid and Jonathan Abarbanel, joinGary to review a production of a new stage adaptation of DIAL M FOR MURDER. Later in the show, Gary takes you with to the Driehaus Museum to check out a new exhibit titled GLASS TO GARDEN....

On this edition of The Arts Section, host Gary Zidek catches up with the playwright behind a holiday play that premiered in 1991 and is now back on stage after over 30 years. The Dueling Critics, Kerry Reid and Jonathan Abarbanel, join Gary for a double review of the Broadway-bound BOOP! THE MUSICAL and a much more intimate production titled ISLANDER. Later in the show, Gary reviews Emma Stone’s new film POOR THINGS. Gary takes a closer look the development of a holiday theater favorite. And...