The Arts Section

Chicago Fashion Week + Night of 1,000 Jack O Lanterns

Gary Zidek

On this edition of The Arts Section, host Gary Zidek takes a closer look at Chicago Fashion Week. The celebration of local fashion is entering year 3. Theater critic Jonathan Abarbanel joins Gary to review a world premiere titled BONNIE’S LAST FLIGHT. Later in the show, Gary talks with one of the country’s top jack o lantern carvers about participating in the Chicago Botanic Gardens’ annual NIGHT OF 1000 JACK O LANTERNS.

AI's Impact on Artist Compensation + New Chicago Stories

Gary Zidek

On this edition of The Arts Section, host Gary Zidek catches up with a professor who specializes in copyright law to talk about AI’s impact on the arts and what the future might look like. Theater critic Jonathan Abarbanel joins Gary to review a new play that imagines what Tennessee Williams and Marlon Brando’s first meeting might’ve been like. And Gary previews the upcoming season of WTTW’s Chicago Stories, which will feature episodes on the 1893 World’s Fair and the city’s history as a toy development hub.

Jazz-Flavored Shakespeare + Joshua Redman Interview

Gary Zidek

On this edition of The Arts Section, host Gary Zidek takes a closer look at a new musical that mashes up Shakespeare’s words and Duke Ellington’s music. Theater critics Jonathan Abarbanel and Emily Werner join Gary to review the super natural play WITCH. Later in the show, WDCB’s Leslie Kerros chats with renowned saxophonist Joshua Redman ahead of his performance at the Hyde Park Jazz Fest. And Gary visits the American Writers Museum to check out an exhibit that explores the cross-over of religion into popular writing.

Ambitious New Ballet Opens In Chicago + Adolescent Salvation Review

Gary Zidek

On this edition of The Arts Section, host Gary Zidek previews an exciting ballet program making its Chicago premiere. The rarely presented LILIOM features a full orchestra and jazz band. Theater critic Jonathan Abarbanel joins Gary to review a new play titled ADOLESCENT SALVATION. Later in the show, Gary visits Lillstreet Art Center’s new rooftop installation that celebrates the 19th amendment and civics in general. And Gary revisits his interview with music photographer Paul Natkin.

Filmmaker Joe Swanberg Interview + Fall Theater Preview

Gary Zidek

On this edition of The Arts Section, host Gary Zidek catches up with renowned Chicago-based filmmaker Joe Swanberg to talk about his new movie, THE SUN NEVER SETS. Theater critics Jonathan Abarbanel and Emily Werner join Gary to preview the fall theater season, what productions are they most looking forward to? And later in the show, influencers what are they good for? Gary talks to the author a book that looks at the rise of influencer culture.

Eddie Muller Brings Noir City to Chicago + Mandala's Jazz Programming

Gary Zidek

On this edition of The Arts Section, host Gary Zidek catches up with Turner Classic Movies host and Noir expert Eddie Muller to talk about this year’s music-themed Noir City Festival. Theater critics Jonathan Abarbanel and Emily Werner join Gary to talk about a new sci-fi play titled ADVANCE MAN. Later in the show, Gary puts a spotlight on the South Asian arts organization Mandala. And we’ll hear about a Route 66 tour through Chicago.

Chicago Black Dance Legacy Project + Rosemont Museum

Gary Zidek

On this edition of The Arts Section, host Gary Zidek looks at the work being done by a cohort of black dance companies that have come together to help each other. Theater critic Jonathan Abarbanel joins Gary to talk about an intriguing new play that takes a more nuanced approach to human-AI relationships. Later in the show, Gary visits a new museum that covers the history of one of the Chicago-area’s most visited suburbs. And we’ll hear how a former convenient store is finding success as a concert venue.

F1 Arcade Comes to Chicago + Marble Review

Gary Zidek

On this edition of The Arts Section, host Gary Zidek visits a new Chicago attraction that’s aimed at fans of F1 racing. Theater critic Jonathan Abarbanel joins Gary to review the new play MARBLE, that’s all about the disintegration of two marriages. Later in the show, Gary revisits a segment on the history of the Uptown Theater. And we’ll go inside a new MCA exhibit that explores the cultural impact of two music genres.

New Jazz Photo Book + Yo Ho Review

Gary Zidek

On this edition of The Arts Section, host Gary Zidek dives into a new book of jazz photography with an intriguing backstory, all the pictures were taken over 60 years ago, but were never released. Hear the story behind the new book. Theater critic Jonathan Abarbanel joins Gary to review a new pirate play. And later in the show, Gary catches up with magician/artist Jeanette Andrews to talk about her first ever solo exhibition.

Museum of Broadcast Communications Ready For Next Chapter + Pasta Time!

Gary Zidek

On this edition of The Arts Section, host Gary Zidek takes you inside the Museum of Broadcast Communication, we’ll hear about the non-profit’s current exhibits and future plans. Theater critic Jonathan Abarbanel joins Gary to review a free children’s play touring Chicago parks. Later in the show, Gary catches up with the chef behind a new west suburban handmade pasta shop. And we’ll look back at the history of a film that some say is the best bad movie of all time.