The Arts Section

Chicago Filmmakers Release MOUSE + The Winter's Tale Review

Gary Zidek

On this edition of The Arts Section, host Gary Zidek catches up with acclaimed Chicago-based filmmakers Kelly O’Sullivan and Alex Thompson to talk about their new movie, MOUSE. Theater critic Jonathan Abarbanel joins Gary to review a new production of THE WINTER’S TALE. Coming up later, Gary talks to the author of a book that puts the spotlight on Miles Davis’ landmark album KIND OF BLUE.

Looking Back At War of the Worlds Broadcast + 3Arts Celebrates

Gary Zidek

On this edition of The Arts Section, host Gary Zidek looks back at the significance of Orson Welles’ notorious War of the Worlds radio broadcast. Author William Elliott Hazelgrove stops by to look back at the landmark the radio event. Theater critic Jonathan Abarbanel joins Gary to review two new productions that deal with faith-based issues. Later in the show, Gary catches up with the executive director of 3Arts to talk about a new crop of award-recipients. And we’ll visit a spooky little shop in west suburban Lombard.

Wadada Leo Smith Interview + Pulitzer Prize Exhibit

Gary Zidek

On this edition of The Arts Section, host Gary Zidek catches up with renowned trumpeter and composer Wadada Leo Smith to talk about his memories of making music in Chicago 60 years ago. Theater critic Jonathan Abarbanel joins Gary to review the Chicago premiere of A STRANGE LOOP. Later in the show, Gary previews a new traveling exhibit that explores the legacy of the Pulitzer Prize that’s landed in Chicago. And we’ll hear all about Alfred Hitchcock’s approach to casting leading ladies.

The Seance, Music Tastes + Popular Haunted House

Gary Zidek

On this edition of The Arts Section, host Gary Zidek talks to the performer behind a popular live stage show called THE SEANCE. The production mixes comedy, history and a little mystery. Theater critic Jonathan Abarbanel joins Gary to review the world premiere, DEAD GIRL’S QUINCENEARA. Later in the show, Gary catches up with a musicologist who wrote a book about what determines our music tastes. And we’ll go behind the scenes of one of the area’s most popular haunted houses.

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.