The Arts Section

On this edition of The Arts Section, host Gary Zidek highlights a new film series that mixes classic silent films with modern day alt rock albums. Gary then takes a closer look at a new exhibit that celebrates the grand movie palaces of the 20s and 30s. Later in the show, the Dueling Critics, Kelly Kleiman and Jonathan Abarbanel, join Gary to review a new musical take on War and Peace. And Gary takes you inside a new suburban shop that caters to vinyl and beer lovers.

On this edition of The Arts Section, host Gary Zidek takes a closer look at two new opera productions taking the stage in Chicago that both share an interesting backstory. The Dueling Critics, Kelly Kleiman and Jonathan Abarbanel, join Gary to review Goodman Theatre’s INHERIT THE WIND. Later in the show, we’ll hear from New Philharmonic music director Kirk Muspratt as he looks back at 20 years leading the suburban orchestra. And Gary talks with the executive artistic director of the Hyde Park Jazz Festival about some of the challenges the fest is facing.

On this edition of The Arts Section, host Gary Zidek catches up with the multi-talented filmmaker and musician Haroula Rose. Her new movie, ALL HAPPY FAMILIES, opened in theaters this weekend. Gary sits down with Chicago Shakespeare Theatre artistic director Edward Hall to talk about his new interpretation of HENRY V. Later in the show, theater critic Kelly Kleiman joins Gary to review Drury Lane’s new production of THE AUDIENCE. And Gary highlights the work of a local non-profit theater company that’s been presenting Gilbert and Sullivan operettas for the past 60 years.

On this edition of The Arts Section, host Gary Zidek sits down with trumpeter and composer Joe Clark to talk about his latest project, a jazz comic book series. The Dueling Critics, Kelly Kleiman and Jonathan Abarbanel, joins Gary to review the world premiere play THE HOUSE OF IDEAS. Later in the show, Gary catch up with the executive producer of WTTW’s popular CHICAGO STORIES series, which is set to kick off a new season this week. And we’ll hear from Chicago-based artist Alberto Aguilar.

On this edition of The Arts Section, host Gary Zidek catches up with muralist Rafael Blanco. A new exhibit of his vibrant work just opened in the west suburbs. The Dueling Critics, Kelly Kleiman and Jonathan Abarbanel, join Gary to preview all the productions they’re looking forward to seeing this autumn. And we’ll revisit a conversation with author Aaron Cohen where we talked about his Ramsey Lewis biography.

Happy Labor Day Weekend! On Today’s program, host Gary Zidek talks to best-selling author Kerri Maher about her latest book. The Dueling Critics, Kelly Kleiman and Jonathan Abarbanel, join Gary to talk about Red Twist Theater’s new production of THE NORMAL HEART. Later in the show, Gary catches up with Chicago playwright Mark Pracht to talk about his new work, a play that highlights a piece of comic book history. And Gary takes you with to far west suburban Batavia to check out an arts center that’s celebrating 15 years of making the arts more accessible.

On this edition of The Arts Section, host Gary Zidek sits down with artist Ellie Vergura to talk about her first solo exhibit, ARDOR, and her journey to becoming a painter. The Dueling Critics, Kelly Kleiman and Jonathan Abarbanel, join Gary to review a new stage adaptation of NETWORK. Later in the show, Gary catches up with the CEO of Classic Cinemas as one of the company’s theaters prepares to celebrate its 100th anniversary. And I’ll talk to the author of a book that explores Alfred Hitchcock’s complicated relationships with some of his leading ladies.

On this edition of The Arts Section, host Gary Zidek talks to the co-directors of an affecting new documentary (SUGARCANE) that explores a series of atrocities that occurred at a Canadian school for indigenous children. The Dueling Critics, Kelly Kleiman and Jonathan Abarbanel, join Gary to review Second City’s latest revue and talk about some of the city’s longer running productions. And later in the show, Gary catches up with comedian Paul Mecurio, the Late Show writer and performer will be presenting his Broadway show, PERMISSION TO SPEAK in Chicago-area this week.

On this edition of The Arts Section, host Gary Zidek has the latest on the public art project known as the Wasbash Lights that’s set to make its debut after10 years of planning. The Dueling Critics, Kelly Kleiman and Jonathan Abarbanel, join Gary to review a musical adaptation of Lewis Carrol’s classic Alice in Wonderland. Later in the show, Gary takes you to the Newberry Library to check out a new exhibit on influential Chicago columnist Mike Royko. And I’ll talk to a local filmmaker about his latest documentary that follows a candidate’s Congressional campaigns.

On this edition of The Arts Section, host Gary Zidek catches up with acclaimed theater artist Terry Guest to talk about his upcoming project, an adapted children’s book that deals with the impact on families with an incarcerated parent. Guest won a Joyce Award this week for adapting MILO IMAGINES THE WORLD. The Dueling Critics, Kelly Kleiman and Jonathan Abarbanel, join Gary to review Chicago Shakespeare’s much anticipated musical version of Lord of the Rings. And Gary revisits his interview with Lyric Opera’s outgoing general director, who is retiring after 30 years in the arts.