On this edition of The Arts Section, host Gary Zidek talks to celebrated author Colin Dickey about his new book that offers a deep dive into the mysterious world of secret societies and conspiracies. The Dueling Critics, Kerry Reid and Jonathan Abarbanel, review two plays on opposite ends of the theater spectrum. Later in the show, Gary visits the west suburban theater that just opened the state’s biggest movie screen. And Gary checks in with the artistic director of Chicago Children’s Theater to learn more about the company’s pioneering sensory-friendly programming.

On this edition of The Arts Section, host Gary Zidek checks in with the owner of a new record store to find out what’s like to sell vinyl in 2023. The Dueling Critics, Kerry Reid and Jonathan Abarbanel, join Gary to review Steppenwolf Theatre’s world premiere, ANOTHER MARRIAGE. We’ll also take a closer look at a prominent theater company’s surprising news to pause programming for a year. Later in the show, Gary catches up with actor/comedian Mary Lynn Rajskub to talk about her memoir. And we’ll visit a sensory playground that’s all about slime.

On this edition of The Arts Section, host Gary Zidek gets ready for the 4th of July with some food-related pieces. First up, he checks in with Chicago magazine dining editor Amy Cavanaugh to talk about a new publication that highlights the 50 best things to eat in Chicago right now. The Dueling Critics, Kerry Reid and Jonathan Abarbanel, join Gary to review a reimagined version of The Who’s TOMMY. Later in the show, Gary talks to the editor of a popular travel book series about some of the food stories in the book GASTRO OBSCURA. And Gary catches up with a Chicago-based writer who did a deep dive on Italian Beefs.

On this edition of The Arts Section, host Gary Zidek talks to the Chicago-based artist won a Joyce Award to work on a project with the Museum of Contemporary Photography. The Dueling Critics, Kerry Reid and Jonathan Abarbanel, join Gary to review the world premiere musical, LUCY AND CHARLIE’S HONEYMOON. And Gary catches up with some local jazz musicians who are putting their spin on the work of a pop-rock icon.

On this edition of The Arts Section, host Gary Zidek catches up with ultra-talented theater artist Matthew C. Yee. The west suburban-native is the writer, composer and star of the world premiere musical LUCY AND CHARLIE’S HONEYMOON, which just opened at Lookingglass Theatre. The Dueling Critics, Kerry Reid and Jonathan Abarbanel, join Gary to preview what they’re most looking forward at the theater this summer. Later in the show, Gary chats with author Stephanie McNeal about her new book SWIPE UP FOR MORE. The book provides a behind-the-scenes look at what its like to be an influencer and why the industry is still booming.

On this edition of The Arts Section, host Gary Zidek talks to the author of THE THREE OF US, a popular novel that’s on several summer reading lists. Theater critic Kerry Reid will join me to talk about the world premiere play, SHAW VS. TUNNEY. Later in the show, Gary takes you with to the Elmhurst Art Museum to check out its latest exhibit, MARVELOCITY. Gary checks in with Chicago Scots president Gus Noble to preview the 37th annual Scottish Festival and Highland Games. Plus, a story about a critically acclaimed local documentary that up for a Peabody Award.

On this edition of The Arts Section, host Gary Zidek previews the new Andy Warhol exhibit that just opened in Glen Ellyn. Over 200 original Warhol pieces are on display at the Cleve Carney Museum of Art. The Dueling Critics, Kerry Reid and Jonathan Abarbanel, stop by to review Theatre Wit’s latest, THE WHISTLEBLOWER. Later in the show, Gary talks to some of the people involved with brining the Violins of Hope program to Illinois this summer. And Gary catches up with the choreographer of a world premiere dance concert that was inspired by a southside tradition called Jazz in the Alley.

On this edition of The Arts Section, host Gary Zidek checks in with the director of Pivot Arts as the creative non-profit turns 10 and launches a new performance experience. The Dueling Critics, Kerry Reid and Jonathan Abarbanel, review Court Theater’s church-like THE GOSPEL AT COLOUNUS. Later in the show, Gary visits the Chicago History Museum’s new exhibit BACK HOME: POLISH CHICAGO. Gary catches up with the director of a documentary about an enigmatic chef. And we’ll remember the great Tina Turner.

On this edition of The Arts Section, host Gary Zidek visits a new bookstore/café that’s hoping to be a resource and gathering place for Chicago’s theater community. The Dueling Critics, Kerry Reid and Jonathan Abarbanel, stop by to review a new local production of WHAT THE CONSTITUTION MEANS TO ME. And later in the show, Gary catches up with the local author behind an intriguing biography on an influential, but largely forgotten philanthropist Edith Rockefeller-McCormick.

On this edition of The Arts Section, host Gary Zidek sits down with author Aaron Cohen to talk about his experience co-writing jazz legend Ramsey Lewis’ memoir. The Dueling Critics, Kerry Reid and Jonathan Abarbanel, join Gary to talk about Goodman Theater’s new production of ANTONIO’S SONG/I WAS DREAMING OF A SON. And later in the show, Gary checks in with the executive director of the Jazz Institute of Chicago to hear how life after the pandemic is coming along and learn more about a prestigious award that’s being given to WDCB’s own Al Carter Bey. Plus, a segment on something called SoFar Sounds.