On this edition of The Arts Section, host Gary Zidek talks to the organizer of a traveling exhibit that aims to make Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel ceiling paintings more accessible. The Dueling Critics, Kerry Reid and Jonathan Abarbanel, will review a new virtual offering that’s out of this world. Later, Gary revisits his conversation with Academy Award-winning actor Louis Gossett Jr. And then Gary catches up with the longtime owner of The Alley, the Chicago retail institution that’s welcomed lovers of alternative culture is celebrating 45 years in business.

On this edition of The Arts Section, host Gary Zidek takes you behind the scenes of the much-anticipated Frida Kahlo exhibition that’s opening in the western suburbs this week. The Dueling Critics, Kerry Reid and Jonathan Abarbanel, will stop by to preview some of the outdoor and indoor theatre offerings this summer. Later, Gary talks to the executive director of SEE CHICAGO DANCE to discuss Chicago Dance Month. And Gary checks in with award-winning composer Missy Mazzoli, who is wrapping up her tenure as the Chicago Symphony Orchestra’s Mead Composer In Residence.

On this edition of The Arts Section, host Gary Zidek checks in with the artistic directors of Lyric Opera and Joffrey Ballet to hear about their plans for offering in-person performances later this year. The Dueling Critics, Kerry Reid and Jonathan Abarbanel, will join me to review a new audio play from Steppenwolf Theatre. Later, Gary catches up with the new artistic director of Hubbard Street Dance to discuss her plans for one of Chicago’s most innovative dance companies. And Gary talks to the author of a new biography all about actor (and jazz musician) Jeff Goldblum.

On this edition of The Arts Section, host Gary Zidek take a closer look at a local media company that’s captured many of great virtual productions we’ve watched at home over the past 14 months. Speaking of virtual theater, the Dueling Critics will join me to discuss First Folio’s streaming world premiere, WAITING FOR TINA MEYER. Gary checks in with WDCB’s own Steve Cushing to pay tribute to the late Bob Koester, the founder of Delmark Records and the owner of the Jazz Record Mart passed away this past week. Later in the show, we’ll satisfy our sweet tooth, as Gary sits down with the third generation owner of one of Chicago’s most popular ice cream parlors. The original Rainbow Cone has been a southside staple for 95 years, now it’s expanding into the western suburbs.

On this edition of The Arts Section, host Gary Zidek catches up with Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events Commissioner Mark Kelly to discuss the city’s recent announcement regarding cultural events & programs reopening this summer. The Dueling Critics, Kerry Reid and Jonathan Abarbanel, stop by to discuss a new outer space-set virtual play titled GOODS. Later, Gary visits the Chicago History Museum’s new Vivian Maier exhibit. Plus, a conversation with Cal Newport, the author of a new book titled, A WORLD WITHOUT EMAIL.

On this edition of The Arts Section, host Gary Zidek checks in with a group of Chicago-based jazz musicians to talk about how the pandemic has impacted their lives over a year after the world health crisis started. Thaddeus Tukes, Keri Johnsrud, Jeannie Tanner & John Dorhauer join the conversation. The Dueling Critics, Kerry Reid and Jonathan Abarbanel, stop by to discuss the new tennis-themed virtual production, THE LAST MATCH. And in honor of the Kentucky Derby, Gary revisits his conversation with author Wright Thompson who wrote all about bourbon in his latest book, PAPPYLAND.

On this edition of The Arts Section, host Gary Zidek checks in with Lyric Opera president & CEO Anthony Freud to learn more about an innovative new opera that’s being presented in … a parking garage. The Dueling Critics, Kerry Reid and Jonathan Abarbanel, join Gary to discuss a new play from a suburban theater company that stars Eric Roberts. Later in the show, Gary previews a new dialogue series being presented by the School of the Art Institute that will take a closer look at creating an anti-racist arts ecosystem. And Gary previews the 93rd Academy Awards which will be given out on Sunday night.

On this edition of The Arts Section, host Gary Zidek catches up with author Kayleen Schaefer to talk about her new book, BUT YOU’RE STILL SO YOUNG: How Thirtysomethings Are Redefining Adulthood. The Dueling Critics, Kerry Reid and Jonathan Abarbanel, join Gary to discuss a play that originally premiered in 2013 and is now available to watch online for free as part of Goodman Theare’s new encore series. Later in the program, Gary revisits a feature on the Art Institute’s much anticipated Monet exhibit, which was extended after being forced to shut down late last year. Plus, a segment on a unique collaboration designed to create trauma-informed arts education.

On this edition of The Arts Section, host Gary Zidek catches up with Mariem Pérez Riera, the director of a new documentary about trailblazing career of Rita Moreno. The Dueling Critics, Kerry Reid and Jonathan Abarbanel, join Gary to discuss Chicago Shakespeare Theatre’s new virtual production I, CINNA (The Poet). Later in the show, Gary checks in with the CEO of Classic Cinemas to find out more about the challenges movie theater operators are facing over a year after the pandemic began. Plus an interview with author with Jennie Fields about her Chicago-set espionage thriller, ATOMIC LOVE.

Happy Easter. On this edition of The Arts Section, host Gary Zidek talks to a Chicago-based magician Dennis Watkins about his efforts to keep his long-running show going after the pandemic started. Plus, a little over-the-air magic. The Dueling Critics, Kerry Reid and Jonathan Abarbanel, join Gary to talk about Strawdog Theatre’s timely new virtual play. And Gary catches up with Chicago sports journalist Julie DiCaro to discuss her new book SIDELINED.