On this edition of The Arts Section, host Gary Zidek takes you with inside the country’s oldest ice sculpture business, where blocks of ice are turned into crystal clear pieces of art. Later in the show, theater critic Kelly Kleiman joins Gary to talk about a the midwest premiere of the Tony-nominated play JaJa’s African Hair Braiding. And Gary talks with the creative team behind an immersive theatrical production that shines a light on local immigrant communities.

On this edition of The Arts Section, host Gary Zidek goes backstage at Lookingglass Theater to learn about its upcoming world premiere CIRCUS QUIXOTE. The production marks a comeback for the award-winning theater company that’s been hiatus. Later in the show, the Dueling Critics, Kelly Kleiman and Jonathan Abarbanel, join Gary to preview the plays and musicals they’re most looking forward to this winter. And we’ll revisit a story on an exhibit that shines a light a novelty that has a strong local connection.

On this edition of The Arts Section, host Gary Zidek catches up with renowned jazz journalist Howard Mandel to talk about the new Jazz Omnibus, that he helped edit. Theater critic, Jonathan Abarbanel Gary to talk about the new musical revue, HITT RECORDS. Later in the show, Gary sits down with the new executive director of the Elmhurst Art Museum. And we’ll hear about a documentary that follows a local politician’s efforts to run for Congress.

On this edition of The Arts Section, host Gary Zidek visits a new exhibition that highlights Frank Lloyd Wright’s relationship with photography. Theater critic Kelly Kleiman joins Gary to discuss a world premiere that dives into some of the strife that exists in the current political climate. Gary catches up with author James Kaplan to chat about his book THREE SHADES OF BLUE. And later in the show, Gary catches up with Chicago-based artist Meg Guttman to talk about her very personal exhibit, MY BOOK HOUSE.

On this edition of The Arts Section, we’ll say good-bye to 2024 with a look back at the past 12 months. Host Gary Zidek revisits a piece on a book that documents a unique piece of Chicago art and nightlife history. The Dueling Critics, Kelly Kleiman and Jonathan Abarbanel, join Gary to talk about their favorite productions from the past year. Later in the show, WDCB hosts Paul Abella and Leslie Kerros share their favorite jazz albums of 2024. And Gary takes you with to a suburban museum celebrating the movie palaces of yesteryear.

Happy Holidays! On this edition of The Arts Section, host Gary Zidek talks to one of the artistic directors of Manual Cinema to learn more about the company’s imaginative adaptation of A CHRISTMAS CAROL. The Dueling Critics will discuss Second City’s latest revue. Later in the show, Gary catches up with the owner of new independent bookshop in the west suburbs. They’ll talk about some of challenges and rewards of running a bookstore. And we’ll revisit a segment on the regional holiday cocktail known as the Tom and Jerry.

On this edition of The Arts Section, host Gary Zidek talks to the director of a play that despite it’s famous author, is rarely produced anymore. The Dueling Critics, Kell Kleiman and Jonathan Abarbanel, join Gary to review a new production of LITTLE WOMEN. Later in the show, Gary takes a trip to an exhibit that’s quietly becoming a holiday tradition for many local residents. And Gary catches up with the author of book that dives into the story of Chicago’s own Siskel and Ebert.

On this edition of The Arts Section, host Gary Zidek previews a different kind of holiday concert. The Newberry Consort will be presenting Christmas music that comes from Latin America in the 15th through 18th centuries. Thater critic Jonathan Abarbanel, joins Gary to review the world premiere musical THE HOUSE WITHOUT A CHRISTMAS TREE. Later in the show, Gary checks in with esteemed art critic/NY Times bestselling author Jerry Saltz, they’ll look back at the past 20 years of contemporary art. And we’ll hear from John Debney, the composer of the score behind the popular holiday film ELF.

On this edition of The Arts Section, host Gary Zidek checks out an exhibit that explores Chicago’s relationship with typography. The Dueling Critics, Kelly Kleiman and Jonathan Abarbanel, join Gary to preview all the holiday productions opening on Chicago stages. Later in the show, Gary takes a closer look at the results of a new survey that provides some context on the current state of local small arts organizations. And we’ll hear from the author of a biography about one of the world’s most popular children’s book authors.

On this edition of The Arts Section, host Gary Zidek talks to the Museum of Contemporary Art’s lead curator about a new exhibit that explores the evolution of contemporary paintings. The Dueling Critics, Kelly Kleiman and Jonathan Abarbanel, join Gary to review a new one-man show that parodies Die Hard as a poem. Later in the show, Gary looks back at the 90 year history of the Chicago Thanksgiving Parade. And we’ll catch up with the author of a book that looks back at the origins of the holiday we now know as Thanksgiving.