The Arts Section

Route 66 Turns 100, Summer Theater Preview + Youth Theater Thrives

Gary Zidek

On this edition of The Arts Section, host Gary Zidek takes a ride on the Chicago portions of Route 66. The historic roadway turns 100 this year. Theater critic Jonathan Abarbanel joins Gary to preview the best Chicago theater offerings this summer. Later in the show, Gary visits a west suburban youth theater (with a unique backstory) that’s celebrating its 25th anniversary. And we’ll check out one of the country’s only polished rock museums.

Secret History of French Cooking + Minecraft Experience

Gary Zidek

On this edition of The Arts Section, host Gary Zidek catches up with the author of a interesting new book that looks back the origins of nouvelle cuisine in France and its lasting impact on dining culture all over the world. Theater critics Jonathan Abarbanel and Kathy Hey join Gary to review the world premiere musical, LOKI: THE END OF THE WORLD TOUR. Later in the show, Gary talks to acclaimed cinematographer Roger Deakins about his interest in photography. And we’ll take you inside a new Minecraft experience that just opened in the suburbs.

The Life of an Artist Explored In New Indie + Burt Bacharach Musical Revue

Gary Zidek

On this edition of The Arts Section, host Gary Zidek catches up with the filmmakers behind a Chicago-made indie film set to make its local premiere. Michael Glover Smith and Elizabeth Stam stop by to talk about their new movie, HEKLA. Theater critics Jonathan Abarbanel and Kathy Hey Gary to review a world premiere at Chicago Shakespeare that’s being directed by Jason Alexander. Later in the show, Gary talks to one of the singers in a new Burt Bacharach revue that’s come to Chicago after a run in New York.

Intuit Museum Thriving, Youth Jazz Ensemble DuPage + International Jazz Day

Gary Zidek

On this edition of The Arts Section, host Gary Zidek visits the Intuit Museum of Art a year after it reopened. The Chicago museum that celebrates outsider art is seeing its attendance numbers go up. The Dueling Critics, Kelly Kleiman and Jonathan Abarbanel, review Steppenwolf Theatre’s world premiere WINDFALL. Later in the show, Gary previews International Jazz City, which is being hosted in Chicago this year. And Gary profiles a suburban high school jazz ensemble that’s headed to New York for a national competition.

Dancing The Revolution Exhibit + Geoffrey Baer Looks Back at American Pop

Gary Zidek

On this edition of The Arts Section, host Gary Zidek visits the Museum of Contemporary Art’s new exhibit, DANCING THE REVOLUTION. The Dueling Critics, Kelly Kleiman and Jonathan Abarbanel, will join me to review a play titled POOR BEHAVIOR. Later in the show, Gary catches up with WTTW’s Geoffrey Baer to talk about his involvement in a new a cappella show on the history of pop music. And we’ll check out an exhibit in Elmhurst.

Producer Gives Recordings New Life + New Book Looks Back At Nintendo's History

Gary Zidek

On this editon of The Arts Section, host Gary Zidek talks to a record producer who’s found a niche searching for archived and sometimes forgotten jazz recordings, then gives them new life as official releases. His latest project involves the an archive in Chicago. The Dueling Critics, Kelly Kleiman and Jonathan Abarbanel, join Gary to review a play called the SUGAR WIFE. Later in the show, Gary catches up with the author of a new book about the history of Nintendo.

Tony Fitzpatrick-Inspired Exhibit + Theater of the Mind Opens

Gary Zidek

On this edition of The Arts Section, host Gary Zidek visits a Chicago gallery that’s set to open an exhibit that pays tribute to artist Tony Fitzpatrick’s influence on collage. The Dueling Critics, Kelly Kleiman and Jonathan Abarbanel, join Gary to review a new production of The Three Musketeers. Later in the show, we’ll preview David Bryne’s new theater experience that just opened in Chicago. And Gary catches up with the director of the documentary One Golden Summer, a film takes a new look at the rise and fall of the little league that brought the city together in the summer of 2014.

Paul Wertico & David Becker + Isabella Isherwood's Debut Album

Gary Zidek

On this edition of The Arts Section, host Gary Zidek catches up with renowned jazz musicians Paul Wertico and David Becker to talk about their new project, TUXEDO MAN. The Dueling Critics, Kelly Kleiman and Jonathan Abarbanel, join Gary to review THE JACKIE WILSON STORY. And Gary checks in with Chicago-based vocalist Isabella Isherwood, who is set to release her debut album this week.

Anti-Book Banning Graphic Novel + Wheaton Drama Turns 95

Gary Zidek

On this edition of The Arts Section, host Gary Zidek catches up with Evanston-based author Jarrett Dapier to talk about his new graphic novel, which was inspired by a real life protest against a book-banning effort in Chicago. The Dueling Critics, Kelly Kleiman and Jonathan Abarbanel, will join me to review the world premiere of WHITE ROOSTER. And later in the show, Gary profiles a suburban theater celebrating it’s 95th anniversary.

White Rooster Opens + Oscars Preview

Gary Zidek

On this edition of The Arts Section, host Gary Zidek checks in with Chicago-based theater artist Matthew C. Yee to talk about his new play, WHITE ROOSTER, that’s premiering at Lookingglass Theatre. The Dueling Critics, Kelly Kleiman and Jonathan Abarbanel, will join me to review TWO SISTERS AND A PIANO. Later in the show, Gary previews the 98th Oscars ceremony with Chicago-based film critic Janet Arvia.