The Arts Section

Happy Holidays!

Gary Zidek

On this edition of The Arts Section, host Gary Zidek revisits a couple of his favorite pieces from the past year. Back in the summer, Gary got a chance to talk with actor Gary Sinise, we’ll listen to that. The Dueling Critics, Kelly Kleiman and Jonathan Abarbanel, joins Gary to review a new production of ANNIE that just opened on the North Shore. And we’ll hear all about a new book that explores the history of Chicago’s Fine Arts Building.

It's a Wonderful Life Radio Play, Drinking Tom & Jerrys + Shopping For Books

Gary Zidek

On this edition of The Arts Section, host Gary Zidek goes behind the scenes of a local production of IT’S A WONDERFUL LIFE: A LIVE RADIO PLAY. The classic film is the inspiration for this play within a play. The Dueling Critics, Kelly Kleiman and Jonathan Abarbanel, join Gary to review a new musical production of SISTER ACT. Later in the show, Gary visits a west suburban bookstore to get the scoop on what titles are on peoples’ wish lists this holiday season. And we’ll sit down for some Tom & Jerrys at a Chicago bar that specializes in the festive drink.

Actor Anthony Rapp Opens Holiday Show + New Book Celebrates Chicago's Holiday Train

Gary Zidek

On this edition of The Arts Section, host Gary Zidek catches up with theater and film star Anthony Rapp to talk about his new holiday cabaret show opening in Chicago. The Dueling Critics, Kelly Kleiman and Jonathan Abarbanel, join to Gary review a new production of GASLIGHT. Later in the show, Gary checks in with photographer Daniel Moreno, who just released a new photo book all about Chicago’s holiday trains. And we’ll go inside an exhibit at the Loyola Museum of Art that’s become a tradition this time of year.

Seuss-Inspired Holiday Comedy + MCA Conversation Exhibit

Gary Zidek

On this edition, host Gary Zidek talks to the star of an R-rated holiday comedy that’s back for a fifth consecutive year. The Dueling Critics, Kelly Kleiman and Jonathan Abarbanel, join Gary to a review a new production of MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING. Later in the show, Gary talks to artist/curator Pablo Helguera about his new exhibit at the Museum of Contemporary Art. And Gary takes a closer look at Christmas play that tells the story of one family over the course of 90 years.

Chicago Architecture Biennial + Morton Arboretum Lights Up

Gary Zidek

On this edition of The Arts Section, host Gary Zidek catches up with two of the women who shaped the Chicago Architecture Biennial. The Dueling Critics, Kelly Kleiman and Jonathan Abarbanel, joins Gary for their annual holiday theater preview. Later in the show, Gary visits the Morton Arboretum for a behind the scenes look at its annual Illumination experience. And we’ll hear about a holiday concert with a local twist.

New Book Revisits Farnsworth House + Thanksgiving History

Gary Zidek

On this edition of The Arts Section, host Gary Zidek catches up with author Nora Wendl to talk about her new book that offers a different perspective on the woman behind the now iconic Farnsworth House. The Dueling Critics, Kelly Kleiman and Jonathan Abarbanel, join Gary to review a new production of AMADEUS. Later in the show, Gary revisits a book that explores the origins of the holiday we now know as Thanksgiving.

Artist Andi Crist's New Exhibit + As You Like It Review

Gary Zidek

On this edition of The Arts Section, host Gary Zidek catches up with Chicago-based artist Andi Crist to talk about her new exhibition LIVE, LAUGH, LABOR. The Dueling Critics, Kelly Kleiman and Jonathan Abarbanel, join Gary to talk about a new production of AS YOU LIKE IT. Plus, a report on some new shows on Broadway. And Gary talks to the director of a documentary that tells the story of group of artists who set up a secret apartment inside their local mall for four years.

Cinematographer Roger Deakins, Lit & Luz Fest + Gabe Polsky

Gary Zidek

Today on the program, host Gary Zidek catches up with legendary cinematographer Roger Deakins to talk about his new book, a memoir-slash-cinematography guide. The Dueling Critics, Kelly Kleiman and Jonathan Abarbanel, will join Gary to review a new version of Tracy Letts’ SUPERIOR DOUGHNUTS. Later in the show, Gary talks to filmmaker Gabe Polsky about his new documentary, an outside the box look at an eccentric man who believes he’s been chosen by ancient prophecies to help indigenous peoples’ save the Amazon rain forests. And we’ll hear about a cross-cultural festival that brings together artists from Chicago and Mexico.

David Byrne Theater Project, Joffrey Gets Funky + Black Harvest Film Festival

Gary Zidek

On this edition of The Arts Section, host Gary Zidek has the story behind alt rock legend David Byrne’s immersive theater project that’s coming to Chicago next year. The Dueling Critics, Kelly Kleiman and Jonathan Abarbanel, join Gary to review a play inspired by a chapter from Bram Stroker’s Dracula. Later in the show, Gary catches up with choreographer Chanel DaSilva to learn more about her Chicago set world premiere WABASH AND YOU. Evanston based musician Lindsay Anderson stops by to talk about her new album. And Gary previews this year’s Black Harvest Film Festival with fest curator jada-amina.

7-Eleven Becomes Music Venue, Lillstreet Art Center Turns 50 + Suburban Oddities

Gary Zidek

On this edition of The Arts Section, host Gary Zidek takes you inside a former 7-Eleven that’s now a music venue on the northside of Chicago. The Dueling Critics, Kelly Kleiman and Jonathan Abarbanel, join Gary to review the world premiere play HUNDREDS AND HUNDREDS OF STARS. Later in the show, Gary profiles a Chicago arts center celebrating its 50th anniversary. And he’ll visit a suburban oddities & curiosities shop that’s unlike anywhere you’ve been before.