On this edition of The Arts Section, host Gary Zidek talks to one of the chairs of the National Hellenic Museum’s popular Trial series, which explores a contemporary issue by looking at the past. The Dueling Critics, Kerry Reid and Jonathan Abarbanel, join Gary to review Court Theater’s latest. Later in the show, Gary takes you inside Chicago’s newest performing arts venue, a loft in the Andersonville neighborhood. And we’ll hear about the history of one Chicago’s oldest performing arts venues.

On this edition of The Arts Section, host Gary Zidek previews the phenomenon that is tomorrow’s solar eclipse. The Dueling Critics, Kerry Reid and Jonathan Abarbanel, join Gary to review a new play that tells the story of a young woman who falls in love with a Dairy Queen sign. Later in the show, Gary chats with the program director at the Donnelley Foundation about how small arts organizations are still figuring out how to navigate life post pandemic. And we’ll take a closer look at the traveling Disney Exhibit that’s in Chicago for one more week.

Happy Easter! On this edition of The Arts Section, host Gary Zidek takes you inside the Newberry Library to check out its new exhibit on one of Chicago’s hottest nightspots in the 50s & 60s. The Dueling Critics, Kerry Reid and Jonathan Abarbanel, join Gary to review the much-talked about world premiere at Steppenwolf Theater, PURPOSE. Later in the show, we’ll hear about an exhibition at a suburban museum that shines a light on what life was like on the homefront during WWII. And Gary revisits his interview with Louis Gossett Jr., the award-winning actor passed away last week.

On this edition of The Arts Section, host Gary Zidek has a story about a unique collaboration between a west suburban art gallery and a Department of Energy research laboratory. The Dueling Critics, Kerry Reid and Jonathan Abarbanel, review a new Sondheim musical tribute. Later in the show, Gary talks to the owner of a new small business that’s participating in Women-focused arts initiative in Wheaton. And we’ll revisit an interview with acclaimed jazz artist Terri Lyne Carrington.

On this edition of The Arts Section, host Gary Zidek catches up with the new artistic director of Lookingglass Theater to talk about the company’s plans for the future, after taking an almost year-long pause. The Dueling Critics, Kerry Reid and Jonathan Abarbanel, join Gary to review a play about the origins of Alcoholics Anonymous. Later in the show, Gary chats with the author of a new book that dives into the history Miles Davis’ landmark album KIND OF BLUE. And we’ll hear about an exhibit that celebrates a nostalgic piece of local history.

On this edition of The Arts Section, host Gary Zidek talks to the composer behind a song cycle that combines music, poetry and history. The project titled SONGS IN FLIGHT is set to make its local premiere in Wheaton this week. The Dueling Critics, Kerry Reid and Jonathan Abarbanel, join Gary to review the world premiere of the new play WIPE OUT. Later in the show, Gary catches up with noted academic Jonathan Katz to discuss a new queer art coffee table book that he edited. And we’ll hear about a documentary that looks at the challenges facing independent cinemas.

On this edition of The Arts Section, host Gary Zidek previews the 96th Academy Awards ceremony. It looks like Oppenheimer will be getting a lot of gold. The Dueling Critics, Kerry Reid and Jonathan Abarbanel, will join me to review American Blues Theater’s local premiere of THE RECLAMATION OF MADISON HEMINGS. Later in the show, we’ll hear all about a unique tradition in Park Ridge, where parents have put on a fundraising variety show for the past 70 years.

On this edition of The Arts Section, host Gary Zidek catches up with Chicago artist Maryam Taghavi to talk about her new exhibit at the Museum of Contemporary Art. The Dueling Critics, Kerry Reid and Jonathan Abarbanel, stop by to review a new, intimate production of THE BAND’S VISIT. Later in the show, Gary talks to the director of documentary that puts a spotlight on a forgotten Black television pioneer. And we’ll hear about a Chicago non-profit’s efforts to inject some resources into the local arts sector.

On this edition of The Arts Section, host Gary Zidek catches up with Chicago Shakespeare Theater’s new artistic director Edward Hall. He’s taken the creative reigns after the company’s founder Barbara Gaines stepped down last year. Gary checks in with local jazz musician Shawn Maxwell to talk about his new Joliet-inspired album. Later in the show, the Dueling Critics, Kerry Reid and Jonathan Abarbanel, review a new interpretation of Shakespeare’s RICHARD III. And Gary previews a new contemporary art exhibit at the Driehaus Museum that was inspired by Greek mythology.

On this edition of The Arts Section, host Gary Zidek catches up with author Doug Preston to talk about the unique literary project he helped put together. Preston and Margaret Atwood recruited over 30 of the world’s most popular fiction writers to work on a collaborative novel called FOURTEEN STORIES. The Dueling Critics, Kerry Reid and Jonathan Abarbanel, join Gary to review Gift Theatre’s latest and discuss the recently announced non-equity Jeff Award nominations. Later in the show, Gary takes a closer look at Chicago Shakespeare Theatre’s new Sufjan Stevens-inspired production, ILLINOISE. And we’ll highlight some local Lunar New Year activities.