On this edition of The Arts Section, host Gary Zidek talks to the author of a new book that explores Chicago’s North Shore. The Dueling Critics, Kerry Reid and Jonathan Abarbanel, join Gary to discuss Shattered Globe Theater’s new production, FLOOD. Later in the show, Gary previews the Grammy Awards, which will be given out tonight. And Gary catches up with the executive director of a suburban theater company that’s presenting a rarely produced musical this month.

On this edition of The Arts Section, host Gary Zidek catches up with filmmaker Clare Cooney to talk about her new movie, DEPARTING SENIORS. The horror/comedy that was shot in Chicago opens later this week. Theater critic Kerry Reid joins Gary to talk about Porchlight Music Theatre’s revival of ANYTHING GOES. Later in the show, Gary talks to author Rachel Koller Croft about her debut novel, STONE COLD FOX. Plus, a look at a report that explores equity in Chicago’s arts secctor.

On this edition of The Arts Section, host Gary Zidek takes you inside the Elmhurst Art Museum, which just opened two new exhibits that take inspiration from John Coltrane’s A LOVE SUPREME. Theater critic Kerry Reid stops by to review a revival of play that premiered in Chicago 20 years ago. Later in the show, Gary catches up with artist and retired bartender Sergio Mayora to talk about a new book that celebrates his poster art. And later we’ll vist a unique shop that’s been drawing customers with fresh popcorn for over a hundred years.

On this edition of The Arts Section, host Gary Zidek previews the 6th Chicago International Puppet Theater Festival. We’ll hear from Fest founder & artistic director Blair Thomas. The Dueling Critics, Kerry Reid and Jonathan Abarbanel, look ahead to the theatrical productions their most looking forward to seeing this winter. Later in the show, Gary catches up with musician and filmmaker Haroula Rose to talk about her new movie, ALL HAPPY FAMILIES. And we’ll revisit a feature on a local photographer behind some rare photos of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

On this edition of The Arts Section, host Gary Zidek talks to one of the founders of a local women’s jazz festival with big ambitions. The Dueling Critics, Kerry Reid and Jonathan Abarbanel, join me to review a new revue at the Second City. Later in the show, Gary presents my top 10 favorite movies 2023. Definitely some surprises on the list. And we go inside the Museum of Science and industry’s Pompeii exhibit.

Happy New Year Eve! On this edition of The Arts Section, host Gary Zidek looks back at 2023. We’ll revisit when Gary sat down with award winning chef and author Jason Hammel to talk about his new cook book. The Dueling Critics, Kerry Reid and Jonathan Abarbanel, discuss their favorite productions from the past year. And later, WDCB’s own Paul Abella and Leslie Kerros stop by to highlight their favorite jazz albums of 2024.

Happy almost Christmas! On this edition of The Arts Section, host Gary Zidek talks to the artistic director of American Blues Theater about the company’s new permanent home and it’s popular holiday production of It’s a Wonderful Life. The Dueling Critics, Kerry Reid and Jonathan Abarbanel, look back at the year in Chicago theater, highlighting some of the big developments of 2023. Later in the show, Gary takes you inside one of Chicago’s longest running holiday traditions at the Museum of Science and Industry. And we’ll hear from the owner of a local doll shop about the increased popularity of Barbie this year. Plus lots of holiday cheer!

On this edition of The Arts Section, host Gary Zidek previews a world premiere opening in Chicago that offers a new spin on a popular holiday favorite. He’ll talk to some of the people involved with SUGAR HILL: THE ELLINGTON/STRAYHORN NUTCRACKER. The Dueling Critics, Kerry Reid and Jonathan Abarbanel, joinGary to review a production of a new stage adaptation of DIAL M FOR MURDER. Later in the show, Gary takes you with to the Driehaus Museum to check out a new exhibit titled GLASS TO GARDEN. And he’ll catch up with the author of a book that dives into Chicago’s history of distilleries.

On this edition of The Arts Section, host Gary Zidek catches up with the playwright behind a holiday play that premiered in 1991 and is now back on stage after over 30 years. The Dueling Critics, Kerry Reid and Jonathan Abarbanel, join Gary for a double review of the Broadway-bound BOOP! THE MUSICAL and a much more intimate production titled ISLANDER. Later in the show, Gary reviews Emma Stone’s new film POOR THINGS. Gary takes a closer look the development of a holiday theater favorite. And we’ll talk from the author of a new novel about a spouse and best friend who hate each other.

On this edition of The Arts Section, host Gary Zidek sits down with the local theater artist behind a book and stage play that offers a different take on Dickens’ A CHRISTMAS CAROL. Writer-actor Tom Mula is interested in Jacob Marley’s POV. The Dueling Critics, Kerry Reid and Jonathan Abarbanel, stop by to review the new family friendly production EMMET OTTER’S JUG BAND CHRISTMAS. Later in the show, Gary catches up with Chicago-based artist Candace Hunter to learn more about her new exhibit, which was inspired by the writings of renowned sci-fi author Octavia E. Butler. And Gary talks to acclaimed conductor Richard Kaufman about what makes HOME ALONE’s score so special.