On this edition of The Arts Section, host Gary Zidek talks to the curator behind a new exhibit that looks back at Chicago’s history of great department stores. The Dueling Critics, Kerry Reid and Jonathan Abarbanel, stop by to review a new play that explores the importance of truth and storytelling. Later in the show, Gary takes you to a Chicago café/bookstore that’s dedicated to theater. And then Gary catches up with the author of a book all about HBO’s history.

On this edition of The Arts Section, host Gary Zidek takes you with on his visit to the new Disney 100 exhibit that just opened in Chicago. The Dueling Critics, Kerry Reid and Jonathan Abarbanel, join Gary for their annual holiday theater preview. Later in the show, Gary catches up with acclaimed film score composer John Debney to talk about the 20th anniversary of an immensely popular holiday film he scored. And we’ll hear about an exhibit that shines a light on one of Chicago’s largest ethnic populations.

On this edition of The Arts Section, host Gary Zidek catches up with a Chicagoan working to improve accessibility to the arts. Charlotte Gruman is also one of ten new 3Arts Award recipients. Theater critic Kerry Reid joins Gary to review Chicago Shakespeare’s new production of TWELFTH NIGHT. Later, we’ll hear about a local big band that’s taking things to new levels. And Gary talks to Chicago-based author Emma Noyes about the inspiration for her very personal new novel, GUY’S GIRL.

On this edition of The Arts Section, host Gary Zidek previews the new iteration of ART DESIGN CHICAGO, a yearlong initiative designed to support the city’s art and design legacies. I caught up with the Terra Foundation for American Art’s president/CEO to talk about the project. The Dueling Critics, Kerry Reid and Jonathan Abarbanel, stop by to review a new production of the musical version of YOUNG FRANKENSTEIN. Later in the show, Gary visits the Museum of Contemporary Photography to check out it’s latest exhibit titled LOVE: STILL NOT THE LESSER. And Gary previews a unique adaptation of THE DIVINE COMEDY that’s taking place at a historic Chicago theater.

Happy almost Halloween! On this edition of The Arts Section, host Gary Zidek takes you with on a backstage tour of one of Chicago’s oldest historic landmarks, the Auditorium Theatre. Lots of history inside the 130-plus-year structure. The Dueling Critics, Kerry Reid and Jonathan Abarbanel, stop by to review the Chicago premiere of the thought-provoking play TAMBO AND BONES. Later in the show, Gary catches up with author Laurence Leamer to talk about his new book HITCHCOCK’S BLONDES. And Gary takes a closer look at an exhibit that highlights the work of an influential, but sometimes forgotten architect and designer.

On this edition of The Arts Section, host Gary Zidek catches up with the author of an entertaining new book that looks at the enduring legacy of Siskel and Ebert. The Chicago critic team formed an unlikely team that ended up influencing the film industry forever. Speaking of critics, the Dueling Critics, Kerry Reid and Jonathan Abarbanel, join Gary to review a new musical that highlights the career of jazz legend Louis Armstrong. And later, Gary talks to Chicago magazine dining editor Amy Cavanaugh about the best pizzas in Chicago.

On this edition of The Arts Section, host Gary Zidek catches up with one of Chicago’s most talented chefs. Jason Hammel co-owns Lula Café and is the author of a captivating new cook book. The Dueling Critics, Kerry Reid and Jonathan Abarbanel, met in the ring to review Goodman Theater’s new lucha libre play. Later in the show, Gary sits down with one of the programmers of Chicago International Film Festival to talk about curating this year’s international features. And WDCB’s own Leslie Keros talks to saxophonist Maddie Vogler about her new album.

On this edition of The Arts Section, host Gary Zidek catches up with two of the dancers in Joffrey Ballet’s new production of FRANKENSTEIN. The Dueling Critics, Kerry Reid and Jonathan Abarbanel, join Gary to talk about a new musical adaptation of Bret Easton Ellis’ once controversial novel AMERICAN PSYCHO. Later in the show, Gary looks back at the history of the Fine Arts Building as it turns 125. And saxophonist Shawn Maxwell joins Gary in studio to talk about his latest album, J-TOWN SUITE, which was inspired by his hometown of Joliet.

On this edition of The Arts Section, host Gary Zidek takes a closer look at a local hub for outsider art. The Dueling Critics, Kerry Reid and Jonathan Abarbanel, review an epic play about the rise and fall of one of the country’s largest financial firms. Later in the show, we’ll hear why banned books week has some extra significance this year. And Gary catches up with the general manager of the Music Box Theatre to preview a month of scary movies.

On this edition of The Arts Section, host Gary Zidek spotlights a new pilot program at Lyric Opera that aims to create a live music experience for people who are deaf or hard of hearing. The Dueling Critics, Kerry Reid and Jonathan Abarbanel, join Gary to talk about Trap Door Theater’s latest. Later in the show, Gary catches up with bestselling author Kerri Maher to talk about her new novel, ALL YOU HAVE TO DO IS CALL, which is set in 1970s Chicago. And Gary checks in with the director of Engage Chicago to learn about the results of a new survey of racial equity in the city’s arts landscape.