The Arts Section WDCB's Gary Zidek

On this edition of The Arts Section, host Gary Zidek takes you with to Wheaton-based Cantigny to check out the park’s two new D-Day inspired exhibitions. The Dueling Critics, Kelly Kleiman and Jonathan Abarbanel, join Gary to review a world premiere play that will be the last at a longtime Chicago theater space. Later in the show, Gary talks to the president of the Chicago Scots about the 38th annual Scottish Festival and Highland Games. And he’ll chat with the author of a book dedicated to celebrating character actors from Hollywood’s golden age.

On this edition of The Arts Section, host Gary Zidek sits down with Lyric Opera general director Anthony Freud, who is retiring after a long career in the arts. The Dueling Critics, Kelly Kleiman and Jonathan Abarbanel, joins Gary to review a new thought-provoking play that looks at the potential impacts of AI. Later in the show, Gary highlights some programs aimed at kids this summer. He visits a new Bluey experience in Chicago and catches up with the artist behind a new exhibit in Elmhurst that highlights the popular PBS show Donkey Hodie.

On this edition of The Arts Section, host Gary Zidek visits the National Indo American Museum to check out its new exhibit on the roots of the Desi community in North America. The Dueling Critics, Kelly Kleiman and Jonathan Abarbanel, join Gary to talk about Lifeline Theater’s production of NATIVE SON. Later in the show, Gary looks back at the history of the Rhinoceros Theater Festival as it celebrates year 35. And we’ll hear from a Chicago-based artist turned woodworker.

On this edition of The Arts Section, host Gary Zidek revisits some of his favorite pieces. Plus, the return the Kelly Kleiman to the Dueling Critics. Gary takes you with to the Chicago History Museum to check out an exhibit all about the city’s Polish community. We’ll hear from local author and cartoonist Sophie Lucido Johnson to learn more about her creative process. The O.G. Dueling Critics, Kelly Kleiman and Jonathan Abarbabnel, are back together to review a stage adaptation of GODS AND MONSTERS. And later in the show, we’ll take an upclose look at the immersive theater production PORT OF ENTRY.

On this edition of The Arts Section, host Gary Zidek sits down with Classic Cinemas CEO Chris Johnson to talk about the current state of the cinema business and preview the upcoming summer movie season. Theater critic Jonathan Abarbanel joins Gary to review Steppenwolf Theatre’s THE THANKSGIVING PLAY. Later in the show, Gary takes a look at this year’s Chicago Cabaret Week. And we’ll hear about a book that looks at the history of the AACM.

On this edition of The Arts Section, host Gary Zidek catches up with a member of the Grammy-winning ensemble Third Coast Percussion to talk about the group’s upcoming 20th anniversary. Gary previews the Cut to the Chase One Act Play Festival that’s coming up this week. The Dueling Critics are off this week, but we’ll revisit an interview with critic Jonathan Abarbanel. Later in the show, host Gary Zidek talks to celebrated vocalist Lizz Wright about her new album and connection to Chicago. And we’ll hear all about a local non-profit committed to helping artists with intellectual and developmental disabilities.