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The Arts Section spotlights creative people, events and ideas. Every week, WDCB's Gary Zidek shines a light on arts and culture in the Chicago area. The mission is to focus on stories within the arts community that aren't being told, with additional commentary and discussions on literature, music, film, food, special events and anything else creative.
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On this edition of The Arts Section, host Gary Zidek catches up with Evanston-based author Jarrett Dapier to talk about his new graphic novel, which was inspired by a real life protest against a book-banning effort in Chicago. The Dueling Critics, Kelly Kleiman and Jonathan Abarbanel, will join me to review the world premiere of WHITE ROOSTER. And later in the show, Gary profiles a suburban theater celebrating it’s 95th anniversary.
On this edition of The Arts Section, host Gary Zidek checks in with Chicago-based theater artist Matthew C. Yee to talk about his new play, WHITE ROOSTER, that’s premiering at Lookingglass Theatre. The Dueling Critics, Kelly Kleiman and Jonathan Abarbanel, will join me to review TWO SISTERS AND A PIANO. Later in the show, Gary previews the 98th Oscars ceremony with Chicago-based film critic Janet Arvia.
On this edition of The Arts Section, host Gary Zidek catches up with acclaimed actor Amy Landecker to talk about her new film, FOR WORSE, which she wrote, directed and starred in. The Dueling Critics join Gary to review a new play set in the immediate aftermath of the covid pandemic. Later in the show, Gary talks to the choreographer behind a new climate-focused dance program set to make its Chicago premiere.
On this edition of The Arts Section, host Gary Zidek catches up with the director behind a thought-provoking new documentary that puts a spotlight on a southern town grappling with its dark history. The Dueling Critics join Gary to review a world premiere titled PIVOT. Later in the show, Gary checks in with Chicago-based filmmaker & author Michael Glover Smith to talk about his new book BOB DYLAN AS FILMMAKER: NO TIME TO THINK. And we’ll visit a suburban music school that’s continues to grow.
On this edition of The Arts Section, host Gary Zidek talks to the filmmaker behind a new public video art project that utilizes old home movies to create something new. The Dueling Critics join Gary to review a new production of an acclaimed play from the early 80s. Later in the show, Gary takes a closer look at WTTW’s new documentary series FIRSTHAND, which is putting a spotlight on democracy this season. And we’ll hear all about what’s on display at the Chicago Architecture Biennial which is open for another week.
On this edition of The Arts Section, host Gary Zidek catches up with the Joffrey Ballet’s artistic director to talk about the company’s legacy as it turns 70 and to preview its upcoming winter program. The Dueling Critics join Gary to review a new version of old rom-com, Goodman Theater’s new production of HOLIDAY. Later in the show, Gary checks in with a program director at the Donnelley Foundation to discuss some of the challenges local small arts organizations are facing right now. And we’ll visit a Tiffany Lamps exhibit.
On this edition of The Arts Section, host Gary Zidek catches up with celebrated theater artist David Girolmo to learn more a new Irish musical he’s directing. Gary also sits down with theater critic Jonathan Abarbanel for a conversation about his life as a critic. And later, we’ll check in with local jazz vocalist Alyssa Allgood to talk about her new release and what’s next.
On this edition of The Arts Section, host Gary Zidek catches up with artist Kelli Connell to talk about a new two part exhibit of her work at the Elmhurst Art Museum. The Dueling Critics will join me to review a new production from A RED ORCHID THEATER. Later in the show, we’ll learn all about one of the country’s premiere ice sculpting businesses that just so happens to be located in the suburbs.
On this edition of The Arts Section, host Gary Zidek has all the details of International Jazz Day 2026. Chicago will host the global celebration of jazz this year. Illinois Govenor JB Pritzker, Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson, and jazz legend Herbie Hancock were among the luminaries at a Jazz Day launch event. Theater Critics, Kelly Kleiman and Kathy Hey, join Gary to review Timeline Theater’s EUREKA DAY. Later in the show, Gary revisits his conversation with celebrated producer and musician Don Was.
On this edition of The Arts Section, host Gary Zidek previews the latest installment of a Chicago orchestra’s annual Martin Luther King Jr. tribute concert. Gary also revisits a suburban man who is responsible for some of the most candid photos that exist of the late civil rights leader. Later in the show, Gary catches up with Chicago-based vocalist Paul Marinaro to talk about his new album, MOOD ELLINGTON. And we’ll hear what the Dueling Critics have to say about a new play titled THE UNKNOWN VARIABLE.
On this editon of The Arts Section, host Gary Zidek takes a closer look at a new exhibit that highlights the ways spirituality influences authors. Later in the show, we enter awards season, Gary spotlights hist top 10 movies of the past year. Films didn’t make as much money as expected, but the quality was there. And we’ll hear what the Dueling Critics, Kelly Kleiman and Jonathan Abarbanel, have to say about Steppenwolf Theater’s latest.
Happy New Year! On this edition of The Arts Section, host Gary Zidek takes a look back at 2025. First up, food critic Nick Allen discusses his favorite new restaurants that opened in 2025. The Dueling Critics, Kelly Kleiman and Jonathan Abarbanel, join Gary to talk about their favorite productions from the last 12 months. Later in the show, WDCB music director Paul Abella joins Gary to chat about his favorite jazz albums of 2025. And we’ll hear from local artist Andi Crist.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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