On this edition of The Arts Section, host Gary Zidek takes a closer look at two new opera productions taking the stage in Chicago that both share an interesting backstory. The Dueling Critics, Kelly Kleiman and Jonathan Abarbanel, join Gary to review Goodman Theatre’s INHERIT THE WIND. Later in the show, we’ll hear from New Philharmonic music director Kirk Muspratt as he looks back at 20 years leading the suburban orchestra. And Gary talks with the executive artistic director of the Hyde Park Jazz Festival about some of the challenges the fest is facing.

On this edition of The Arts Section, host Gary Zidek catches up with the multi-talented filmmaker and musician Haroula Rose. Her new movie, ALL HAPPY FAMILIES, opened in theaters this weekend. Gary sits down with Chicago Shakespeare Theatre artistic director Edward Hall to talk about his new interpretation of HENRY V. Later in the show, theater critic Kelly Kleiman joins Gary to review Drury Lane’s new production of THE AUDIENCE. And Gary highlights the work of a local non-profit theater company that’s been presenting Gilbert and Sullivan operettas for the past 60 years.

On this edition of The Arts Section, host Gary Zidek sits down with trumpeter and composer Joe Clark to talk about his latest project, a jazz comic book series. The Dueling Critics, Kelly Kleiman and Jonathan Abarbanel, joins Gary to review the world premiere play THE HOUSE OF IDEAS. Later in the show, Gary catch up with the executive producer of WTTW’s popular CHICAGO STORIES series, which is set to kick off a new season this week. And we’ll hear from Chicago-based artist Alberto Aguilar.

On this edition of The Arts Section, host Gary Zidek catches up with muralist Rafael Blanco. A new exhibit of his vibrant work just opened in the west suburbs. The Dueling Critics, Kelly Kleiman and Jonathan Abarbanel, join Gary to preview all the productions they’re looking forward to seeing this autumn. And we’ll revisit a conversation with author Aaron Cohen where we talked about his Ramsey Lewis biography.

Happy Labor Day Weekend! On Today’s program, host Gary Zidek talks to best-selling author Kerri Maher about her latest book. The Dueling Critics, Kelly Kleiman and Jonathan Abarbanel, join Gary to talk about Red Twist Theater’s new production of THE NORMAL HEART. Later in the show, Gary catches up with Chicago playwright Mark Pracht to talk about his new work, a play that highlights a piece of comic book history. And Gary takes you with to far west suburban Batavia to check out an arts center that’s celebrating 15 years of making the arts more accessible.

On this edition of The Arts Section, host Gary Zidek sits down with artist Ellie Vergura to talk about her first solo exhibit, ARDOR, and her journey to becoming a painter. The Dueling Critics, Kelly Kleiman and Jonathan Abarbanel, join Gary to review a new stage adaptation of NETWORK. Later in the show, Gary catches up with the CEO of Classic Cinemas as one of the company’s theaters prepares to celebrate its 100th anniversary. And I’ll talk to the author of a book that explores Alfred Hitchcock’s complicated relationships with some of his leading ladies.

On this edition of The Arts Section, host Gary Zidek talks to the co-directors of an affecting new documentary (SUGARCANE) that explores a series of atrocities that occurred at a Canadian school for indigenous children. The Dueling Critics, Kelly Kleiman and Jonathan Abarbanel, join Gary to review Second City’s latest revue and talk about some of the city’s longer running productions. And later in the show, Gary catches up with comedian Paul Mecurio, the Late Show writer and performer will be presenting his Broadway show, PERMISSION TO SPEAK in Chicago-area this week.

On this edition of The Arts Section, host Gary Zidek has the latest on the public art project known as the Wasbash Lights that’s set to make its debut after10 years of planning. The Dueling Critics, Kelly Kleiman and Jonathan Abarbanel, join Gary to review a musical adaptation of Lewis Carrol’s classic Alice in Wonderland. Later in the show, Gary takes you to the Newberry Library to check out a new exhibit on influential Chicago columnist Mike Royko. And I’ll talk to a local filmmaker about his latest documentary that follows a candidate’s Congressional campaigns.

On this edition of The Arts Section, host Gary Zidek catches up with acclaimed theater artist Terry Guest to talk about his upcoming project, an adapted children’s book that deals with the impact on families with an incarcerated parent. Guest won a Joyce Award this week for adapting MILO IMAGINES THE WORLD. The Dueling Critics, Kelly Kleiman and Jonathan Abarbanel, join Gary to review Chicago Shakespeare’s much anticipated musical version of Lord of the Rings. And Gary revisits his interview with Lyric Opera’s outgoing general director, who is retiring after 30 years in the arts.

On this edition of The Arts Section, host Gary Zidek catches up with vocalist Emmy Bean to talk about the intriguing story of Connie Converse, a musician who by all accounts was ahead of her time. Bean and a group of Chicago-based musicians will pay tribute to Converse with a special performance. The Dueling Critics, Kelly Kleiman and Jonathan Abarbanel, reviewed Steep Theatre’s production of A CASE FOR THE EXISTENCE OF GOD. Later in the show, Gary revisits his interview with chef Jason Hammel, the co-founder of Chicago’s renowned Lula Cafe.

On this edition of The Arts Section, host Gary Zidek sits down with the director of the Wheaton Municipal Band as he celebrates 45 years leading the group. The Dueling Critics, Kelly Kleiman and Jonathan Abarbanel, join Gary to talk about Oak Park Festival Theatre’s production of ROMEO & JULIET. Later in the show, Gary visits the DuPage Historical Museum to check out its new exhibit on Presidential Encounters. And we look back at the life and career of Oak Park native and comedy legend Bob Newhart.

On this edition of The Arts Section, host Gary Zidek catches up with artist Alberto Aguilar to talk about his creative process and his new solo exhibition, GRID LUCK. The Dueling Critics, Kelly Kleiman and Jonathan Abarbanel, joined Gary to review the Goodman Theater’s much-talked about world premiere, MIDNIGHT IN THE GARDEN OF GOOD AND EVIL. Later in the show, Gary talks to the person behind a new film series that aims to shed light on local Black filmmakers. Plus, a review of the new French language film, LAST SUMMER. And WDCB’s Dan Bindert interviewed local musicians, Fareed Haque and Goran Ivanovic.

On this edition of The Arts Section, host Gary Zidek talks to the co-founders of the Physical Theater Festival a decade after he caught up with them before the first edition of the fest. It’s still going strong. The Dueling Critics, Kelly Kleiman and Jonathan Abarbanel, join Gary to review a new play titled ZACK EFRON. And later in the show, Gary revisits a piece he did on a fun exhibition that looks back at the heyday of a popular Chicago nightspot.

On this edition of The Arts Section, host Gary Zidek previews Drury Lane’s new production of AIN’T MISBEHAVIN’. We’ll hear from director E. Faye Butler. The Dueling Critics, Kelly Kleiman and Jonathan Abarbanel, join Gary to review Steppenwolf Theater’s much anticipated world premiere starring Laurie Metcalf, LITTLE BEAR RIDGE ROAD. Later in the show, we’ll hear about a new jazz singing competition taking place in July. And Gary visits a suburban exhibit that looks back at life in the Chicago-area during World War II.

On this edition of The Arts Section, host Gary Zidek has details on a big art exhibit coming to the western suburbs next summer. The Dueling Critics, Kelly Kleiman and Jonathan Abarbanel, reviewed a new play that mines 80s & 90s nostalgia for comedy. Later in the show, Gary looks at the history of Little Orphan Annie, who is turning 100 this summer. A new exhibit is shining a light on the character’s long history. And we’ll hear from the author of a book that dives into the history of one of the country’s most popular bourbons.

Happy Father’s Day! On this edition of The Arts Section, host Gary Zidek catches up with vocalist and pianist Bryan Eng to talk about his new album and evolving creative interests. The Dueling Critics, Kelly Kleiman and Jonathan Abarbanel, join Gary to review a new production of A LITTLE NIGHT MUSIC. Later in the show, Gary visits the circus. We’ll hear from a third-generation member of Circus Vazquez. And we’ll check in with the departing executive director of the Elmhurst Art Museum.

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.