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My name is Gary Zidek. Welcome to The Arts Section. Tune into the radio program every Sunday morning on WDCB 90.9 & 90.7 FM or listen to it online here. I'll be showcasing a variety of arts & entertainment stories.

The Dueling Critics Review Steppenwolf Theatre's Provocative DOWNSTATE

The Dueling Critics Review Steppenwolf Theatre's Provocative DOWNSTATE

The Dueling Critics, Jonathan Abarbanel and Kelly Kleiman, applaud Bruce Norris’ new play DOWNSTATE.

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The Dueling Critics, Kelly Kleiman and Jonathan Abarbanel, review Steppenwolf Theatre's production of DOWNSTATE.

“I would say to all our listeners, ‘do not miss this one’.

I agree … meaty, intellectual, smart, and worth seeing and worth talking about for hours on end.” - Jonathan Abarbanel and Kelly Kleiman in agreement about seeing Steppenwolf Theatre’s DOWNSTATE.

Pictured (L to R) ensemble members Francis Guinan, K. Todd Freeman and Tim Hopper in Steppenwolf’s world premiere production of DOWNSTATE. Photo by Michael Brosilow.

Pictured (L to R) ensemble members Francis Guinan, K. Todd Freeman and Tim Hopper in Steppenwolf’s world premiere production of DOWNSTATE. Photo by Michael Brosilow.

Steppenwolf Theatre Company opens its 2018-19 season with a new work from Pulitzer Prize-winning ensemble member Bruce Norris. The production, DOWNSTATE, is a co-commission with the National Theatre of Great Britain. Some people are using descriptors like, controversial and provocative, to describe the production. Norris has written a play that dives deep into the way society treats those convicted of sex crimes against minors.

Pictured (L to R) ensemble member Tim Hopper, Aimee Lou Wood and ensemble member Glenn Davis. Photo by Michael Brosilow.

Pictured (L to R) ensemble member Tim Hopper, Aimee Lou Wood and ensemble member Glenn Davis. Photo by Michael Brosilow.

Both Kelly and Jonathan strongly recommend the DOWNSTATE.

Steppenwolf’s production of DOWNSTATE is running through November 11 in the Upstairs Theatre.

Later on, Jonathan recommends Victory Gardens Theater’s production of INDECENT and the Critics discuss a fellow theater critic’s new gig.

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