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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.

Choreographer Extraordinaire Back In Chicago

Choreographer Extraordinaire Back In Chicago

WDCB’s Gary Zidek catches up with renowned choreographer Christopher Wheeldon on a recent visit to Chicago.

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Christopher Wheeldon Discusses The Nutcracker & MJ Musical
Gary Zidek

A scene from Joffrey Ballet’s THE NUTCRACKER (photo credit: Cheryl Mann).

It’s been six years since acclaimed choreographer Christopher Wheeldon reimagined the Joffrey Ballet’s holiday staple THE NUTCRACKER. The world renowned dancemaker was tapped to create a new Nutcracker for the Chicago-based ballet company several years ago. Wheeldon created a bright, ambitious program set during the 1893 World’s Fair. The Joffrey has changed performance venues in the intervening years, moving to the Lyric Opera House last year after years at the Auditorium Theater. Wheeldon was back in Chicago this week to fine tune certain of the elements of the program. And he’ll likely be back in Chicago next summer, when his Tony Award-winning production exploring the artistry of Michael Jackson opens here.

A scene from Joffrey Ballet’s THE NUTCRACKER (photo credit: Cheryl Mann).

The Joffrey Ballet’s THE NUTCRACKER is running now through December 27 at the Lyric Opera House. You can find more information at joffrey.org

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Saxophonist Dave Koz Continues Holiday Tradition

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