Former Steppenwolf producer to lead next year’s ‘fire festival’

July 18, 2013 – The Great Chicago Fire Festival, which will culminate in a “fire spectacle” along the Chicago River next year, has hired a producer.

Rebecca Rugg was artistic producer at Steppenwolf Theater Company. She is also on the faculty at the Yale School of Drama.

The citywide event, developed by the theater company Redmoon, will feature live music, acrobatics, “fantastical machines,” and a procession of illuminated fiberglass sculptures floating down the main branch of the river.

“Since moving to Chicago five years ago, I’ve continually been inspired by the neighborhoods’ vibrant, artistic culture,” said Rugg (left) in a news release on Thursday.

“It’s an honor to be invited to Redmoon to launch this giant citywide celebration of Chicago’s diverse communities.”

The festival will cost between $1.2 million and $1.8 million. The City of Chicago is helping with $100,000 – and in May, Redmoon received a $250,000 grant from ArtPlace America.