Synopsis

Chicago, 1995: An intense heat wave has gripped the city with temperatures soaring above 100 degrees. 739 people die, mostly people who are poor, elderly, or minorities with nowhere to seek shelter. As the morgues overflow, the city’s emergency response team is called into question. The Mayor’s Office combats the criticism with a PR campaign that successfully turns the blame onto the victims and their families. As Chicago approaches the 20th anniversary of that summer, Heat Wave tells the story of the people who were made invisible, the hard working citizens who fought to uncover the truth and the resilient Chicago community that suffered, yet carried on.

Cold Basement Dramatics (Artistic Director, John Pagano) is a nonprofit, itinerant Chicago theatre company committed to telling the stories about the things that we hide from ourselves and others. Now in their 5th season, Cold Basement has been dedicated to producing shows that expose the truth and tell stories that have not been told. coldbasement.org

Content Advisory

Steppenwolf does not offer advisories about subject matter, as sensitivities vary from person to person.If you have any questions about content, age-appropriateness or stage effects(such as strobe lights or theatrical fog) that might have a bearing on patron comfort, please contact the box office at 312-335-1650.

Watch & Listen

Cast & Artists

The Artists

  • Directed by: Rinska Carrasco-Prestinary
  • Scenic and Properties Design: Julia Carusillo
  • Costume Design: Elsa Hiltner
  • Lighting Design: Rebecca A. Barrett
  • Composition and Sound Design: Jeffrey Levin
  • Projection Design: Paul Deziel
  • Choreographer: Claudia DiBiccari
  • Dramaturg: Jen Poulin
  • Casting Director: Casey Cunningham
  • Production Manager: Sarah Pickett
  • Technical Director: Matthew Carney
  • Film Director: Brian Kilborn
  • Assistant Director: Bex Marsh
  • Assistant Director: Hannah Sawicki
  • Assistant Dramaturg: Cassandra Schiano
  • Costume Assistant: Kristen Ahern
  • Properties Assistant: Zach Stinnett
  • Artistic Consultant: Edward Torres
  • Graphic Design: Liz Siedt
  • Photographer: Devon Marti
  • Stage Manager: Kathleen Dickinson </br>

Content Advisory

Steppenwolf does not offer advisories about subject matter, as sensitivities vary from person to person.If you have any questions about content, age-appropriateness or stage effects(such as strobe lights or theatrical fog) that might have a bearing on patron comfort, please contact the box office at 312-335-1650.