St. Louis’ Gaslight Square: Find Art, Jazz, and Dreams
Gaslight Square, St. Louis
In the heart of midcentury St. Louis, three magical blocks at the intersection of Olive and Boyle streets pulsed with creative energy. Known as the "Greenwich Village of the Midwest," Gaslight Square earned its name from the more than 100 gas-lit street lamps that cast their warm glow over this bohemian paradise. It's here, in this vibrant setting, that our reimagining of The Nutcracker unfolds.
During its heyday in the 1950s and early 1960s, Gaslight Square hummed with artistic possibility. The Crystal Palace, a
300-seat venue described as "a cross between a church and a movie palace, without the reverence," hosted performers who would become legendary: Barbra Streisand, Woody Allen, and the Smothers Brothers all graced its stage. Jazz floated from venues like The Dark Side, where vocalist Jeanne Trevor and the Quartette Trés Bien created unforgettable nights of music. Miles Davis recorded at Jorgie's Hip-Intertainment, while establishments like The Three Fountains and Kotobuki introduced St. Louisans to French and Japanese cuisine.
“You would love the Crystal Palace — stained glass windows, antique chandeliers, red velvet. I’m mad for it. They gave me an apartment above, all done in old washed down woods, marble sinks, enamel fireplace, sliding doors — really great! ”
The music and energy of Gaslight Square drew extraordinary talent night after night. Jazz flowed from legendary musicians like Miles Davis, who recorded at Jorgie's Hip- Intertainment, while Singleton Palmer and James Crutchfield brought their artistry to its stages. Audiences experienced the transformative power of live performance – the same magic that infuses our production's reimagining of Strayhorn's story.
While Gaslight Square's golden age was brief, St. Louis's passion for live performance has never dimmed. Today, you'll find artists and audiences gathering in venues throughout the city, from The Loop to downtown to Grand Center Arts District, where Saint Louis Dance Theatre and Jazz St. Louis make their home. As you experience our production, remember that you're part of St. Louis's vibrant performing arts community – one that continues to grow, innovate, and inspire.
