Saint Louis Dance Theatre & Jazz St. Louis Present
GASLIGHT DREAMS
Set to the music of The Nutcracker Suite by Ellington and Strayhorn
Made possible by the
W H I T A K E R F O U N D A T I O N
DECEMBER 18-19, 2026
Back by popular demand for the third year, our St. Louis holiday tradition is set against the backdrop of the historic Gaslight Square entertainment district. Choreographed and directed by Kirven Douthit-Boyd, this vibrant production is infused with jazz rhythms, transforming Tchaikovsky’s classic into a nightclub fantasy. Celebrating Billy Strayhorn’s genius, contemporary dance merges with live jazz to create a love story distinctively St. Louis. This collaboration with also includes a stunning set, designed by Peter and Margery Spack and constructed by The Muny’s Technical Theatre Training (T3) Program. Both acts have been refreshed for this year’s production!
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At the the Skip Viragh Center for the Arts
425 S Lindbergh Blvd, Frontenac, MO 63131
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VALET PARKING WILL BE AVAILABLE
Tickets range from $25 - $125 each
FRI, DEC 18
7:30pm Performance
Optional Add-On Experience:
Post-Show Champagne Toast
with Artist Talkback
SAT, DEC 19
2:00pm Performance
Optional Add-On Experience:
Pre-Show Live Jazz Brunch
SAT, DEC 19
7:30pm Performance
Optional Add-On Experience:
Post-Show Holiday Soirée
EXPERIENCE DANCE THEATRE & LIVE JAZZ
JAZZ ST. LOUIS
A National Leader in Jazz
The 18-piece Jazz St. Louis Big Band delivers electrifying performances featuring custom arrangements, ranging from Count Basie grooves to holiday favorites like Duke Ellington & Billy Strayhorn’s “The Nutcracker Suite.”
SAINT LOUIS DANCE THEATRE
St. Louis's Repertory Contemporary Dance Company
Led by Artistic Director Kirven Douthit-Boyd, Saint Louis Dance Theatre brings world-class artistry to the stage, captivating audiences with boundary-pushing contemporary dance.
WHAT THE PRESS IS SAYING
“Deserves to be seen by the whole world.”
- St. Louis American
“One of the most perfect evenings…I’ve ever spent in a theater!”
- Broadway World
In the news
The Stories Behind Gaslight Dreams
This production celebrates the intersection of St. Louis history, jazz royalty, and community collaboration. Explore the rich stories that inspired and built this unforgettable holiday experience.
THE MUSIC
Discover the relationship between Duke Ellington and Billy Strayhorn, whose genius transformed a holiday classic.
THE DESIGN
Learn how designers captured the magic of an era to create "a grand space of enchantment and wonder."
THE PLACE
Step back in time to 1950s Gaslight Square, the "Greenwich Village of the Midwest" and the historic setting for our story.
THE COMMUNITY
See how our partnership with The Muny's T3 Program brings the set to life while training the next generation of artists.
2026.2027 SEASON
Elements of Harmony
Presented by Paul and Kathleen Matecki
