Saint Louis Dance Theatre and Jazz St. Louis Present Gaslight Dreams: set to The Nutcracker Suite by Ellington and Strayhorn
Holiday Collaboration Returns with New Title and Special Guest Performance by St. Louis Jazz Vocalist Denise Thimes
Dancers: Dave McCall, Spencer Everett, Nyna Moore, Keenan Fletcher and Sergio Camacho
ST. LOUIS, MO (Nov. 18, 2025) — Saint Louis Dance Theatre (STLDT) and Jazz St. Louis announce Gaslight Dreams: set to The Nutcracker Suite by Ellington and Strayhorn, the reimagined title for their acclaimed holiday collaboration deepens the production's connection to St. Louis's legendary Gaslight Square entertainment district. Following a successful debut last season, the production returns December 19-20, 2025, at the Skip Viragh Center for the Arts, featuring a special appearance by St. Louis jazz vocalist Denise Thimes.
Made possible by the Whitaker Foundation with support from the PNC Foundation, the two companies present Gaslight Dreams, establishing the collaboration as an annual holiday tradition for the city. The new title honors both the production's unique St. Louis-centric narrative and the historic Gaslight Square era, when the city's nightclub scene rivaled those of New York and Chicago. Set against this vibrant backdrop, Gaslight Dreams imagines a tale of love and music celebrating composer Billy Strayhorn's genius and a fateful meeting with the legendary Josephine Baker.
This year's production welcomes Denise Thimes, an acclaimed jazz vocalist and actress who has headlined iconic venues like the Blue Note Jazz Club in New York and shared stages with legends including Tony Bennett and David Sanborn. An eight-time recipient of the Woodie Award from the St. Louis Black Repertory, Thimes brings an authentic connection to the production's celebration of St. Louis's rich musical heritage.
"The collaboration between Saint Louis Dance Theatre and Jazz St. Louis allows us to bring the vibrant world of Gaslight Square to life in a way that feels connected to the very best of our city," said Kirven Douthit-Boyd, STLDT's artistic director and former principal dancer with the world-famous Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater. "We're celebrating artists who broke barriers with their talent, and that energy creates a truly joyful and inspiring holiday experience you won't find anywhere else."
Pairing live music by the Jazz St. Louis Big Band conducted by Jazz St. Louis President and CEO Victor Goines with Douthit-Boyd's choreography, Gaslight Dreams offers a sophisticated, sultry alternative to traditional holiday fare. The show's festive energy is matched by a stunning set created in collaboration with The Muny's T3 Program and designers Peter and Margery Spack, immersing audiences in the fantasy of a historic nightclub where St. Louis's musical past comes alive.
"This music tells a story," said Goines, a world-renowned saxophonist and longtime member of the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra. "We're not just playing notes; we're continuing a conversation that Ellington and Strayhorn started decades ago. The choreography connects with the music and vice versa, reminding us of the love affair between the two."
The return of Gaslight Dreams celebrates both the strength of the production and the power of collaboration between St. Louis's own world-class arts organizations. This production is a holiday celebration that is distinctively, and proudly, St. Louis.
Performance & Ticket Information
Gaslight Dreams: set to the Nutcracker Suite by Ellington and Strayhorn Presented by Saint Louis Dance Theatre and Jazz St. Louis
Dates & Times:
Friday, December 19, 2025 | 7:30 p.m.
Saturday, December 20, 2025 | 2:00 p.m.
Saturday, December 20, 2025 | 7:30 p.m.
Venue:
Skip Viragh Center for the Arts 425 S Lindbergh Blvd, Frontenac, MO 63131
Tickets:
Individual tickets range from $25 - $125 and are available at stldancetheatre.org/gaslight-dreams.
Season subscriptions are available at stldancetheatre.org/lovelanguages.
Youth Access Program tickets are available for qualifying youth programs. Visit stldancetheatre.org/yap for details.
Special Holiday Experiences:
Enhance your holiday celebration with one of our special add-on experiences for $50:
Champagne Toast & Artist Talkback: Friday, December 19, following the 7:30 p.m. performance.
With support from Tito's Handmade Vodka, the official spirits sponsor of Gaslight Dreams, enjoy festive Tito’s cocktails featured at our Holiday Brunch and Holiday Soirée.
Holiday Brunch: Saturday, December 20, before the 2:00 p.m. matinee.
Holiday Soirée: Saturday, December 20, following the 7:30 p.m. performance.
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About Saint Louis Dance Theatre
Saint Louis Dance Theatre is a premier professional dance company blazing new trails by interweaving the Gateway City's storied legacy into boundary-pushing contemporary performances. Combining world-class artistry with a bold vision, Saint Louis Dance Theatre champions inclusivity, collaboration, and artistic excellence. This fusion of purpose and passion positions Saint Louis Dance Theatre as a beacon for the spirit of St. Louis in every performance. With a grand vision of elevating St. Louis as a nationally recognized arts destination, Saint Louis Dance Theatre aims to deepen connections locally while showcasing the region's pioneering creative force on a national scale. For more information, visit stldancetheatre.org.
About Jazz St. Louis
Jazz St. Louis is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to lead our community in advancing the uniquely American art of jazz through performance, education, and community engagement. Each year, Jazz St. Louis presents over 270 performances in its internationally acclaimed concert series, held at one of the top three jazz venues in the country, known for its listening room. Its extensive education programs nurture leadership and cultural appreciation in the next generation of musicians and listeners throughout the greater St. Louis area. Students can participate in field trip experiences, hands-on training programs, in-school clinics and masterclasses, with curricular resources for teachers, all at no cost to participants. For more information, visit jazzstl.org.