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
With support from the PNC Foundation
Happy holidays!!!
I am delighted to welcome you to the collaboration of Jazz St. Louis and Saint Louis Dance Theatre for this unique interpretation of the Ellington/Strayhorn Nutcracker. The performance of Ellington & Strayhorn’s “The Nutcracker Suite” has been an annual tradition at the Steward Center, and we are very pleased to be able to present a new interpretation with our Grand Center Arts District partners, Saint Louis Dance Theatre.
The Nutcracker as reimagined by Duke Ellington and Billy Strayhorn, is a true masterpiece that seamlessly blends the classic Tchaikovsky score with the vibrant sounds of jazz. This innovative interpretation captures the essence of the holiday season while showcasing the creative genius of two jazz legends.
I am truly honored to be a part of this tradition, and I am thrilled to have the opportunity to perform for all of you tonight. I would like to extend my heartfelt thanks to each and every one of you for joining us in celebrating the holiday season with Jazz St. Louis and Saint Louis Dance Theatre. Your support and presence mean the world to us, and we are grateful for the opportunity to share this magical evening with you.
I hope you enjoy the performance and that it brings joy and cheer to your holiday celebrations. Thank you for being a part of our families and may the spirit of the season fill your hearts with warmth and happiness.
Warm regards,
Victor Goines
President and CEO of Jazz St. Louis
Dear Friends,
When Jazz St. Louis approached us about collaborating on their beloved holiday tradition - their presentation of Ellington and Strayhorn's “The Nutcracker Suite” - I knew immediately this was an opportunity to create something extraordinary for St. Louis. This marks Jazz St. Louis's 12th season performing this innovative score, but through our collaboration, we're reimagining the entire experience, weaving together live jazz and dance theatre in a production that celebrates both the city's rich cultural heritage and its creative future.
Our evening unfolds through two distinct acts: Syncopated Sophistication, an intimate exploration of holiday music, followed by Gaslight Dreams, our reimagining of The Nutcracker set in historic Gaslight Square. In this new narrative, we follow Stray, a gifted composer whose chance encounter with dancer Femi transforms both their lives. Through ten poetic movements crafted to honor Strayhorn's musical genius, we tell a story of artistic courage and authenticity. My deepest gratitude extends to Victor Goines and the Duke Ellington and Billy Strayhorn estates for trusting us to bring this deeply personal yet universal story to life.
This story resonates with me personally, yet speaks to a universal truth: love transforms us. When Stray finds his muse in Femi, we witness not just their love story, but the power of acceptance to unleash artistic potential. It's a reminder that behind every artist's journey are the people who believed in them, supported them, and helped them become who they were meant to be.
Kirven Douthit-Boyd
Artistic Director of Saint Louis Dance Theatre
GASLIGHT DREAMS
DECEMBER 19-20, 2025
AT SKIP VIRAGH CENTER FOR THE ARTS
Conducted by
Victor Goines
CHOreographed by
kirven douthit-boyd
ACT I: Sophisticated Syncopation
1 - Let It Snow! LET IT SNOW! LET IT SNOW!
Composed by Jule Stein (1905-1994).
Arranged by Victor Goines.
2 - The Quiet One
Composed and arranged by Victor Goines.
Dancers: Dave McCall (Fri 7pm, Sat 2pm), Demetrius Lee (Sat 7pm)
3 - Jingle Bells
Composed by James Pierpont (1822-1893).
Arranged by Victor Goines.
4 - Nubian War Dance
Composed and arranged by Victor Goines.
Dancer: Nyna Moore
5 - The Little Drummer Band
Composed by Katherine Kennicott Davis (1892-1990).
Arranged by Victor Goines.
6 - The Little Waltz
Composed and arranged by Victor Goines.
Dancer: Keenan Fletcher
7 - Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas
Hugh Martin (1914-2011).
Arranged by Victor Goines.
— — —
JAZZ ST. LOUIS SEPTET
Conductor: Victor Goines
Danny Campbell - trumpet
Jason Swagler - alto and soprano saxophones
Bennett Wood - saxophone
Dave Dicky - trombone
Adam Maness - piano
Bernard Terry - bass
Bernard Long, Jr. - drums
15-Minute Intermission
ACT II: GASLIGHT DREAMS
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Set against the vibrant backdrop of St. Louis's Gaslight Square entertainment district of the 1950s, Gaslight Dreams is a contemporary dance work choreographed to the enchanting music of Duke Ellington and Billy Strayhorn’s reinterpretation of The Nutcracker. With a narrative that draws inspiration from the life of musical genius Billy Strayhorn, this work immerses the audience in a world where love and artistry collide.
The story follows Stray, a passionate and ambitious musician with dreams of composing a masterpiece for the celebrated diva, Josephine Baker. After traveling to St Louis to catch her one-night-only revue at The Crystal Palace, he becomes captivated by Josephine’s sultry presence and the power of her chorus boys, particularly the charming and spirited dancer, Femi.
With Femi by his side, Stray finds the inspiration to pour his heart into a song that captures the essence of their love. Their creative process becomes a dance of its own—a vibrant interplay of movement and music that transcends the boundaries of societal norms. As Stray presents his heartfelt composition to Josephine, the performance becomes a celebration of not just his love for
Femi, but also the power of art to unite and inspire.Gaslight Dreams is a poignant exploration of love, ambition, and the pursuit of artistic truth. Through the lens of contemporary dance, it invites audiences to reflect on their own dreams and the courage it takes to chase them in a world that often imposes limits. In the end, Stray’s journey is not just about creating the perfect song; it is about discovering the harmony between love and art, resonating long after the final note fades.
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Stray (The Genius):
Femi (The Love):
Josephine (The Diva):
The Chorus Boys:
The Club Owner:
The Dame:
The Hostess:
The Girlfriends:
The Louisans:
The Cigs:
The Badge:
The Sipster:
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All sections are arranged by Victor Goines with the exception of “The Air Thick With Desire and Sweet Intoxication”
SAXOPHONES
Jason Swagler - alto saxophone
Harvey Lockhart - alto saxophone
Bennett Wood - tenor saxophone & clarinet
Kwanae Johnson - tenor saxophone
Kendrick Smith - baritone saxophone & bass clarinetTRUMPETS
Dustin Shrum
Brady Lewis
Anthony Wiggins
Danny CampbellRHYTHYM SECTION
Adam Maness - piano
Bernard Terry - bass
Bernard Long, Jr. - drumsTROMBONES
Dave Dickey
John Siddle
Eddie Clark
1 - IN THE SHADOW OF NIGHT, I SCRIBBLE MY DREAMS
“Overture” - Stray, Josephine
The Chorus Boys
2 - OF A VIBRANT DISTRICT WHERE MIXED CROWDS CONVENE
“Toot Toot Tootie Toot (Dance of the Reed-Pipes)”
The Chorus Boys, The Badge, The Hostess, The Girlfriends, The Cigs, The Sipster, The Louisans
3 - THE AIR THICK WITH DESIRE AND SWEET INTOXICATION
“Peanut Brittle Brigade (March)”
The Ensemble
4 - A VISION OF POWER AND RICH SENSATION
“Sugar Rum Cherry (Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy)”
Josephine, The Chorus Boys
5 - I FIND MYSELF LOST IN YOUR SULTRY GRACE
“Lush Life”
Stay
6 - TWO ARTISTS UNITE, OUR SPIRITS EMBRACE
“Entr’acte”
The Ensemble
7 - RAVENOUS CLUCKING OF CREATURES DIVINE
“Volga Vouty (Russian Dance)”
Josephine, Stray, The Louisans, The Dame, The Hostess, The Girlfriends
8 - PEN IN HAND, I SCULPT, I BUILD, I REFINE
“Chinoiserie (Chinese Dance)”
The Hostess, The Girlfriends, Stray, Femi, Josephine
9 - YOU ARE THE KEY TO THE DEPTHS OF MY SOUL
“Danse of the Floreadores (Waltz of the Flowers)”
Stray, Femi, The Ensemble
10 - WE ARE ALIGNED AND EVERYTHING’S WHOLE
“Arabesque Cookie (Arabian Dance)”
Stray, Femi, Josephine, The Ensemble
DANCERS
BUILDING DREAMS
Behind the Scenes of Gaslight Dreams
PRODUCTION DESIGN
JAZZ ST. LOUIS PRODUCTION TEAM
SAINT LOUIS DANCE THEATRE
Erin Prange, Executive Director
Kirven Douthit-Boyd, Artistic Director
Leonides D. Arpon, Rehearsal Director
Brandon Fink, Director of Education
Stephanie Lynch, Director of Marketing
Molly Rapp, Director of Operations
Megan Rancour, Studio Manager
Jorrell Lawyer-Jefferson, Development Coordinator
Kyla Kikkawa, Marketing Coordinator
Sadie Reimer, Trainee Program Assistant
CiCi Kai, Administrative Assistant
Shevaré Perry, Costume Design & Production
Nathali Rottier, Costume Production
Lisa Reimer, Costume Production
Zak Metalsky, Lighting Designer
Carly Vanderheyden, Digital Design
Tina Adams, Graphic Design
Kelly Pratt & Ian Kreidich, Photography
Henry Palkes, Company Pianist
THANK YOU TO OUR PARTNERS
Demetrius Lee, Dave McCall, Keenan Fletcher | Photography by Pratt + Kreidich at 21c Museum Hotel St. Louis | Artwork Featured: Fallen Fruit, The Way Out West
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Thank you to our SPONSORS
Regional Arts Commission
ARPA for the Arts
Ferring Family Foundation
Our Board of Directors