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

  • 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

  • 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

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 - NUBIAN WAR DANCE

Composed and arranged by Victor Goines
Dancer: Nyna Moore

2 - LET IT SNOW! LET IT SNOW! LET IT SNOW!

Composed by Jule Stein (1905-1994)
Arranged by Victor Goines

3 - THE QUIET ONE

Composed and arranged by Victor Goines
Dancers: Demetrius Lee (Fri 7:30pm, Sat 2pm), Dave McCall (Sat 7:30pm)

4 - HAVE YOURSELF A MERRY LITTLE CHRISTMAS

Hugh Martin (1914-2011)
Arranged by Victor Goines
Featuring vocalist Denise Thimes

5 - WINTER WONDERLAND

Hugh Martin (1914-2011)
Featuring vocalist Denise Thimes

6 - THE HOLIDAY WALTZ

Composed and arranged by Victor Goines
Dancer: Keenan Fletcher

7 - THE LITTLE DRUMMER BOY

Composed by Katherine Kennicott Davis (1892-1990)
Arranged by Victor Goines

— — —

JAZZ ST. LOUIS SEPTET

Danny Campbell - trumpet
Jim Owens - trombone
Jason Swagler - alto saxophones
Bennett Wood - tenor saxophone
Victor Goines - tenor saxophone and conductor
Adam Maness - piano
Bernard Terry - bass
Bernard Long, Jr. - drums

15-MINUTE INTERMISSION

ACT II: GASLIGHT DREAMS

  • 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.

  • Stray (The Genius): Demetrius Lee (Friday and Saturday 2pm), Dave McCall (Saturday 7:30pm)

    Femi (The Love): Keenan Fletcher

    Josephine (The Diva): Nyna Moore

    The Chorus Boys: Sergio Camacho, Spencer Everett, Keenan Fletcher, Demetrius Lee (Saturday 7:30pm), Dave McCall (Friday and Saturday 2pm)

    The Club Owner: Jorrell Lawyer-Jefferson

    The Hostess: Jada Vaughan

    The Girlfriends: AJ Joehl, Arpége Lundyn

    The Louisans: Gillian Alexander, Miles Ashe, Will Brighton, Julia Dawson, Angel Khaytyan, Sammy Lawson, SenSaSheri Maasera, Molly Rapp

    The Cigs: Sidney Cowles, Julia Lucarelli, Olivia Wilton

    The Badge: Sammy Lawson

    The Sipster: Ja’Don Hamilton

  • All sections are arranged by Victor Goines with the exception of “The Air Thick With Desire and Sweet Intoxication”

    SAXOPHONES
    Jason Swagler - alto and soprano saxophone
    Harvey Lockhart - alto saxophone
    Bennett Wood - tenor saxophone & clarinet
    Kwanae Johnson - tenor saxophone
    Kendrick Smith - baritone saxophone

    TRUMPETS
    Dustin Shrum
    Dawn Weber
    Anthony Wiggins
    Danny Campbell

    RHYTHM SECTION
    Adam Maness - piano
    Bernard Terry - bass
    Bernard Long, Jr. - drums

    TROMBONES
    Dave Dickey
    John Siddle
    Jim Owens
    Eddie Clark

    SPECIAL VOCALIST
    Denise Thimes

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 Ensemble

3 - A SULTRY PLACE IS YOUR EMBRACE

“Just a-Sittin’ and a-Rockin”
The new loves

4 - THE AIR THICK WITH DESIRE AND SWEET INTOXICATION

“Peanut Brittle Brigade (March)”
The Ensemble

5 - A VISION OF POWER AND RICH SENSATION

“Sugar Rum Cherry (Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy)”
Josephine, The Chorus Boys

6 - I FIND MYSELF LOST IN YOUR SULTRY GRACE

“Lush Life”
Stray

7 - TWO ARTISTS UNITE, OUR SPIRITS EMBRACE

“Entr’acte”
The Ensemble

8 - RAVENOUS CLUCKING OF CREATURES DIVINE

“Volga Vouty (Russian Dance)”
Josephine, Stray, The Louisans, The Dame, The Hostess, The Girlfriends

9 - PEN IN HAND, I SCULPT, I BUILD, I REFINE

“Chinoiserie (Chinese Dance)”
The Hostess, The Girlfriends, Stray, Femi, Josephine

10 - YOU ARE THE KEY TO THE DEPTHS OF MY SOUL

“Danse of the Floreadores (Waltz of the Flowers)”
Stray, Femi, The Ensemble

11 - WE ARE ALIGNED AND EVERYTHING’S WHOLE

“Arabesque Cookie (Arabian Dance)”
Stray, Femi, Josephine, The Ensemble

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BUILDING DREAMS: BEHind the scenes of gaslight dreams

JAZZ ST. LOUIS

Victor Goines, President & CEO
Hannah Kimbrough, Executive Assistant
Cynthia Danley, Director of Development
Claude Bond IV, Development Associate
Stephanie L. Hemphill, Director of Finance & Accounting
Kimberly Mayden, Director of Marketing
Mallory Leslie-So, Marketing Engagement Associate
Barbara Hirschfeld, Grants Manager
Carmen Moore, Associate Director of Patron Services & Artist Administrator
Julia Knarr, Floor Manager & Box Office Manager
Megan Moore, Floor Manager
Diana West, Box Office Associate
Garron Orzco, Box Office Associate
Adaron “Pops” Jackson, Director of Education & Community Engagement
Dr. Travis Lewis, Education Manager & Finance Analytics Specialist
Bernard Terry, Education Associate
Paul Hennerich, Technical Director & Audio Producer
Patrick Skinner, Audio & Video Engineer
Sam Swaine, Production Technician
Ron Alexander, Facility Maintenance Manager

MUSICIANS

  • Denise Thimes

  • Victor Goines

  • Daniel Campbell

  • eddie clark

  • Dave Dickey

  • Kwanae Johnson

  • Harvey Lockhart

  • Bernard Long JR.

  • Adam Maness

  • Jim Owens

  • dustin shrum

  • John Siddle

  • Kendrick Smith

  • Jason Swagler

  • Bernard Terry

  • Dawn Weber

  • Anthony Wiggins

  • Bennett wood

Learn More

PRODUCTION DESIGN

SET AND PROJECTION
Margery Spack
Peter Spack

LIGHTING
Zak Metalsky

COSTUMES
Shevaré Perry
Brandin Vaughn

POSTER & KEY ART
Pratt & Kreidich

THE MUNY T3 PROGRAM
Nicole Frankenberg
Jahlil Terrell
Thoams Clayton
Tori Barnhart
Austin Gildehaus
Kaylee Michelle Schoolcraft
Rymiah Henson
Aubrie Clark
Frances Canales
Jessica Ford
Mariah Creighton

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, Marketing Consultant
Jorrell Lawyer-Jefferson, Development Coordinator
Molly Rapp, Director of Operations
Megan Rancour, Studio Manager
Sadie Reimer, Trainee Program Assistant
Kyla Kikkawa, Content Creation
Jada Vaughan Social Media Assistant
Lily Rich, Social Media Intern
Shevaré Perry, Costume Design & 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

DANCERS

  • Gillian Alexander

    >>>

  • Miles Ashe

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  • Will Brighton

    Will Brighton

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  • Sergio Camacho

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  • Spencer Everett

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  • Keenan Fletcher

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  • AJ Joehl

    AJ Joehl

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  • Angel Khaytyan

    >>>

  • Demetrius Lee

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  • Arpège Lundyn

    >>>

  • SenSaSheri Maasera

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  • Dave Mccall

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  • Nyna Moore

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  • Megan Rancour

    Megan Rancour

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  • Molly Rapp

    Molly Rapp

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  • Jada Vaughan

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  • Jorrell Lawyer-Jefferson

    Guest Artist
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  • JA'DON HAMILTON

    Guest Artist from MADCO
    Former STLDT Trainee
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  • SIDNEY COWLES

    Guest Artist from MADCO
    Former STLDT Trainee
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  • Sammy Lawson

    First-Year Trainee
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  • Olivia Wilton

    First-Year Trainee
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  • Julia Dawson

    Second-Year Trainee
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  • Julia Lucarelli

    Second-Year Trainee
    >>>

Demetrius Lee, Dave McCall, Keenan Fletcher | Photography by Pratt + Kreidich at 21c Museum Hotel St. Louis | Artwork Featured: Fallen Fruit, The Way Out West

Thank you to our production SPONSORS