The Gaslight Theater

Home to St. Louis Actors' Studio, live music and comedy.

358 N Boyle Ave St Louis, MO, 63108

Photo Galleries

The Gaslight Square in its heyday:

The Gaslight Theater Before Renovation:

Gaslight Square Images by John Goldston:

Music at the Gaslight:

Ronzo is a witty and charming documentary exploring the life and legacy of Ron Shapiro, affectionately known as Ronzo, who transformed Oxford, Mississippi, into a hub for art and creativity. As the soul of the Hoka Theater, Ronzo built more than a venue — he created a sanctuary for misfits, where music, films, poetry, and progressive ideas flourished. The Hoka became a launching pad for writers, artists, and musicians, including celebrated figures like John Grisham, Barry Hannah, Willie Morris, and the North Mississippi Allstars. It was a space where students from the University of Mississippi mingled with locals, blues legend Bobby Rush brought the house down, and counterculture icons like Abbie Hoffman and Allen Ginsberg passed through.

Ronzo’s impact extended beyond the theater as he bridged political divides and provoked thought through humor and empathy. His unconventional spirit influenced many artists, including Jim Dees, Joey Lauren Adams, Luther Dickenson, Tom Franklin, John T. Edge, and members of Wilco and Widespread Panic- to name a few. His legacy continues through Hoka Days, an annual celebration in his honor, culminating in a lively parade in Oxford. Though Ronzo’s death left a void, his influence remains, reminding us of the power of creativity, inclusion, and the arts in shaping communities.

Ronzo was filmed across several cities in the South and Midwest, including Kansas City, Chicago, St. Louis, Memphis, Oxford, Clarksdale, and New Orleans. The film is directed and produced by Kansas City native Jon Brick.

Ronzo is currently represented as a nonprofit project through the International Documentary Association (IDA), allowing supporters to make tax-deductible contributions in support of the film’s continued impact and outreach.