Before Night Falls 

(World Premiere: Fort Worth Opera, 2010)

• *Named one of the Top Ten Classical Music Events of 2010 by theatrejones.com

Gay City News:

“There are many striking scenes…the dance sequences were erotic beyond Thomas Mann’s wildest Venetian dreams in their realization by John de los Santos.”

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Dallas Voice:

“Credit as well choreographer John de los Santos for tastefully but unflinchingly expressing the erotic discovery of gay romance in a way foreign to most opera — hell, most theater, period. For courage alone, Before Night Falls would warrant attention; happily, it wins on the merits of its production as well.”

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Opera-L:

“… the audience rose to its feet at the conclusion for repeated cheers and bravos for the entire cast as well as the superb production team…a sensual and beautifully choreographed ballet on the beach by John de los Santos.”

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D Magazine:

“John de los Santos’s staging of the extensive dance sequences distilled the essence of innocence, sensuality, and decadence present in Arenas’ narrative.”