Wes Mason as Reinaldo Arenas in Fort Worth Opera's "Before Night Falls" FOR THE WIN!

Last November, Opera Chic heard about Fort Worth Opera's intention to operafy Reinaldo Arenas's autobiography "Before Night Falls" for their 2010 Summer Festival, and she's been looking forward to the latest developments since.

Today we hear that lead Reinaldo Arenas will be portrayed by the young American baritone, Wes Mason (yummy headshot above).

Cuban-American composer Jorge Martín's new opera is based on the autobiography of Reinaldo Arenas, and was fabulously portrayed by Javier Bardem in Julian Schnabel's 2000 movie, "Before Night Falls". The opera will premiere in late May, 2010.

Comments

[renegade maestro]

He's hottttt! How old is he, OC?

[Orlando]

Will this opera make me bawl my eyes out like the movie? I'm looking forward to this.

[Yonax]

Are there no South Americans or Latinos or whatever the PC term is these days available to sing the lead? No offense to Wes Mason, but I'm a little perplexed.

[Constantine A. Papas]

Fort Worth's Bass Music Hall-home of the opera- although about 12 years young- has an old-world class atmoshere, architecturally and acoustically. The 20s Deco design and intimate acoustics make it a jewel for orchestral, chamber music and/or opera. It's also the home for the international Von Cliburn piano competition. I lived in FW for a short period of time, and I've attended several events at the Bass Hall for the performing arts. The expereance has been uforgettable.

[Rick Rack]

Oh come on, Yonax. So they should cast a legitimate Moor every time Otello is staged? I say bring on the gorgeous new talent!

[Littlehouse]

Can I just add some much needed appreciation for Director of the Fort Worth Opera, Darren K. Woods? In these scary days of greedy opera houses who can't manage to stay afloat, he's always thinking of sustainability and the best ways to support young talent. Cheers to the whole organization.

[Martha]

Wes Mason is 23 years old.

[Johnny B Good]

Oh my, he's way hotter than thug Bardem. I think I've fallen in love with the opera already. Thank you, OC, for keeping me up... to date.

[tim hill]

Hi OC, Wes is a great guy and I'm glad you think the headshot is yummy, as I took it.

www.timhillimages.com

[El Cajon]

He'd do before or after night falls.

[G Mason]

To all that think my son is hot. THANKS! I guess I can Cook pretty well.
We are all soooooo very proud!!!!!!!
Love Mom.

[Nancy Dobbins]

Way to go Wes! You have an awesome voice!

[Darren K. Woods, General Director]

Hey - since I did the casting for this, I wanted to address the casting of Wes in the title role. We did a workshop of the piece this summer in upstate New York. Wes sang the workshop and was never intended to sing the role in the premiere. However, his performance so moved both the composer and the director that they came to me and said, "Look, I know you were going to look for an established star for this role, but we believe that this young man already brings more to the role than we even thought possible and we would like you to consider him." Since we always do color blind casting, race was never considered - there are Latinos in the show by the way in substantial roles - rather, Wes' experience. Since I have known him and watched him grow over the past 5 years, I cast him after the conversation with the composer. I know he will be amazing.

[Vicki Trexler]

Can't wait to see Wes and the new Opera!

[Jessica]

Wes? Baby brother Wes?
Oh, this is bad. If you're old enough to be "hot" than I must be just plain "old."

I'm managing the Virginia Chorale- funny, eh? Small world. Many congrats.

Jessica