The Night Falls – A Dance Opera
A new American mythology that asks if art and community can successfully combat nihilism and despair.

The American Opera Project
The American Opera Project has been at the forefront of the contemporary opera movement for over 30 years through the commissioning, developing, and producing of opera and music-theatre projects.
Troy Schumacher
Choreographer, Director
Karen Russell
Co-Librettist
Mila Henry
Music Director
June 1, 2020
June 30, 2021
- Project Created By
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Project Location
Brooklyn, New York
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Composer
- Key Collaborators
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Project Dates
Start Date
June 1, 2020End Date
June 30, 2021
The Night Falls – A Dance Opera
A new American mythology that asks if art and community can successfully combat nihilism and despair.
The Night Falls is a new dance-driven blend of dance, opera, and musical theater choreographed and directed by Troy Schumacher (NYC Ballet), with book and lyrics by Karen Russell (Swamplandia!), music and lyrics by Ellis Ludwig-Leone(San Fermin), and set design by Jason Ardizzone-West (Jesus Christ Superstar, NBC).
At times of great crisis, the Sirens emerge from the depths. They sing to the lonely, the desperate, the lost. Isolated people across America begin to hear a dangerously beautiful music in their sleep—a song that spirals toward oblivion. Its shattering pitch sends their souls into exile, dividing the part of them that wants to live from the part that longs to fall. Staged for 8 dancers, 8 singers, and musical ensemble, The Night Falls will run approximately 90 minutes with no intermission.

Liz Larin Live ‘Sound & Light’ at Trinity House Theatre
Trinity House Theatre, 38840 Six Mile Rd, Livonia, MI 48152