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I Was Looking at the Ceiling and Then I Saw the Sky

110

English

Synopsis

Set in 1990s Los Angeles before and after a devastating earthquake, the "songplay" follows seven young Angelenos whose lives intersect after a policeman (Mike) arrests a former gang leader. Their stories—encompassing romance, a criminal trial, and social struggle—unfold until the earthquake forces a moment of personal reckoning

Composer

John Adams

Lyricist / Librettist / Playwright

June Jordan

Year of composition/publication / premiere

1995

Genre

Other:

LGBTQAI+ category

Gay

Level of centrality

Main character

Characters

Mike

Voice type

Baritone

Pronouns

he/him

Publisher / Rights holder

Boosey & Hawkes (Hendon Music)

Where to buy / access the work

Performance materials are available for rental from Boosey & Hawkes. The original cast recording is available via Nonesuch Records.

Performance rights

For performance rights, please contact the composer and/or publisher to ensure legal compliance.