title: I Was Looking at the Ceiling and Then I Saw the Sky
text: # I Was Looking at the Ceiling and Then I Saw the Sky
  
  I Was Looking at the Ceiling and Then I Saw the Sky is a 1995 "song play" with music composed by John Adams and a libretto by June Jordan.
  
  ## Summary
  
  The story takes place in the aftermath of the 1994 earthquake in Los Angeles, and covers the reactions of all characters to the event.
  
  The main characters are seven young Americans all living in Los Angeles but from different social and ethnic backgrounds.
  
  ## Style
  
  According to the composer, the all song and ensemble piece is "a Broadwaystyle show" fused with gospel, pop ballad, the blues, doo-wop and popular song.
  
  