Amidst the backdrop of the ongoing pandemic, the Black Lives Matter uprisings, and an upcoming election, San Francisco is the stage for a new musical that captures a pivotal moment in history.
The musical, titled “The Day the Sky Turned Orange,” is a powerful work that reflects on the trials of 2020, including the day when wildfires turned the Bay Area sky an unsettling orange.
Directed by Rodney Earl Jackson Jr. of the San Francisco Bay Area Theatre Company (SFBATCO) and associate directed by Nikki Meñez from Z Space, this production encapsulates the collective experience of the community during a year filled with uncertainty and change.
Rodney Earl Jackson Jr., the artistic director of SFBATCO, described the show as a symbol of the times, saying, “What began as a kind of musical TED Talk meets concept album has evolved into a two-act world premiere for, of, and by the San Francisco Bay Area.”
Inspired by the events of Orange Skies Day on September 9, 2020, the musical has grown and transformed through music workshops, script readings, and public presentations. The journey began with its first staged musical reading at SFBATCO’s New Roots Theatre Festival two years prior, paving the way for this world premiere.
“The Day the Sky Turned Orange” features the musical talents of composer-lyricists Olivia Kuper Harris and David Michael Ott, as well as Vince Chan’s explosive choreography and playwright Julius Rea’s intricate narrative, which serves as a love letter to San Francisco during a tumultuous yet unifying chapter in the lives of its residents.
Composer and lyricist Olivia Kuper Harris expressed her excitement upon being approached to write her first musical in 2021.
She noted, “The Day the Sky Turned Orange doesn’t follow the mold of a traditional musical. The crux of the story is deeply existential, and I was inspired by that.”
The score reflects Kuper Harris and Ott’s diverse musical backgrounds and their intimate connection to the city, featuring a blend of R&B, soul, pop, and house music to portray San Francisco’s vibrancy.
Z Space’s Curatorial Director Nikki Meñez also highlighted the collaboration, stating that Z Space has a long history of nurturing bold new musicals like “Hundred Days” and “Weightless.” She emphasized the shared values between Z Space and SFBATCO in producing work that inspires change through resonant music and reflective storytelling.
The cast for “The Day the Sky Turned Orange” includes notable performers such as Sleiman Alahmadieh, Audrey Degon, Markaila Dyson, Janelle LaSalle, Roeen Nooran, Nina-Sophia Pacheco, Alexis-Nichole Pineda, and several others, showcasing a range of talent from the Bay Area theater community.
In total, the creative team is composed of various skilled individuals, among them Olivia Kuper Harris and David Michael Ott as composers and lyricists, Julius Ernesto Rea as playwright, and Rodney Earl Jackson Jr. as director. Other key contributors include Nikki Meñez, Vince Chan, Matt Fukui Grandy, and Aidaa Peerzada among others involved in various production roles.
The musical aims to serve as a poignant reminder of the importance of caring for our planet, communities, and ourselves during these challenging times.
With its premiere, “The Day the Sky Turned Orange” promises to be a thought-provoking experience that resonates deeply with audiences, reflecting the profound challenges and connections that emerged during one of the most crucial years in recent history.
image source from：broadwayworld
