City of Angels: Musical Information & Synopsis
Synopsis
City of Angels offers a unique blend of two interwoven narratives. The “real” world unfolds in black and white, following the story of a private detective named Stone as he investigates a crime in 1940s Los Angeles. Simultaneously, the “reel” world comes to life in color, portraying the making of a Hollywood film based on Stone’s adventures. As the two worlds intersect, City of Angels explores themes of truth, illusion, and the blurred lines between fiction and reality.
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Musical Information
Musical Type: Late 20th Century (1989)
Cast Size: 25+
Genre: Comedy / Mystery / Spoof
Setting: 1940s / USA (California)
Creative Team
Music: Cy Coleman
Lyrics: David Zippel
Book: Larry Gelbart
Awards
Drama Desk Award: Outstanding Musical (1990)
Laurence Olivier Award: Best New Musical (1994)
New York Drama Critics’ Circle: Best Musical (1990)
Tony Award: Best Musical (1990)
Cast Albums
Original Broadway Cast (1990)➝
Licensing
City of Angels is available to license through Concord Theatricals.
UK Licensing
USA/Canada Licensing
Resources
Sheet Music: Amazon➝
Tags
1980s, Comedic, Detectives, Jazz, Large Cast, Mystery, Non-Linear, Original, Spoof, Sports, Tony Award
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Last Reviewed: March 9, 2026