Composer: John Adams Libretto: Alice Goodman

John Adams’ gripping, modern masterpiece transports audiences back to Beijing for the historic meeting of Nixon and Mao inside the heart of the tiger. On March 20th and March 28th, 2010, at the Terrace Theater in Long Beach, California, Long Beach Opera will present Nixon in China, America’s landmark opera by Pulitzer Prize and Grammy-winning composer, John Adams. In 1971, a game of ping pong brought China and America to opposite sides of a 9 foot table, but it wasn’t until after President Nixon and Chairman Mao Tse-Tung shook hands in 1972 that the gates of China opened to the modern world. John Adams describes Nixon in China as “part epic, part satire, part a parody of political posturing, and part serious examination of historical, philosophical, and even gender issues.” Through its dramatic music, striking choruses, colorful ballet, and brilliant lyrics, Nixon in China explores the inner thoughts of those who were there – Nixon, Kissinger, Mao Tse Tung, Chou En-Lai, Pat Nixon, and Madame Mao – emotions clash, and the intricate game of ping pong diplomacy is played once again.

Purchase tickets fo Nixon in China at Long Beach Terrace Theater