For author Luis Valdez, production of the play
”
Zoot Suit
”
this fall is of special significance. The play’s run at El
Teatro Campesino in San Juan Bautista marks the first time his
story of young Mexican Americans growing up in Los Angles during
World War II has graced a stage in the northern half of the
state.
For author Luis Valdez, production of the play “Zoot Suit” this fall is of special significance. The play’s run at El Teatro Campesino in San Juan Bautista marks the first time his story of young Mexican Americans growing up in Los Angles during World War II has graced a stage in the northern half of the state.
In addition, the play is being performed inside Teatro Campesino’s converted packing shed of a theater, a building that was only made possible by the play’s early successes.
Zoot Suit has won numerous awards and gained critical acclaim internationally. It was the first play by a Chicano to be produced on Broadway and went on to earn a Golden Globe Award nomination for “Best Musical Picture.”
For Valdez, a 30-year resident of San Juan Bautista, who went on to write and direct numerous other works including the film “La Bamba,” this production might be considered the culmination of a life in the theater. Amongst the cast and crew of distinguished thespians are a number of Valdez’ own children.
“Zoot Suit” opens Saturday at 8 p.m. and runs through Nov. 24. Tickets are $8 to $16 and are available by calling 831-623-2512. The playhouse is at 705 Fourth St. in San Juan Bautista. The box office is open Mon.-Fri. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
