Zoot Suit 1979

Opened: March 25, 1979
Closing: unknown

Zoot Suit - 1979 - Broadway History , Info & More

Winter Garden Theatre (Broadway)
1634 Broadway New York, NY 10019

It’s Los Angeles, Calif., the years 1942 to 1943. The war in the Pacific is in full gear, American big band music has young people at home dancing up a storm and the Zoot Suit is the uniform of choice for Chicano gangs on the streets of Los Angeles. One August morning a young Chicano boy is found bloody and beaten by the side of a road near a county reservoir. His death leads to the indictment of a local Chicano gang and the infamous Sleepy Lagoon Murder Trial, a kangaroo court fanned by media hysteria. When the verdict is announced the Zoot Suit riots begin, and the mythical mystical figure of El Pachuco is born.



Playwright Luis Valdez is America’s greatest Latino playwright. “Zoot Suit” is his masterpiece – a muscular mix of historical fact and agitprop fiction. Featuring a cast of 33 actors/singer/dancers and a live orchestra playing hot Latin Jazz form the 1940’s, “Zoot Suit” is a not-to-be-missed classic filled with swagger and swing.

Zoot Suit - 1979 - Broadway Cast

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Bernadette Peters & Lea Salonga Will Lead STEPHEN SONDHEIM'S OLD FRIENDS in LA and on Broadway
by Joshua Wright - Apr 8, 2024


Center Theatre Group (CTG) announced today the North American premiere of Stephen Sondheim’s Old Friends, starring Bernadette Peters (Gypsy, Annie Get Your Gun) and Lea Salonga (Miss Saigon, Here Lies Love), and directed by Sir Matthew Bourne (Swan Lake, My Fair Lady), playing at the Ahmanson Theatre from February 8—March 9, 2025. 

​​​​​​Berkshire Theatre Group Announces Casting For Late Summer 2022 Season
by A.A. Cristi - Jun 9, 2022


​​​​​​Berkshire Theatre Group has announced casting for shows in BTG’s Late Summer 2022 Season. The full season will feature B.R.O.K.E.N code B.I.R.D switching, a world premiere play and an award recipient of the GRANTS FOR ARTS PROJECTS from the National Endowment for the Arts; Once, a Tony Award-winning musical; Songs For a New World, the first musical by a Tony Award winner; Dracula, a classic gothic tale of horrors; and Edward Albee's Seascape, a Pulitzer Prize-winning play. 

Michael Ritchie Announces Retirement From Center Theatre Group
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Jun 10, 2021


Michael Ritchie announced that he will retire as Artistic Director of Center Theatre Group on December 31, 2021. Having taken over the position from Founding Artistic Director Gordon Davidson in January, 2005, for more than 16 years, Ritchie has led one of the country’s largest nonprofit regional theatres, producing and presenting 266 productions.

BAMcinématek To Explore the Work of Chicano Filmmakers March 16 - 22
by Macon Prickett - Feb 13, 2018


From Friday, March 16 through Thursday, March 22 BAMcinématek explores the work of Chicano and Chicana filmmakers. The Chicano Movement of the 1960s was a time of Mexican-American political activism and a cultural renaissance in which Chicano filmmakers were emboldened to tell their own stories. The filmmakers who emerged in the 1970s and 80s represented a community that had been ignored in mainstream cinema. The series begins with trailblazing writer-director Luis Valdez, who marched on the picket lines with Caesar Chavez and Dolores Huerta, debut film Zoot Suit (1981—Mar 16), the film adaptation of the stage musical about the 1940s Los Angeles Zoot Suit Riots, was also the first Mexican-American film to be produced by a major studio. The series also includes Valdez's musical biopic of rock 'n' roll legend Ritchie Valens La Bamba (1987—Mar 17). The series also includes three films directed by Gregory Nava: El Norte (1983—Mar 18), the first independent film to be nominated for the Oscar for Best Original Screenplay, about a brother and sister who escape political violence in Guatemala to make a new life for themselves in America; Mi Familia (1995—Mar 22), which follows three generations of a Mexican-American family in Los Angeles and starring Jimmy Smits; and Selena (1997—Mar 17), the biopic of Selena Quintanilla that made Jennifer Lopez a star.    

Old School 105.7's Love Affair Concert Brings Romantic Old School Hits To Orleans Arena
by A.A. Cristi - Jan 26, 2018


Celebrated disco, R&B, soul and funk entertainers from the 1970s and 1980s, including GQ, Zapp, Tierra, Force MD's, Atlantic Starr, The Delfonics, The Deele, Heatwave, The Chi-Lites, and The Floaters, will perform their best-loved hits at the 105.7 Old School Love Affair Concert at the  Orleans Arena on Saturday, Feb. 10.

Director/Producer Richard Jay-Alexander to Chat Show Business Career in Miami Beach
by BWW News Desk - Oct 26, 2017


Miami Beach welcomes renowned director/producer Richard Jay-Alexander for a no-holds-barred evening, launching the new series called 'A conversation with . . .' The inaugural event features Richard alongside his friend of 30 years, Lee Brian Schrager, at the Jewish Museum of Florida-FIU today, October 26, from 7:00-9:00 p.m.

Director/Producer Richard Jay-Alexander to Chat Show Business Career in Miami Beach
by BWW News Desk - Oct 11, 2017


Miami Beach welcomes renowned director/producer Richard Jay-Alexander for a no-holds-barred evening, launching the new series called 'A conversation with . . .' The inaugural event features Richard alongside his friend of 30 years, Lee Brian Schrager, at the Jewish Museum of Florida-FIU on Thursday, October 26, from 7:00-9:00 p.m.

Date Announced for BMA Gala, Richard Jay-Alexander Named Honorary Chair
by Julie Musbach - Oct 1, 2017


Executive Director, Connor Deane announced today that the third annual BROADWAY SINGS gala would be held on Monday, November 27 at the historic Westport Country Playhouse. Broadway Method Academy is a non-profit musical theater-training program where young artists are linked with working Broadway professionals, both in the classroom and on-stage. The academy serves at resident conservatory to Westport Country Playhouse.

ZOOT SUIT Extends for Third and Final Time at the Taper
by BWW News Desk - Feb 21, 2017


Due to continued extraordinary ticket sales and resounding critical response, Center Theatre Group is announcing a third and final one-week extension for the run of Luis Valdez's "Zoot Suit' at the Center Theatre Group/Mark Taper Forum.

Photo Flash: Eva Longoria and More Fete ZOOT SUIT on Opening Night at the Taper; Plus Curtain Call!
by BWW News Desk - Feb 13, 2017


Due to extraordinary ticket sales, Center Theatre Group's 'Zoot Suit' has announced a second one-week extension. Performances will now continue through March 26, 2017, at the Mark Taper Forum. Previews for 'Zoot Suit' began January 31. Written and directed by Luis Valdez, 'Zoot Suit' is presented in association with El Teatro Campesino. BroadwayWorld has photos from Sunday's opening festivities below!

Starry PICASSO AT THE LAPIN AGILE Opens Tonight at The Old Globe
by BWW News Desk - Feb 9, 2017


The Old Globe presents a revival of Steve Martin's clever and crowd-pleasing comedy hit Picasso at the Lapin Agile.

Center Theatre Group to Host Six Community Conversations for ZOOT SUIT
by BWW News Desk - Feb 8, 2017


Center Theatre Group will host six Community Conversations for 'Zoot Suit,' which returns to the Mark Taper Forum to celebrate Center Theatre Group's 50th Anniversary. This series of panel conversations on selected nights throughout the run will be open to the public and feature local thought leaders in dialogue about the context, issues and ideas finding voice on our stages.

Philippe Bowgen, Donald Faison, Hal Linden, Justin Long, Luna Velez and More Tapped for PICASSO AT THE LAPIN AGILE at The Old Globe; Cast, Creatives Set!
by BWW News Desk - Feb 4, 2017


The Old Globe today announced the complete cast and creative team for its revival of Steve Martin's clever and crowd-pleasing comedy hit Picasso at the Lapin Agile.

Center Theatre Group to Host Six Community Conversations for ZOOT SUIT
by BWW News Desk - Feb 1, 2017


Center Theatre Group will host six Community Conversations for 'Zoot Suit,' which returns to the Mark Taper Forum to celebrate Center Theatre Group's 50th Anniversary. This series of panel conversations on selected nights throughout the run will be open to the public and feature local thought leaders in dialogue about the context, issues and ideas finding voice on our stages.

Daniel Valdez and Rose Portillo to Return for ZOOT SUIT at the Taper; More Cast Announced!
by BWW News Desk - Jan 31, 2017


Jeanine Mason, Rose Portillo, Daniel Valdez and Jeremy Ray Valdez will join the previously announced Demian Bichir in the cast of Center Theatre Group's production of 'Zoot Suit' at the Mark Taper Forum, which begins previews January 31, opens February 12 and continues through March 12, 2017. Written and directed by Luis Valdez, 'Zoot Suit' is presented in association with El Teatro Campesino.

ZOOT SUIT Extends at Mark Taper Forum; ARCHDUKE Pushes Opening
by BWW News Desk - Jan 10, 2017


Rehearsals have barely begun and Center Theatre Group is already announcing a one-week extension for 'Zoot Suit,' due to strong ticket sales.

Philippe Bowgen, Donald Faison, Hal Linden, Justin Long, Luna Velez and More Tapped for PICASSO AT THE LAPIN AGILE at The Old Globe; Cast, Creatives Set!
by BWW News Desk - Jan 6, 2017


The Old Globe today announced the complete cast and creative team for its revival of Steve Martin's clever and crowd-pleasing comedy hit Picasso at the Lapin Agile.

Daniel Valdez and Rose Portillo to Return for ZOOT SUIT at the Taper; More Cast Announced!
by BWW News Desk - Dec 9, 2016


Jeanine Mason, Rose Portillo, Daniel Valdez and Jeremy Ray Valdez will join the previously announced Demian Bichir in the cast of Center Theatre Group's production of 'Zoot Suit' at the Mark Taper Forum, which begins previews January 31, opens February 12 and continues through March 12, 2017. Written and directed by Luis Valdez, 'Zoot Suit' is presented in association with El Teatro Campesino.

ZOOT SUIT Celebrates its Return to the Mark Taper Forum
by Rebecca Russo - Nov 23, 2016


'Zoot Suit' was originally commissioned and developed by Center Theatre Group, playing for nearly a year in Los Angeles first at the Taper from August 6 to October 1, 1978, then from October 10, 1978, through July 1, 1979, at the Aquarius in Hollywood. It went on to become Broadway's first Chicano play, was made into a major motion picture and became a cultural phenomenon.

Demian Bichir to Star as 'El Pachuco' in ZOOT SUIT at the Taper
by BWW News Desk - Nov 17, 2016


International stage and screen star Demian Bichir (Tarantino's 'The Hateful Eight,' FX's 'The Bridge,' Showtime's 'Weeds' and Soderbergh's 'Che') is set to play the indelible role of El Pachuco in Center Theatre Group's production of 'Zoot Suit' at the Mark Taper Forum, with previews beginning January 31, opening set for February 12 and performances continuing through March 12, 2017.

Center Theatre Group to Host ZOOT SUIT Ticket On-Sale Bash
by BWW News Desk - Nov 18, 2016


Tickets for Center Theatre Group/Mark Taper Forum's production of 'Zoot Suit' go on sale Today, November 18, 2016, with a celebratory on-sale event from noon to 3 p.m. in front of the Ahmanson Theatre on the Music Center Plaza in downtown Los Angeles.

Center Theatre Group to Host ZOOT SUIT Ticket On-Sale Bash
by BWW News Desk - Nov 11, 2016


Tickets for Center Theatre Group/Mark Taper Forum's production of 'Zoot Suit' go on sale Friday, November 18, 2016, with a celebratory on-sale event from noon to 3 p.m. in front of the Ahmanson Theatre on the Music Center Plaza in downtown Los Angeles.

World Premieres by Rajiv Joseph & David Henry Hwang, Phylicia Rashad in HEAD OF PASSES Highlight CTG's 50th Season at Mark Taper Forum
by BWW News Desk - Jul 19, 2016


Center Theatre Group celebrates 50 years in the iconic Mark Taper Forum with the 2017-2018 season announced today by Artistic Director Michael Ritchie. The new season features five plays that represent the past, present and future of the theatre, plus a special immersive event on the streets of Los Angeles.

Sutton Foster, Seth MacFarlane, Marin Mazzie, Mandy Patinkin and More Slated for Boston Pops' 2016 Season
by BWW News Desk - Feb 19, 2016


We have a feeling Broadway fans are going to love the 2016 Boston Pops season, running May 6-June 18, under the direction of conductor Keith Lockhart. Featuring classic Boston Pops programming, including film scores of the silver screen, ballads from Broadway and the great American Songbook, classic rock anthems, and a Gospel Night spectacular, along with an impressive lineup of Boston Pops debuts, new programs that spotlight the best of the worlds of dance and puppetry, and the return of last year's audience favorite -- Pops On Demand: You Choose the Tunes -- the lineup features a slew of Broadway talent, including Sutton Foster, Mandy Patinkin, and Marin Mazzie & Jason Danieley.

TheatreWorks Closes the Curtain on SUNSETS AND MARGARITAS 4/4
by BWW News Desk - Apr 4, 2010


Cadillacs, caballeros, and some outrageous visitations combine for one spectacular birthday party when TheatreWorks, the nationally acclaimed theater of Silicon Valley, will end the West Coast premiere of the zany new comedy, SUNSETS AND MARGARITAS, by José Cruz González on April 4th.

Zoot Suit FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What productions of Zoot Suit have there been?
Zoot Suit has had 2 productions including Broadway which opened in 1979 and Broadway which opened in 1979.

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