The iconic musical drama “Zoot Suit” tells the story of the 1942 Sleepy Lagoon murder and the reaction by the LAPD, which resulted in the arrest, trial, and imprisonment of a group of Mexican-American men without evidence, because they were “Mexican and dangerous.” This injustice was followed by a wave of incidents of violence against Latinos and other minorities in Los Angeles and cities all over America. Because of the penchant among those attacked for wearing extravagant long cut “zoot” suits, these attacks became known as the Zoot Suit Riots.
Learn more, and see related articles, at the Theater Arts website. Scroll down for dates and ticketing information.
Listen to Kinan Valdez's May 9 interview on KZSC FM with host Bruce Bratton on "Universal Grapevine."
“Zoot Suit” was written by Luis Valdez, a key figure in the Chicano Rights Movement. It premiered at the Mark Taper Forum in Los Angeles in 1978 to standing-room-only crowds and ran for a year before becoming the first play on Broadway written by a Chicano author. Valdez generated an acclaimed film version of the play, starring Edward James Olmos and Tyne Daly.
Now, in 2017, Valdez has created a new version of the play which opened in March at the Taper Forum to celebrate the 50th Anniversary of the Center Theatre Group. The revival was held over three times due to demand. UC Santa Cruz will be the first academic theater in the world to produce this new script. The production will be directed by UCSC faculty member and Luis’s son, Kinan Valdez.
“Zoot Suit” is a uniquely American play that comes at a uniquely American moment. Join UC Santa Cruz in celebrating the life and work of Luis Valdez, one of the most important playwrights of modern history, with this theatrical event.
Music by Lalo Guerrero here: (>listen to it here!)
[More music by Lalo Guerrero!]
* * * *
Performance & Ticket Information
May 26-27-28 and June 1-2-3-4
Thursday-Saturday at 7:30PM
Sundays at 3:00PM
Talk-backs after both Saturday performances.
Reserved seating.
Tickets on sale at UCSCtickets.com
Notices to audiences:
> The play is not recommended for young audiences.
> Includes partial nudity, on-stage violence, mature language, and adult themes.
> Theatrical fog and haze will be used.
$18 adult
$12 seniors (62+)
$12 students & youth
$12 UCSC staff and faculty w/ ID (up to 2 tickets)
$12 UCSC Alumni (w/ Alumni Association card)
$0 UCSC undergraduates w/ ID (1 free ticket per production)
Produced by special arrangement with El Teatro Campesino, San Juan Bautista, California
(original artwork courtesy Ignacio Gomez)
* * * *
Avoid the line, get your tickets online.
Print your tickets at home or send to your phone!
Create an account at UCSCtickets.com and purchase tickets in advance. Print tickets at home or send to your mobile device.
Ticket window opens 1 hour prior to start for those wishing to pick up tickets in line.
Theater doors open 30 minutes prior to the performance.
* * * *
We don't want you to miss anything!
Patrons not in their seats by 7:25pm (2:55pm for matinees) risk missing some or all of the first act. Please allow plenty of time.
Allow time to park, purchase a parking permit, pick up tickets at ticket window if needed, and be seated. If you arrive after the doors close, you will have to wait until intermission or for an appropriate pause in the performance.
The Mainstage has 521 seats and offers space for 2 wheelchairs with 1–3 guests each.
There is very limited seating that is accessible without stairs. Use Door 5 entry and select seats on Row J to avoid stairs.
Parking $4.