Preview
  • Zoot Suit

  • By: Luis Valdez
  • Narrated by: full cast
  • Length: 1 hr and 52 mins
  • 4.6 out of 5 stars (79 ratings)

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Zoot Suit

By: Luis Valdez
Narrated by: full cast
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Publisher's summary

In 1943, Los Angeles exploded in the infamous Zoot Suit riots, provoked by the Sleepy Lagoon murder case that railroaded young Chicano gang members who happened to be in the wrong place at the wrong time. Valdez masterfully synthesizes fact and fiction, using the case to examine Chicano Zoot Suit culture of the '40s, prejudices, the role of the media in the judicial system, and Latino family culture. Passionate and provocative, Zoot Suit pulses with the beat of '40s Big Band Music and traditional Latin songs.

Starring (in alphabetical order):

Xochiquetzal Candelaria as Alice Bloomfield
Raul Cardona as Joey Castro, Marine
Daniel Chacon as Tommy Roberts, Cub Reporter, Sailor
Estrella Esparza as Della Barrios
Spencer Garrett as The Press, Prosecutor
Ruben C. Gonzalez as Smiley Torres, Rafas, Swabie
Gregory Itzin as George Shearer
Alma Martinez as Dolores Reyna
Seth Millwood as Lt. Edwards, Guard, Shore Patrol
Marco Rodriguez as El Pachuco
Al Ruscio as Judge F.W. Charles
Daniel Valdez as Enrique Reyna
Katrina Valdez as Bertha Villareal, Newsboy
Kinan Valdez as Henry Reyna
Lakin Valdez as Rudy Reyna, Sgt. Smith, Bailiff, Bosun's Mate
Primavera Flor Valdez as Lupe Reyna
(P)2001 L.A. Theatre Works
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Editorial reviews

This musical examination of the L.A. "zoot suit riots" of 1943 created a sensation when it became the first musical by a Mexican-American to hit Broadway. The author directed a celebrated film version in 1981, which is still circulating on video. The author also directed this audio version, taped before a studio audience and beautifully produced by Raymond Guama. Briskly paced, it is full of Latin fire and lively Big Band and Chicano melodies. But the acting is uneven and - lacking dazzling dances, costumes, and the color of a full production - the action can be difficult to follow. The music, under Daniel Valdez's baton, is superb.

What listeners say about Zoot Suit

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A Must-Listen Production

I had to read this play for a class I have and following along with this audio recording brought it to life.

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great story!

Loved ithe story! it was wonderfully narrated; a flawless recording. I will definitely be listening to it again.

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Great Performance

I love this so much. It's a must get!!! Everything is great! It's as if you can see the play!

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based on a true story!

based on Henry Leyvas and the the sleepy lagoon murder!.
unfortunately the real killer went free.

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