Zoot Suit

Act One

Prologue A giant newspaper front page drapes across the proscenium. Suddenly, a switchblade tears through the print, and El Pachuco slips through. He reaches for his long coat and his pork pie hat; after putting them on and completing the outfit, he strikes a pachuco pose for the audience. He begins to speak, first in Spanish, then in perfect English, introducing them to the Pachuco Style, both in zoot suit clothing and a way of life. The story they are about to see is a fantasy based on facts. He turns and struts upstage.

1. Zoot Suit At a barrio dance, the 38th Street Gang, led by Henry Reyna, rule the dance floor while El Pachuco sings. Suddenly, the rival Downey Gang, led by Rafas, enters. The music intensifies as the rival gangs face off, ready to fight.

2. The Mass Arrests Sirens pierce the air, and police burst into the dance. Sergeant Smith and Lieutenant Edwards line up the pachucos and pachucas. They let Swabbie (a sailor) and Manchuka (his Japanese-American girl)