Fall Play Zoot Suit: A Celebration of Community and Culture

Cal High’s theater program filled the stage—and the Cafeteria—with energy, heart, and history during its fall production of Zoot Suit last week. Students, teachers, and families packed the house to watch a story that celebrated culture, identity, and resilience while showcasing the incredible talent on campus.

The response was overwhelmingly positive. English teacher Robert Cammarata called the show “both entertaining and informative.” “I not only enjoyed seeing the students perform, but I also learned a lot about the Zoot Suit Riots in Los Angeles,” he said. “It made me curious to learn more. The set, the costumes, the acting, and even the concessions were all quality. It was clear the students worked hard, and the parents and other adults showed considerable support.” 

Drama teacher Brian Nguyen, who directed the production, echoed that sense of pride and purpose. “There are a lot of uncertainties when you perform in front of an audience,” Nguyen said. “However, the students overcame those challenges, not because they were in it for the applause or limelight, but because the production was full of students who knew there was a story that needed to be told. The time and energy the students dedicated to making sure they told this story right and to see the community come to support and celebrate their hard work are what led to the success of this show.”

Cammarata and Nguyen weren’t alone—many who attended agreed this was one of Cal High’s strongest productions yet.

Zoot Suit, written by Luis Valdez and first performed in 1978, was the first Chicano play on Broadway. It’s based on real events from 1940s Los Angeles, when a group of young Mexican Americans were wrongfully accused in what became known as the Sleepy Lagoon murder trial. Soon after, tension exploded in the 1943 Zoot Suit Riots, when U.S. servicemen attacked Mexican American youths, known as Pachucos, for wearing the flashy, oversized “zoot suits” that symbolized their culture and pride. Valdez’s play blends history, music, and culture to show how these young people were judged not just for what they did, but for who they were. The story challenges audiences to see beyond stereotypes and recognize the prejudice many Mexican Americans faced during that time. With such a powerful story at its core, Zoot Suit gave Cal High’s performers and crew a chance to bring history to life and make it their own.

Bringing that story to life took months of dedication from Cal High’s cast and crew. From set design to makeup, every detail reflected the passion and teamwork that went into the production. For senior Jonathan Amos (Enrique Reyna), who performed in last year’s The Twelve Huntsmen and returned for his second show, the difference was clear from day one. “Everyone’s way more prepared. It’s way different,” Amos said, noting that while last year’s play was a comedy, Zoot Suit struck a more serious tone. “It has some funny parts too, but for the most part it’s pretty serious.” Amos praised his fellow performers, describing their focus and dedication during rehearsals. “They’re really dedicated, as you can tell by how they act when they’re rehearsing,” he said. When asked how this year’s cast compared to last year’s, Amos laughed. “It’s like picking between two kids,” he said, adding, “Be grateful for all the people you get to work with.”

Behind the scenes, the production relied on a talented crew of student artists and technicians. Sophomore Andrea Sanchez, the show’s lead makeup artist, helped design each character’s look, sometimes using professional-level techniques. “It was pretty easy to create the wrinkles,” she said, describing how she aged one of the adult characters. Sanchez explained that the makeup team spent weeks before the production planning the appearance of every cast member. “A lot of thought goes into it,” she said, crediting Theater teacher Brian Nguyen for helping her refine those techniques. In addition to her theater work, Sanchez is also part of the Auto Academy and dance program, and she’s considering a future in the performing arts.

Not even a broken bone could keep Senior Mia Montiel off the stage. Playing the role of Elena Torres, she performed in a bright pink cast, her leg hidden beneath a black dress, after fracturing her ankle in a scooter accident. “I fell off an electric scooter, and the scooter crushed my ankle when I fell,” Montiel said. Still, she never considered dropping out. “Absolutely not,” she said. “I did get cut from a few scenes, but I’m still here.” When people tell her to “break a leg,” she laughs and replies, “I just say, ‘Too late for that.’”

That hard work extended beyond the spotlight. Senior Nicholas Ramirez, Student Technical Lead, helped design and operate the lighting and sound throughout the run. “There were plenty of ups and downs, which is just part of the performing arts,” Ramirez said, “but I definitely think the ups overshadowed all the downs.” Ramirez has been working with Cal High’s tech program since their sophomore year and says they’ve grown extremely comfortable with it. Ramirez credited their fellow light and sound crew members, Junior Albert Tercero Mejia and Senior Amber Saucedo, for their teamwork. “They were absolutely fantastic,” Ramirez said. “Overall, the play was an incredibly enjoyable experience, and I’m glad to have another successful show under my belt.”

From the powerful performances to the technical precision behind the scenes, Zoot Suit stood out as one of Cal High’s most ambitious and successful productions yet. The show brought history to life while spotlighting the talent, teamwork, and creativity of students across every part of the program, a true reflection of the heart and dedication that define Cal High’s performing arts program.