Zoot Suit

Act II opens with the Prologue, in which El Pachuco sings in front of the newspaper backdrop. He refers to pachucos as “street-corner warriors who fought and moved like unknown soldiers in wars of their own” (51) and the streets of Los Angeles as a “battle zone” (50). He notes that this will become pertinent later in the play, suggesting, “Let’s pick it up in prison” (50). A bell rings, shifting into Scene 1, titled“San Quentin.” In a letter to his family, Henry describes the emptiness he feels when alone in his cell at night. A guard delivers mail, addressing Henry, Joey, Smiley, and Tommy by their inmate numbers. In Scene 2, “The Letters,” Alice corresponds with the men, announcing that she will edit a bi-monthly newsletter, so they remain informed about their appeal. For the sake of their defense, she urges them to keep a clean record while in prison.

Smiley writes to Alice, dismayed to learn that his wife has been knocking on doors and asking for financial support for the gang’s defense. Smiley insists that he and his wife are uncomfortable with begging, and although Alice points out that it is fundraising, not begging, she agrees to ask his wife to not participate again.