The Mayor of Zalamea

This play has three acts that explore the power of the self-made man against the political authorities of 17th century Spanish society, and the continuous struggle between corporate and individual honor.

[1] The play was first staged on Broadway in 1945 at the Majestic Theatre with a cast led by Herbert Berghof under the direction of James Light.

Housed by Pedro Crespo, Don Alvaro devises a plan to fake a fight with Rebolledo and have him run away into the attic in order to catch a glimpse at Isabel and ascertain for himself whether the rumors about her beauty are true.

The day Alvaro marches his men out of Zalamea, he decides to leave them under the supervision of a subordinate and return for Isabel.

Juan, having not gone far, hears the cries of anguish and returns to assist, not knowing that it is his father or sister that are being attacked.

Once there, Pedro discovers that he has been elected mayor and that King Philip II is to arrive in town the next day.

Pedro, as a father, goes to Don Alvaro and begs him to marry his daughter, offering any amount of his fortune he desires as dowry.

The production was notable for providing William Powell with an early stage role as Captain Don Alvaro.