The articles in these study guides are not meant to mirror or interpret any particular productions at the Utah Shakespeare Festival. They are meant, instead, to be an educational jumping-off point to understanding and enjoying the play (in any production at any theatre) a bit more thoroughly. Therefore the stories of the plays and the interpretative articles (and even characters at times) may differ from what is ultimately produced on stage.
Also, some of these articles (especially the synopses) reveal the ending and other “surprises” in some plays. If you don’t want to know this information before seeing the plays, you may want to reconsider studying the information in this section.
This musical story is set in the Wild West of Arizona in the 1890s. Johnny Blood, a hot-headed young cowboy, has been unjustly condemned for shooting a man while trying to defend his one love, the saloon girl Bella. His hanging day is only two days away, and, with no hope for a pardon, his friend Sheriff Green asks if he has any family who could plead his cause to the callous governor of the territory. He says he is estranged from his only family member, his sister Susanna (a.k.a. Sister Mary Jo) who is days away from taking her vows as a nun in a nearby Franciscan mission.
The Sheriff convinces her that she is her brother’s only chance, and he takes her to see the governor. After two feeble attempts at getting him to reconsider, the Sheriff encourages Susanna to show a bit more emotion and compassion to plead her brother’s case. She does, and it moves the governor so much that he agrees to free her brother—under one condition: that she give him one night of passion in return. Mortified, she refuses and leaves.
Susanna goes to visit Johnny, who upon hearing about the proposition, tries to convince her that his freedom is worth more than her chastity. She holds her ground. Overhearing, the Sheriff suggests she accept the deal; and, when it is dark, they will switch Susanna with another girl who wouldn’t be opposed to act the part, without the governor being any the wiser. And the Sheriff knows just who could do it!
The Sheriff and Susanna find Bella “performing” at the local saloon and propose the idea to her. She accepts and says she’ll do anything to save Johnny. Through some coaching, Susanna teaches Bella to imitate her modest mannerisms so the governor doesn’t suspect the switch.
It’s a risky plan: Johnny’s life rests on the success of it. In the meantime, the ice begins to melt between Susanna and the Sheriff, though neither will admit it. That night the arrangement goes according to plan. But when Susanna comes to collect Johnny’s pardon the following day, the governor admits he has fallen in love with her. He refuses to honor the bargain until she agrees to marry him immediately.
Susanna is distraught and tells the Sheriff of the complication. He says he has an idea. Meanwhile, Bella proudly admits to Johnny what she did to help him, but he doesn’t seem to appreciate her “selfless” gesture, saying his sacrifice of defending her and going to jail is greater. They argue (and sing) about whose love is deeper.
With things getting complicated and time running out, they move forward with a new idea the Sheriff has, but will it be enough to save Susannah, whom he now admits he loves, from marrying the governor? And will the plan help Johnny avoid the noose and be together with Bella?
