Synopsis

A terrible desert cyclone tears through a train heading West for new horizons, separating orphaned twin brother and sister Sebastian and Viola. Viola is rescued by a foolish miner, Festus, and taken to the town of Illyria, which is currently ruled over by a love-sick sheriff, Orsino. The object of his affections, Olivia, is the owner of the local saloon, but she refuses Orsino’s advances and closes the saloon because she is in mourning for her recently deceased father and brother.

Viola dresses like a boy and joins Orsino’s posse of singing deputies. She is sent to woo Olivia on Orsino’s behalf. Unfortunately, Olivia falls in love with Viola’s male alter ego, Cesario, in the process. To further complicate matters, Viola has fallen in love with Orsino.

Sebastian who has been rescued from the cyclone by Antonio, is taken to Illyria by Antonio to rest and recoup his strength, even though Antonio’s own life may be in danger there because of some past crimes.

The vain and puritanical prairie parson, Malvolio, who has sworn to look after Olivia’s spiritual well-being, is constantly battling the sinful excesses of her uncle, a former Confederate general named Toby, and his rowdy band of cohorts, including barmaid Maria and an English twit Sir Andrew Aguecheek. They in turn plot to publicly humiliate him by leaving a letter for him to find that implies that Olivia secretly desires him, and that the next time she sees him, she wishes him to wear a ridiculous outfit and act like a buffoon. His vanity and lust for power cause him to take the bait.

Olivia’s newfound love for Cesario causes her to reopen the saloon and the town begins to spring to life again with drinks, showgirls, dancing and a good old-fashioned bar fight. Viola pledges her allegiance to Orsino and again rebukes Olivia’s advances.

Malvolio appears, in yellow leathers and cross garters, and pursues Olivia’s heart in a rude and inappropriate manner. Olivia is horrified by his behavior and leaves. Toby plots to throw Malvolio into a prison cell as the final stage of his public humiliation.

Not content with this prank, Toby and his drinking buddy Fabian convince Andrew and Viola that each wishes to duel the other. A ridiculous gunfight ensues, which is interrupted by Antonio, who mistakes Viola for her brother Sebastian. Antonio is arrested and Viola flees the scene.

Sebastian, wandering through the town, encounters Andrew, who wishes to continue the duel with Viola. After a scuffle ensues, Olivia intervenes and pledges her love to him and convinces him to marry her.

Toby has locked up Malvolio in the local jail and sends in Festus to pour salt on his wounds by pretending to be a chaplain, Father Topas, who attempts to perform an exorcism on Malvolio to rid him of his demons.

In a final scene of chaotic mistaken identity, Viola and Sebastian are reunited, and Viola is revealed to be a woman. Orsino pledges to marry her. The plot against Malvolio is revealed and he appears, vowing revenge on the entire town. Upon Malvolio’s exit the bar erupts into a frenzy and Festus leads the ensemble in a rousing song to close the show. Song

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