Much Ado About Dust

Whether you’re a senior or a freshman, we’ve all read Shakespeare, by which I mean stared blankly at the page while our teacher (with a weirdly intense passion) performed every role and line. Or, worse, you were forced to read Shakespearean language aloud in front of your entire class against your will. 

When we think of Shakespeare, we imagine old-timey English, renaissance sonnets, and the faint smell of musty old books—not six-shooters, saloon brawls, and cowboys riding off into the sunset. But hey, here we are. 

This year, the BHS Players proudly present Much Ado About Dust - a Wild West spin on Shakespeare’s Much Ado About Nothing. Does it feature a soul-stirring, eye-catching, show-stopping Cotton-Eye Joe? You bet it does. Does the lead Beatrice roll around on stage in a potato sack? Absolutely. Does it feature much Shakespearean language? Not unless our dear friend William knew what “grabbing love by its saddle” meant.

But seriously, I can positively say—without bias of course—that the actors you’ll see on stage have poured their heart and soul into this production.

For those wondering what this dusty spectacle is about: Much Ado About Dust reimagines Shakespeare’s comedy in a Wild West town full of classic wild-west lawmen, love, and trouble. Sheriff Leo and her daughter Hero face scandal and deception, while Deputy Pedro keeps the peace, and Clay falls head over heels for Hero. Beatrice and Benedick’s fiery banter keep the laughs coming, and Donna Joe Black stirs up mischief with her gang. Add in incompetent lawmen, saloon dancers, and a twangy guitar solo, and you’ve got yourself one heck of a show.

Auditions were held in early September, and rehearsals kicked off shortly after on September 12th. Student Director Reva Shende said “It’s been a wild time. There’s a lot you can do with Shakespeare—so many ways to adapt it—and this is just another one of those fun reimaginings. Much Ado About Dust plays into the cowboy stereotypes, but it also sheds light on the lack of female representation in the Wild West.” 

Shende, who has been helping the director Linda Gardiner, added that the show balances humor with heart. “Of course, there’s the classic slapstick, bar fights, and bumbling officers, but you also see depth in the way Beatrice and Benedick interact. Beatrice is this sharp, stubborn, independent woman, and even when she falls in love, she doesn’t give up her fire. I think that’s an important message.”

She also emphasized how collaborative this show has been. “Students are choreographing fight scenes, blocking moments, and adding their own flair. It’s been amazing to see everyone’s ideas come alive. Theater at BHS is really a place where everyone can be involved, whether you’re a go-getter or more the type of person that likes to sit back and watch—and that’s so important.”

Lead actor Emilio Cañete-Hand agrees that this production brings something new to the BHS stage. “At first, I was a little worried about the concept. Shakespeare in the Wild West? but watching it come together has been awesome,” he said. “Linda’s direction is really strong, especially with blocking and character placement. Every character, even in the background, feels alive.” 

He added that “it’s an intricate set, full of little details. It’s funny, accessible, and even though it keeps Shakespeare’s essence, the language has been modernized enough that it’s easy to follow. Honestly, it’s one of the most interesting and funny shows we’ve done.”

If you’re brave enough to saddle up and ride down to Crooker Theater, performances run November 20th through the 23rd. Evening shows are on the 20th, 21st, and 22nd at 7 P.M., with matinees on the 22nd and 23rd at 2 P.M.

So dust off your cowboy boots, grab your hat, and ride on down. After all, this isn’t just Shakespeare, it’s Much Ado About Dust.