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Sampler received with enthusiasm

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The annual Fandangle membership Sampler, presented at Collins Creek Ranch at 6:00 p.m. on Saturday, April 20, was a big success, according to artistic director Lorna Ayers. 

“The weather was beautiful,” Ayers said. “The turnout was great. And the show was fantastic!”

Association president Lanham Martin agreed.

“We had a really good turnout,” Martin said. “The show went smooth, and it was a great night. I think everyone had a good time, and I know that all of the seven or eight briskets that Cody Leech and Lesley Jones prepared all got eaten.”

About 30 members of the Matthews family were in attendance. They told Ayers that celebrating with “Uncle John” was the highlight of their weekend, and they were very impressed with the show. 

“The show was as close to perfect as you can get,” Ayers said. “And that’s even more impressive when you consider there were some aspects that we ran for the first time on Saturday night.”

One item that had not been rehearsed was a last-minute narrator change. 

“Sam Davis had been nursing a fragile voice all week, and he had full-blown laryngitis by Saturday,” said Ayers. “Donnie Lucas stepped in to fill the narrator position, and it was as if he had been rehearsing the lines for months.”  

Lucas served as a Fandangle narrator for almost 40 years, so he is familiar with the job even though he had not been practicing this year’s script.

“Fandangle people are resilient and flexible, and they are ready to jump in at a moment’s notice and fill a gap,” said the director. “I am beyond proud of everyone in the cast and crew!” 

Preparations for the June shows will begin after a short three-week break.

“Summer rehearsals get underway on Sunday, May 12 with Square Dance, Huppi Hi, and our new-to-Fandangle dance for junior high students, the Yoledae,” said Ayers. “All of the rehearsals will be at the Prairie Theater.” 

Schedules can be picked up at the Fandangle office or found on the Fandangle.org website under the “Cast” tab by entering the password “2019.”

Summer Shows

The 81st anniversary edition of the Fandangle will be performed on June 21-22 and June 28-29.

Ticket sales are now open to the general public, and good seats, including front row box seats, are still available for each of the performances.

The annual parade is set for Saturday, June 22.

Memberships

Memberships are available in a variety of levels, starting with a $25 Pioneer level for those age 65 and over or the $75 Longhorn level for all ages. 

Members receive a priority parking pass and will be granted admission to a members’ hospitality tent, while memberships at higher levels receive additional benefits.

Patron ($150) and Bronze ($250) packages include two tickets to the summer show.

Silver ($500), and higher level members are provided seat cushions and meal vouchers, while the Gold level ($1,000) adds concession vouchers as well.

Platinum ($2,500) and Diamond ($5,000) members can arrange for a guided tour of Fort Griffin State Historic Site, enjoy a VIP hospitality tent, and join a cast member for a photo opportunity and a meet-and-greet on stage after the show.

Tickets for the summer shows can be purchased for $80 for a box of four seats, $120 for a box of six, $160 for a box of eight, or $15 each for reserved seats. 

Membership dues and tickets can be purchased online at fortgriffinfandangle.org, by sending an email request to info@fandangle.org, or by calling 325-762-3838.