85th anniversary performances to open next week
By Donnie A. Lucas
With opening night for the 85th anniversary performances of the Fort Griffin Fandangle just over a week away, just about everyone involved in the annual outdoor production is rehearsing or preparing on a daily basis.
The show is set to open on Friday, June 16, with performances also set for Saturday, June 17 and the following weekend on June 23 and June 24.
Overall, ticket sales have been brisk, according to the Fandangle ticket office located in the Depot.
“We are ahead of where we were at this time last year,” office manager Jamie Parsons said. “Historically, the largest volume of sales comes during the final two weeks before the show starts. Last year we sold over 1,500 tickets in the last two weeks, which if we repeat that would result in the largest year in a while.”
As of Monday, over 60 percent of all tickets have been spoken for. Saturday, June 17 has the highest sales with 85 percent sold.
Ticket prices are $20 each, but discounts for military and groups of 20 or more are available. Tickets can be purchased online at www.fandangle.com or in person at the office.
Tickets can be purchased by phone by calling 325-762-3838.
Only four boxed seat sections remained as of Monday for Friday, June 23. All other boxed section seating for other performances are sold out. All VIP tables for eight people are also sold out.
Other local residents and businesses are preparing to host, feed, or entertain the hundreds of visitors expected in Albany on each show date.
Artistic director Lorna Ayers is concentrating her efforts on weaving the show and story line together after weeks of individual scene rehearsals, emphasizing the importance of the final week of practices.
“We are pulling the show together, and it’s going well,” she said. “But I need everyone to come to all rehearsals from this point on to fine tune the timing and other details.”
Cast and crew members are scheduled to practice tonight, then have three full-show rehearsals on Monday through Wednesday next week, followed by a dress rehearsal next Thursday.
All remaining practices start at 7:30 p.m.
The actual performances for the four summer shows will start at 8:30 p.m.
While the area had up to five inches of rain late last week, it has not interfered with the rehearsal schedule as much as might be expected.
Ayers said that if any changes are made to the time of rehearsal, she will notify the cast and crew with the Remind apps.
Meal Options
In addition to local restaurants such as the Icehouse, Los Cazadores, and Dairy Queen, Joe Allen’s Barbecue of Abilene will be set up at the Bank Park on performance days, serving a full barbecue meal with several sides. The price is $20 for adults and $12 for children.
The Fandangle Association has asked operator Josh Allen to prepare for larger than usual numbers of patrons this year since two local eateries are not open at the moment due to remodeling construction.
