April 16 Sampler just 2 weeks away

By Donnie A. Lucas

With the Sampler of this year’s Ft. Griffin Fandangle just over two weeks away, cast and crew members are urged to attend the remaining rehearsals to prepare for the show, which is being held for the first time in 25 years at Reynolds Bend on the Matthews Ranch.

Practices for the sampler, which is a shortened version of this year’s production, began three weeks ago. Rehearsals are scheduled to Thursday (tonight) at the Bank Park and again next Tuesday and Thursday starting at 7:30 p.m.

Director Lorna Ayers is urging people to come to rehearsals since the sampler date is so close.

“We moved outside last Thursday to the Bank Park to work on staging,” Ayers said. “The stage at Reynolds Bend is much larger, so I am having to set when people come on and off with more time allowed to give them time to cover the greater distances. So I really need everyone to show up for practices so we can get this worked out.”

Ayers said that the natural stage at the amphitheater where the sampler was held for years prior to the death of Watt Matthews, is a beautiful setting for the show.

The annual preview of the summer show, which is just for members of the association, will be held at Reynolds Bend on the Matthews Ranch on Saturday, April 16. Show time will be 6:00 p.m.

Ayers said that rehearsals will move out to the ranch location starting on Thursday, April 14. A Saturday afternoon practice is planned prior to the performance.

Members will be treated to the 45-minute preview at 6:00 p.m., followed by a catered meal of tenderloin and all the trimmings prepared by TE Catering. Tickets for the meal are available at the Fandangle office in the depot.

The director said that she has had good participation so far at rehearsals.

“It has been kind of hit and miss with different cast members showing up for practice, so we now need everyone to come to the last few so we can stage the best show possible,” she said. “It is time to pull this all together.”

While Ayers said participation has been good, there is room for more to take part if they come to rehearsals soon.

“The more we have, the better the show is, and it makes it more fun too,” she said. “Not everyone has to be on a microphone or sing a solo part, so don’t worry about being able to sing. It’s all about being a part of the show.”

Membership Drive

The Fandangle Associations office manager, Jamie Parsons, reports that the number of memberships is already at last year’s total.

“We have had a good response so far,” Parsons said. ‘We are sending out Sampler invitations as soon as a renewal or new membership comes in.”

Members also have the opportunity to enjoy the catered meal at a cost of $25 per person, but they must come by the office or call ahead of time to make a reservation or pay ahead of time. Members with a reservation can also pay at the gate.

“We would like our meal count to be as accurate as possible by April 8, but that doesn’t mean that people can’t purchase meals during the last week before the show,” she said.

Memberships are available at seven levels, including a Pioneer Membership for $25 up to a Platinum at $5,000.

Memberships can be purchased online at www.fortgriffinfandangle.org or by calling the Fandangle office at 325-762-3838.

“We will be placing the list of members in next week’s Albany News, so get your members in by next Tuesday to be on that published list,”

She stressed again that a membership is needed to attend the Sampler.

The Sampler was planned to be held on the ranch last year but had to be moved to town due to heavy rains on the ranch.