♦ Box seats sold out, tickets still available
By Donnie A. Lucas
The sound of the bugle call will once again open each performance of the 84th anniversary edition of the Fort Griffin Fandangle on Friday (tomorrow) at 8:30 p.m. at the Prairie Theater.
The year’s version of the show will highlight episodes from the life of local pioneer rancher George T. Reynolds, who with others tamed the Clear Fork of the Brazos area in the second half of the 19th century.
“We chose George Reynolds because he epitomizes that tenacious spirit of the tough pioneers who settled this part of the state, dealing with so many hazards and obstacles along the way,” artistic director Lorna Ayers said. “Regardless of circumstances, they never lost sight of their dream for this land.”
The 2022 Fandangle is set for Friday and Saturday nights, June 17-18 and June 24-25 at the outdoor theater located one-half mile northwest of Albany on FM 1084. The gates open at 7:00 p.m., with a calliope concert starting at 8:00 p.m.
Rehearsals for the show began in March. Tonight’s dress rehearsal is not open to the publi, Ayers said.
“Rehearsals have gone really well,” Ayers said. “Everyone seems really invested in the show, especially considering the heat the last two weeks.”
This is one of the largest casts in a number of years, she added.
“Everyone has been working well together,” she said. “Several members of the cast have commented on how the theme is woven throughout the show and that they are learning some history they didn’t know.”
Ticket Information
Ticket sales kicked into high gear this week, with box seats sold out for all four shows.
“We have been very busy this week,” office manager Jamie Parsons said. “We are over 80 percent sold on Saturday, June 18, and there are not any boxes or tables left.”
Parsons stressed that there are still tickets available for all four performances, but tickets have been selling well.
The ticket office in the depot is open Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m., and 10:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. on Saturdays through next week.
Tickets are also available on the Fandangle website www.fortgriffinfandangle.org.
Parsons said that the office has official merchandise for sale including caps, t-shirts, mugs, cooling towels, and candles. Merchandise will be available at the theater prior to shows.
Reserved seats are $15 each, with group pricing available for groups of 20 or more. Special pricing is available for active military and veterans.
Free programs and free parking are included in the ticket price, with concessions and seat cushion rentals available.
Those who need to access the handicap vehicle entrance to unload passengers are asked to arrive early and notify the parking attendants for instructions.
The handicap entrance cannot be used after the show begins.
