Fandangle cast takes week off before starting twice-weekly practices
By Donnie A. Lucas
Following this week off for spring break, twice-a-week cast rehearsals for the Sampler of the Fort Griffin Fandangle will resume starting Monday, March 20 at the Prairie Theater.
“We will practice on Mondays and Thursdays until the Sampler,” director Lorna Ayers said. “There is still time to join us to be in the Sampler cast if you hurry.”
Rehearsals for the next four weeks will be held at the Prairie Theater just west of Albany.
Ayers said that construction work is basically completed to the audience area. However, there is still some concrete work being completed on the walkways leading from the entrance to the seating area.
“We need everyone coming to rehearsals to use the cast parking lot even for rehearsals,” she said. “There is safe access to the stage from that cast parking lot, and we don’t want to take a chance with people attempting to come to the stage through the front entrance since it isn’t finished yet.”
Ayers noted that young riders will be used in the Sampler performance this year, but anyone interested in bringing a horse and riding needs to contact her ahead of time.
She added that adults who are planning to participate in the Flag Parade or as a sidesaddle rider should contact Dustin Parsons in advance.
The final two rehearsals will move to Reynolds Bend for a 7:00 p.m. practice on Friday, April 14, and a final run through at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, April 15 before the show.
Sampler Information
The annual membership Sampler is set for Saturday, April 15 at Reynolds Bend on the Matthews Ranch.
The show will start at 6:00 p.m., followed by a steak dinner and dancing.
The gates at Reynolds Bend will open at 5:00 p.m. The event is open only to members of the association, although memberships can be purchased at the gate.
The catered meal will be available for those who reserve and pay in advance. The cost of the meal is $50 and must be reserved in advance.
“There was an RSVP card in the Sampler invitation to send back, along with a place to sign up for the meal,” office manager Jamie Parsons said. “You can mail a check with the RSVP for the meal, or call the office, and we can do it over the phone.”
Tickets and Memberships
Tickets are already on sale to the public for the summer performances of the Fandangle set for June 16-17 and June 23-24.
Letters were mailed in January to previous members of the association, and invitations to the Sampler are being mailed daily as new or renewal memberships are received.
Membership is open to anyone at the following donation levels: Pioneer $25, Longhorn $75, Patron $175, Bronze $250 Silver $500, Gold $1,000, Platinum $2,500, and Diamond $5,000.
Anyone interested in joining or renewing memberships for the 85th anniversary season can do so by going online at www.fortgriffinfandangle.org or by calling the Fandangle office at 325-762-3838.
Tickets for the summer performances are also available on the website or can be purchased by calling the office.
The Prairie Theater is undergoing major renovations.
Anyone who would like to make a donation to assist with the repairs and improvements can contact the Fandangle office or board president Henry Musselman.
