Fandangle to celebrate 85th anniversary
By Donnie A. Lucas
Tickets are now on sale to members for the 85th anniversary performances of the Ft. Griffin Fandangle set for June 16 and 17, and June 23 and 24.
The membership drive for this year has already started, with eight levels of contributions available for patrons.
The Fandangle is the Oldest Outdoor Musical in Texas, involving as many as 300 cast and crew members each summer for the four performances at the Prairie Theater.
The show was written by Albany playwright Robert Nail as a senior class play in 1938, but quickly was expanded to include members of the community. Nail called the production a true “People’s Theater” since it included non-professional and unpaid singers, dancers and actors from all walks of life.
First produced at the football stadium, the show moved to its own outdoor theater in 1965. Nail died unexpectedly in 1968, but the community rallied to continue the show yearly since 1970, except for 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Artistic director Lorna Ayers said that the 85th anniversary show will be a collection of historical accounts woven in with some of the crowd favorites from over the years.
Almost all of the music and song lyrics are original, written by past musical or artist directors for particular show themes in the past.
Audience members will notice major improvements at the Prairie Theater this season, with the entire seating area reconstructed using limestone block to provide a more secure experience rather than the tiered rows supported by utility poles.
The sound system is also being replaced for the 2023 show, a major upgrade over the 30-year-old system that was in place.
Through a capital improvement fundraising effort, several other major renovations are also in the works including the steam-powered calliope, rest rooms and walkways, and sets, props, and costumes.
Memberships is open to everyone with the following donation levels: Pioneer $25, Longhorn $75, Patron $175, Bronze $250, Silver $500, Gold $1,000, Platinum $2,500, and Diamond $5,000.
Tickets and memberships can be purchased by accessing the website: www.fortgriffinfandangle.org/
For more information, contact the Fandangle office at 325-762-3838.
