Fandangle to open Friday

By Kathy Thomson

The 81st anniversary edition of the Fort Griffin Fandangle is scheduled to open to a large audience at the Prairie Theater at 8:30 p.m. tomorrow evening. 

This year’s script is based on Sallie Reynolds Matthews’ book Interwoven, and the cast includes some cowboys who haven’t been in the show in several years, as well as some members of the author’s family.

The book chronicles the true pioneer adventures of the Reynolds family and their often-times neighbors and eventual relatives, the Matthews family.

“This year’s show starts where Sallie starts and ends where she ends,” said artistic director Lorna Ayers. “It is going to be extra special so I encourage you to not miss out. You will not be disappointed!”

The 2019 Fandangle is set for Friday and Saturday nights, June 21-22 and June 28-29 at the outdoor theater located one-half mile northwest of Albany at 1490 FM 1084. 

The gates open at 7:00 p.m., a calliope concert starts at 8:00 p.m., and the performance begins around 8:30 p.m. Rehearsals began back in March, but this Monday was the first run-through of the entire summer performance. Dress rehearsal is scheduled for tonight. 

“I am hoping that the people of Albany will buy tickets and come out and support all of the efforts and the hours of practice that their children, neighbors, and friends have invested in the show,” said the director. “Get all of your friends to come to this show that they just think they’ve seen before!”

Ayers said that she hopes that a lot of the Reynolds and Matthews descendants are able to come to the show this year because it is based upon their family history.

Ayers added that she expects the show to be over about 10:00 p.m. each night.

Ticket Information

Ticket sales were going well, with over 600 tickets sold last week.

However, good tickets including box seats were still available for all nights as of press time.

Tickets can be purchased online at fort griffinfandangle.org or by contacting the Fandangle office in person at the Depot, by phone at 325-762-3838, or by fax at 325-762-3125. 

Tickets are $20 for box seats, which are only sold in sets of four, six, or eight, or $15 for general reserved seating. 

The office in the Depot is open 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon and 1:00 to 4:00 p.m.

The ticket office will open at the theater at 7:00 p.m. each night of the show, the same time that the gates open.

Ticket refunds will be issued only when tickets are turned back to the office at least 24 hours prior to the day of the performance, and providing that they are able to be resold. No refunds will be given for tickets turned back in at the Prairie Theater.

Fandangle souvenirs, including Fandangle flags, t-shirts, blankets, posters, bandanas, and hats are available at the Fandangle office. 

“We have some discounted t-shirts from previous years,” said office manager Lyn Baker, “and we are expecting a shipment of new items to be arriving soon.”

Souvenirs can also be purchased at the show and at various stores in town.

A calliope concert will be given at the Prairie Theater prior to the start of each show by former Fandangle music director Louann George. 

Free programs and parking are included for ticket holders. A concession stand is available, along with seat cushion rentals.

Persons in need of handicap access are asked to arrive early if they require the use of the handicap vehicle entrance to unload passengers. Those with accessibility issues should notify parking attendants near the entrance gates. The handicap entrance cannot be used after the show begins.

Rehearsals

Dress rehearsal takes place tonight, June 20, starting at 8:00 p.m.

Friday and Saturday are show days.

The final scheduled practice takes place on Thursday, June 27, with a walk-through of the entire show starting at 7:30 p.m.