Fandangle to open Friday
By Sandy Morris
The 83rd anniversary edition of the Fort Griffin Fandangle is scheduled to open to a large audience at the Prairie Theater at 8:30 tomorrow evening.
After a year’s absence due to COVID in 2020, the excitement over the 2021 show has been building since work began on the Sampler, according to Fandangle artistic director Lorna Ayers.
“We chose a very historic theme this year as we were able to perform again,” said Ayers. “The show honors so many of the families, men, women, and legends that are the history of this area.”
The 2021 Fandangle is set for Friday and Saturday nights, June 18-19 and June 25-26 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.
“The cast and crew have been working so hard since March and have a very entertaining, historical show prepared,” Ayers said. “This year we are also offering an interactive activity for our younger guests to do during the show.”
Ticket Information
Ticket sales have been brisk, according to Fandangle office manager Jamie Parsons.
“While we are not completely sold out for this weekend, we have sold a lot of tickets,” Parsons said. “If you want to see this year’s show, you need to purchase your tickets soon.”
Fandangle tickets can be purchased online at fortgriffinfandangle.org by selecting the link for “Tickets.”
Reserved seats cost $15 each, and special group pricing is available for groups of 20 or more, active military, and veterans.
Box seats cost $20 per seat, and are only sold in complete boxes for $80, $120, or $160.
VIP tables are a new offering this year for Fandangle attendees.
Six to eight tables seating eight people per table will be located on the far left side of the stage.
Cost for a table is $300 per night, and reservations will need to be made by calling the Fandangle office.
The office in the Depot is open 10:00 a.m. 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, and hats are available at the Fandangle office.
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.
