Fandangle rehearsals continue

By Donnie A. Lucas

Rehearsals for the June performances of the Fort Griffin Fandangle are underway, with various scene practices being held on Sunday through Thursday evenings at the Prairie Theater.

The dates for the 85th anniversary shows are June 16-17 and June 23-24.

“The few rehearsals that we have had this year have gone very well,” the show’s director Lorna Ayers said. “We already have over 90 kids in the show, so spots for them are filling up fast. Anyone with children who still want to be in the show need to come to our kids’ scene rehearsals to be assigned a part quickly. We will have to cut that off soon.”

Ayers reminded parents that all children through the sixth grade must be registered online, with parents signing consent forms prior to participating in rehearsals.

“We still have some kids who have not been registered, so those parents need to go online and do that before the next rehearsal.”

The form can be found on the website at www.fortgriffinfandangle.org. Cast members or parents of children should select the “Cast” tab in the top right corner and use the password “2023” to find the release forms and a full practice schedule.

Ayers said that a larger number of kids is participating in the animal prairie scene at the beginning of the show this year.

“Because of the extra kids we have this year, we need help making more papier mache heads for the little animals,” Ayers said. “Just contact us and we’ll provide the information needed.”

Anyone who would like to be placed in one or more of the big production numbers also needs to come to practice soon.

“We are practicing the big numbers on Tuesday and Thursdays,” she said. “We need to fill those scenes now and not have to try to add people later on.”

Ayers said that there are quite a few new families in the cast this year, both longtime Albany residents and newcomers to the community as well.

Children’s rehearsals for the Indian scene, square dancing, “Little Devils,” and “Last in Line” will continue on Sunday evenings starting at 6:00 p.m.

Practice for teenagers in Huppi Hi and the “Train” are set for Wednesdays starting at 7:30 p.m., while the large production numbers will be rehearsed starting at 7:30 p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursday.

The Fort Griffin street scene and Beehive practices are on Mondays at 7:30 p.m.

No rehearsals have been set for Fridays or Saturdays at this point.

Cast members are asked to join the Remind app by texting @fandan to 81010 to receive notifications pertaining to rehearsals.