Fandangle rehearsals to move outside tonight
By Donnie A. Lucas
Rehearsals for the annual membership Sampler are moving outdoors on Thursday (today) at the Prairie Theater if the weather permits.
Practices were scheduled to move on Monday but were changed back to the Aztec Theater due to the cold weather. Director Lorna Ayers expects to have the remaining rehearsals for the April 15 Sampler outside in order to stage the show.
“Even though we had to stay inside on Monday, rehearsals went really well and we are excited about the number of cast members participating,” she said. “There are a lot of new people who have joined us this year.”
Practices will be held on Mondays and Thursdays through April 13 at the Prairie Theater. The final two practices will be moved to Reynolds Bend on the historic Matthews Ranch. The Friday, April 14 rehearsal is set to start at 7:00 p.m., followed by a final run-through starting at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, April 15.
Members of the cast and crew are reminded that construction work is continuing at the Prairie Theater, although Ayers said that the seating area is basically finished. However, there is still concrete work ongoing 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.
All members of the cast and crew are reminded that a release form must be signed and turned in even for rehearsals. Parents of minor children in the production must sign additional forms for those under the age of 18.
Release forms are being handed out at rehearsals.
Sampler Information
The annual membership Sampler starts at 6:00 p.m. on April 15 at Reynolds Bend on the Matthews Ranch, with the gates opening at 5:00 p.m.
A catered steak dinner and dancing will follow the performance.
The event is open only to members of the association, although memberships will still be available 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.”
The cast and crew will perform a shortened version of the summer show just for the membership of the Fandangle Association, giving members a taste of what will be included in the 85th anniversary performances in June.
Tickets and Memberships
Office manager Jamie Parsons said that memberships and ticket sales are both ahead of normal this year.
“Memberships are already equal to what we had last year, with still a couple of months to go,” she said. “Tickets sales for the four summer shows are also higher for March compared to last year.”
The performances of the Fandangle, which will be celebrating its 85th anniversary, are set for June 16 and 17, and June 23 and 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.
“We would love to have people join the association and help support the Fandangle,” Parsons said.
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 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 anniversary show will be packed with crowd favorites from past shows, with historical events woven in between, according to Ayers.
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.
Originally written by Albany playwright Robert Nail as a senior class play in 1938, it quickly 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.
The Prairie Theater is undergoing major renovations including reconstructing the entire seating area with limestone block to provide a more secure experience rather than the tiered rows supported by utility poles. The control tower and some prop areas are also receiving a facelift.
In addition, the sound system is being replaced for the 2023 show, a major upgrade over the 30-year-old system that has been in place.
Through a capital improvement fundraising effort, several other major renovations are also in the works, including repairs and improvements to the steam-powered calliope, restrooms and walkways, and sets, props, and costumes.
For more information, contact the Fandangle office at 325-762-3838 or log on to the website: www.fortgriffinfandangle.org.
To assist with the renovation costss, contact the Fandangle office or board president Henry Musselman.
