That’s a wrap!

By Kathy Thomson

The 81st anniversary edition of the Fort Griffin Fandangle officially concluded around 10:30 p.m. on Saturday, June 29, with the traditional singing of “Prairie Land” by the entire cast, and some of the organizers were already looking forward to next year’s production.

2019 Recap

Although tickets did not sell out for any of the performances this year, according to office manager Lyn Baker, there were not any box seats left on most performance nights.

“We had lots of positive comments (about the show) and I didn’t hear anything negative,” she added.

Fandangle board president Lanham Martin sounded pleased with this year’s show and said he is hoping that even more locals join the cast next year.

“I think that it was a really good show,” Martin said. “Everyone in the show and in the audiences seemed to have enjoyed themselves.”

The board president said that cast members he talked with commented that they were glad that they participated.

“From the crusty old veteran cowboys to the newbie sidesaddle riders, and especially the Musselman ranch hands, everyone said that they had a ball,” said Martin. “I really hope that next year even more people in Albany get involved, both seasoned performers and folks who have never been in it before.”

Artistic director Lorna Ayers was also pleased with the 2019 event.

“The shows all went off without a hitch, and I could not be prouder of the cast and crew, their perfectionism, and their incredible teamwork,” she said. “It was truly a special year.”

The 2019 story line closely followed the memories of Sallie Reynolds Matthews as she wrote them down for her family in Interwoven.

“This year’s show was the greatest pleasure to produce,” Ayers said. “It was such a special tribute to our pioneer families. And having John Matthews there representing the Matthews family was priceless.”

John Matthews, at 100 years of age, was the oldest cast member this year, and he also narrated the final scene before “Prairie Land.”

The director said that she has started planning for next year.

“Everyone seemed to like the story line of this year’s show, so I am already cooking up ideas for next year’s script,” said Ayers.

The official decision on if and when the next Fandangle performance will occur will be made by the board of directors.

The Fandangle board typically meets sometime over the summer to review the Fandangle season.

Costume Returns

People who have not yet returned Fandangle-owned costumes should do so as soon as possible.

“Anyone with outstanding costumes, please turn them in to Myra Hise or drop them by the Fandangle office,” Ayers said. “We need them washed and stored.”

According to Hise, quite a few of the costumes have already been turned in, but she has not yet checked tags to determine what, if anything, is still missing.

“If anyone finds that they still have hats, vests, pants, slips, or dresses, please turn them in,” Hise said. “And if you find that you still have costumes from previous years, please send those our way.”

2019 DVDs

The Fandangle office, which is located in the Albany Visitors Center, has several Fandangle souvenirs for sale. 

The 2019 DVDs of the show can be ordered through the Fandangle office in person or by phone at 325-762-3838 for $15 each.

Pre-ordered DVDs should be ready before the end of the month, according to Baker.

Also available are key rings ($12), shot glasses ($10), car decals ($8), and several sizes and styles of T-shirts.

Anyone who has a bill for the Fandangle should drop it off at the office as soon as possible so that it can be included in the final bookkeeping.