Time nears for Fandangle Sampler
By Donnie A. Lucas
Excitement is building with final touches being made to the traditional Sampler of the Fort Griffin Fandangle, which is just over a week away on Saturday, April 16 at the historic Matthews Ranch for the first time in 25 years.
All current members of the association are invited to attend the preview performance for the summer shows at Reynolds Bend on the Lambshead Ranch. Show time has been set for 6:00 p.m., with the gates at the site opening at 5:30 p.m.
Members will also be able to enjoy a beef tenderloin dinner for all the fixings at a cost of $25 per plate. Reservations for the meal must be made by Monday, April 11 by either calling or dropping by the Fandangle office.
“We have to have a head count for the caterer by Monday in order to prepare enough food,” said Fandangle office manager Jamie Parsons. “People can drop by the office in the depot to reserve plates and pay, or call us and provide payment over the phone.”
Parsons said that she will have a list of current members and meal patrons at the gate.
Memberships, whether new or renewals, can be made online, in-person at the office, or at the gate at Reynolds Bend. The website is www.fortgriffin fandangle.org and clicking on the join button.
“There has been a lot of interest in the Sampler being held at Reynolds Bend,” Parsons said. “Many people in Albany, even some in the show, haven’t been there and are excited to get to see it.”
The “Bend” is located just over 25 miles northwest of Albany on the Matthews ranch. About half of the trip is on dirt and gravel ranch roads.
The site features the original ranch house of Barber Watkins Reynolds set in a horseshoe bend of the Clear Fork of the Brazos River at one of the most northwestern points of the ranch.
Sallie Reynolds married John Matthews at the ranch on Christmas Day 1875, marking the start of the couple’s life on the ranch which is chronicled in Sallie Matthews’ book Interwoven. The book serves as a primary source for stories told in the Fandangle.
“Membership renewals are continuing to come in well,” Parsons said. “We are even with or a little ahead of last year’s totals.”
This will be the first Sampler held at Reynolds Bend since longtime Fandangle president Watt Matthews passed away in 1999.
Memberships are available at seven levels, including a Pioneer Membership for $25 to a Platinum at $5,000.
Rehearsals Continue
Practice this week for the cast and crew will continue at the Bank Park, scheduled on Thursday (tonight) and again next Tuesday at 7:30 p.m.
The cast and crew members will move to the natural amphitheater at Reynolds Bend for rehearsals starting on Thursday, April 14 at 7:00 p.m.
A final dress rehearsal is planned during the afternoon at 4:00 p.m. on performance day at Reynolds Bend.
The Sampler is a shortened version of this year’s production, with practices starting about a month ago.
Director Lorna Ayers is urging people to come to all remaining rehearsals since the Sampler show is so close.
“We are outside so we can work on staging,” Ayers said. “The stage at Reynolds Bend is much larger than Sampler location in recent years. I am having to allow more time for cast members to cover the greater distances, so I really need everyone to show up for practices so we can get this worked out.”
Ayers said that the natural stage at the amphitheater, where the Sampler was held for years prior to the death of Watt Matthews, is a beautiful setting for the show.
The director said that she has had good participation so far at rehearsal.
“It is time to pull this all together.”
While Ayers said participation has been good, there is room for more to take part if they come to rehearsals this week.
“The more we have, the better the show is, and it makes it more fun too,” she said. “Not everyone has to be on a microphone or sing a solo part, so don’t worry about being able to sing. It’s all about being a part of the show.”
The Sampler was planned to be held on the ranch last year but had to be moved to town due to heavy rains on the ranch the week before.
Theater Campaign
According to Fandangle Association president Henry Musselman, the nonprofit is still seeking funds for needed capital improvements to the Prairie Theater, where the show is staged each summer.
About $140,000 is needed to complete the $600,000 campaign goal set by the Fandangle board several months ago.
