 For 42 years running, TEXAS - The Musical Drama, has been entertaining visitors from around the world, and this, the 43rd anniversary year, promises to be a larger-than-life summer destination blockbuster to top all others.
To begin with, where can you sit on the edge of North America's second largest canyon, the steep canyon walls bathed in the colors of sunset, and dine on what is arguably the world's greatest beef steak, counting down the minutes to show time?
Of course, there is no curtain in this remarkable and natural amphitheater, carved into the rock and stone of a canyon older than man. The signal to the start of the outdoor production is a lone rider galloping across the crest of the canyon rim across the way, bathed in the falling sunlight and hoisting an oversize Lone Star Flag in the wind. Partner, if there was any doubt about it, you now know you're in Texas!
 With a burst of fireworks and a moving swell of the music, the horseman gallops away. Suddenly, a cast of more than 60 actors, singers and dancers takes the stage to kick off the show that millions of fans from all around the world have come to see. Like the official Web site says, only a state as big as Texas could host a show as big as TEXAS!
Set against an authentic tapestry of history, the show’s fictional characters bring to life the stories, struggles and triumphs of the settlers of the Texas Panhandle in the 1800s.
You’ll want to come early and enjoy a delicious steak dinner served by the world-famous Big Texan Steak Ranch on our covered patio. How about a backstage tour to get a behind-the-scenes look at how the show is produced? You'll find the experience pleasing to all ages in the family. The musical numbers are well orchestrated and the performances are well done.
Texas Musical Drama had its beginning 1960 when the William Moores and Ples Harpers of Canyon, Texas were intrigued by an article in Readers Digest about Paul Green who had re-created the history of several regions in tremendous dramas with pageantry and music. Margaret Harper wrote to Green to see if he would be interested in weaving such a production around the story of the Texas Panhandle and the great canyon across it. Mr. Green agreed and 135 people from 12 counties met in 1961 and together formed the Foundation to raise money for the production.
 A sound and light demonstration was held and the show FANDANGLE was brought from Albany , Texas to perform in 1964. In 1965, a sound and light booth was donated and Margaret Harper's THUNDERING SOUNDS OF THE WEST was performed at the theatre. During 1966, the State of Texas built the dressing rooms and concession building, and at last on July 1, 1966, Texas Musical Drama opened. 61,338 guests attended the show that first year. Since that time more than three million visitors have come to see productions in the Pioneer Amphitheater in the beautiful Palo Duro Canyon State Park
While in the area be certain to visit the nearby city of Canyon. Stroll the square in this historic community, enjoy an authentic cowboy breakfast on a working ranch nearby, visit the state’s largest historical museum or trek along the world-famous Route 66, there's plenty to do in the region.
The Amphitheater is just a short 25 mile drive from Amarillo. From Amarillo, take I-27 south to exit #110 (US 87). Continue south for 3 miles and into the beautiful city of Canyon. Turn left (east) on 4th Avenue (TX 217) and drive 15 minutes to Palo Duro Canyon State Park. From Lubbock, take I-27 north to exit #106 (TX 217). Turn right (east) and drive 10 minutes to Palo Duro Canyon State Park.
|
