TEXAS Outdoor Musical hosts 2022 season in a new way, with an old retelling

"TEXAS the Outdoor Musical" welcomes everyone to its 56th Summer Season, beginning June 9 through Aug. 25, with a new artistic director and a revamping of the iconic retelling of Texas history.

"We are very excited to bring on Stephen; he has a long history in the theater business. He has worked at West Texas A&M University, among many other places, and he is (not only) bringing back some old favorites that we haven't seen in a long time, but also has reworked the scripts to allow the story to just carry the day and allow viewers to experience a new perspective," said Stephanie Price, Director of Marketing & Communications for the TEXAS musical.

Stephen Crandall is the eighth artistic director for TEXAS since its creation in 1966. Crandall initially became involved with the musical in 1999, portraying the role of the antagonist Calvin Armstrong. He portrayed the role consecutively for three years, then was involved with the production off stage as an acting coach for two years before moving away from the Amarillo area in 2003.

After returning to the Texas Panhandle area in 2012, Crandall accepted a position as an assistant professor at WTAMU. Over the years, he had several promotions, including becoming associate professor at WT in 2016. Earlier this year, in preparation of his new role as artistic director for the musical, Crandall stepped down from his position as Department Head of the Art, Theatre and Dance Department at WT.

Brian Kuhnert, who is portraying Uncle Henry, spoke about his involvement with the musical and the sense of community it has created over the past 19 years, and having worked side by side with Crandall on stage.

"I have known Crandall for years. I have worked with him both on and off stage over the years, and he pushes us to be the best because this is something that he has cared about for many years, and we care about it too, so we are all just working towards giving the audience the best show, and have a good time in a unique place," Kuhnert said.

He said that under Crandall's direction, much of the storytelling has returned to portraying a story similar to the original by Margaret Harper and playwright Paul Green.

"Many people come out here each year and make it a family tradition to see our production. We have a family as a part of the cast and crew in the show that have been a part of TEXAS for generations and generations, and I think the show has become something special and unique to our area. There are not many places that can create and produce something like this, and that is what makes it special," Price said.

The 56th production of TEXAS will include more than 120 cast and crew members, including two live horses who play a role on stage, and Benny Tahmahkera, a direct descendant of Quanah Parker, portraying the role of Parker.

Canyon native restaurant Fat Boys BBQ will cater the Chuck Wagon BBQ Dinner as well as the concession stand. This will be the restaurant's first year catering the event. The dinner begins before each performance, from 5:45 to 7:45 p.m., and tickets for the meal are required to be reserved a day in advance.

VIP tickets will also be available with a redesigned souvenir program, including VIP seating, a souvenir cup, a souvenir bag, and more.

The musical takes place each year in the Pioneer Amphitheater, which lies in a natural basin of the Palo Duro Canyon State Park. Individuals are able to enter the park at 4 p.m., and the box office opens at 5:45 p.m. Doors to theater open at 7:45 p.m. The production begins at 8:15 p.m. and includes one 15-minute intermission.

Showtimes begin June 9 and run through Aug. 25. A delay to production was made due to cast members' and the communities' health concerning COVID-19. This year's 2022 season for the production will not include fireworks in light of the current fire ban.

During the month of July, Globe-News readers will be able to redeem an exclusive discount to attend the TEXAS Outdoor Musical by purchasing tickets with a code included in an advertisement in the print edition.

Tickets for the VIP, meal, and general admission can be purchased by phone by calling 806-655-2181 or going online to the ticket website at https://texas-show.tixtrack.com/tickets/series/texasoutdoormusical2022/

For information about TEXAS Outdoor Musical, visit www.texas-show.com.

This article originally appeared on Amarillo Globe-News: Texas Outdoor Musical hosts 2022 season in new way with old retelling