Page 6 - Amarillo Senior Link Magazine Summer 2021 - Online Magazine

Local
History
TEXAS

OUTDOOR MUSICAL

OFFICIAL PLAY OF TEXAS

by McKenna Vaughn talents of the cast and crew, and say that the tradition of TEXAS
the rich culture and history of the Outdoor Musical has not only
canyon, each persevered
he story of Texas is not season of the through the
one lightly told down at TEXAS Outdoor years but
Tthe Pioneer Amphitheater. Musical flourished.
Actors, crew members, and staff achieves
alike flock from all over the nation not only TEXAS Outdoor
every summer for the opportunity excellence, but Musical was
to become a part of TEXAS Outdoor also a special born in 1960,
Musical and dazzle audiences with place in the when Margaret
humor, dancing, singing, special hearts of Texas Harper read
effects, and the inspiring story of natives, as well an article
the Panhandle of Texas. For all as visitors from in Reader’s
its majesty, the beauty of Texas all 50 states Digest about a
could not be better reflected on and multiple playwright and
any other stage than the Pioneer foreign author named
Amphitheater in Palo Duro Canyon countries. Paul Green.
itself, the perfect backdrop for Fifty-five years of performing Harper had been searching for
such a spectacular show. Using the and touching the hearts of our ways to boost tourism to Palo Duro
beauty of the natural landscape, the audiences later, we are proud to Canyon and provide local jobs for
the summer. Upon learning that
Mr. Green had already recreated
the history of several regions
around the nation in tremendous
dramas, complete with pageantry
and music, inspiration struck.
Mrs. Harper wrote to Paul Green
and began corresponding with
him about the land, people and
beauty of Palo Duro Canyon. She
proposed the idea of creating a
musical that told the story of the
canyon, highlighted the rich history
of the Panhandle, and celebrated
the spirit and passion of the Lone
Star State. Initial concerns that the

6 Amarillo Senior Link