About the Foundation

We invite you all to come to TEXAS!

A LONE HORSEMAN, carrying the flag of the great state of Texas appears atop a 600 foot cliff, signaling the beginning of the most spectacular outdoor musical drama in the world. With 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. Only a state as big as Texas could host a show as big as TEXAS!

THE BEAUTIFUL PIONEER AMPHITHEATRE, carved out of and nestled into a natural basin in the majestic Palo Duro Canyon-the nation’s second largest canyon-comes alive once again this summer with the 50th Anniversary Season of the Official Play of the State of Texas.

IN THIS FAMILY-FRIENDLY SHOW, 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 1800's. Song and dance abound-and a generous helping of good ol’ Texas humor too-with spellbinding lighting, special fire and water effects, including the Dancing Waters of TEXAS! And nightly fireworks highlight the Grand Finale (weather conditions permitting).

awe-inspiring

meet the characters

show tickets

TIMES/TICKETS/MEALS

Take a tour with tuck

videos of other area attractions

Calvin Armstrong

A young homesteader returning from the east to reclaim his family farm. Calvin is determined to make the Texas Panhandle his home.

Henry McLean

A wealthy successful rancher in the Texas Panhandle, Henry made his claim and started what turned out to be one of the largest cattle ranches in the area.

Anna McLean

Uncle Henry’s wife, Anna is supportive of her powerful cattle ranching husband, but she keeps him grounded.

Elsie McLean

Colonel Henry’s niece. Elsie lives in St Louis, but likes to come out to the Panhandle to visit.

Tuck Yelldell

Before the Civil War, Tucker was a plantation owner in the South, after the war he went in search of gold in the Palo Duro Canyon.

Kate lucas

A saloon girl and entertainer in Ft Worth, Kate also found herself looking for a new beginning in the Panhandle. She takes on a job as The McLean’s new cook.

Dave Newberry

The foreman on the McLean Ranch, Dave is cocky and determined to build a cattle herd of his own and start his own ranch.

Parmalee Flynn

The daughter of a cattle rancher and neighbor of the McLean’s, and Parmalee is the classic tomboy.

The characters

…and we do mean characters

How to get here

The Amphitheatre is just a short 25 mile drive from Amarillo and a 15 mile drive from Canyon.

From Amarillo, take I-27 south to exit #110 (US 87). Continue south for 3 miles to Canyon. Turn left (east) on 4th Avenue (TX 217) and drive 15 minutes to Palo Duro Canyon State Park.

From Canyon, take 4th Avenue (TX 217) and drive 15 minutes to Palo Duro Canyon State Park.

From Lubbock, take I-27 north to Canyon. Turn right (east) on 4th Avenue (TX 217) and drive 15 minutes to Palo Duro Canyon State Park.

Palo Duro Canyon State Park

11450 Park Road 5

Canyon, TX 79015