Experience Our Shows

ABOUT TEXAS- A MUSICAL ROMANCE OF TEXAS PANHANDLE HISTORY

OUR SHOW WAS BORN in 1960 when Margaret Harper read an article in Reader’s Digest about a playwright and author named Paul Green. Mr. Green had recreated the history of several regions about the nation in tremendous dramas with pageantry and music. Mrs. Harper wrote to Paul Green and began corresponding with him about the land, people and beauty of Palo Duro Canyon. As interest in the prospect of an outdoor theater began to grow, a small group of Canyon families funded the first trip for Paul Green to come to the Panhandle later that year. Mr. Green immediately dedicated himself to the project of bringing the history of the High Plains to the stage. The support organization eventually expanded to include Amarillo and all the surrounding area.

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 nation. With a moving swell of the music, the horseman gallops across the rim. Suddenly, a cast of more than 60 actors, singers and dancers take the stage to kick off the show that millions of fans from all around the world have come to see.

A 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 and special effects.

THE BEAUTIFUL PIONEER AMPHITHEATER...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 for the 57th season of the Official Play of the State of Texas.

• Preshow Entertainment: Tour Palo Duro Canyon State Park, State Park Visitor Center, Pioneer Amphitheatre Souvenir Shop, Wagon Ride to Show
• VIP Backstage Tour & Entertainment: Meet Cast & Crew, Pictures and Autographs, Special Effects and Dancing water display
• Chuck Wagon BBQ Dinner: Authentic Texas BBQ, All the Sides, Dessert, Served Under Covered Patio

ABOUT Shakespeare in the Canyon

THE BEAUTIFUL PIONEER AMPHITHEATER...carved out of and nestled into a natural basin in the majestic Palo Duro Canyon sets a beautiful stage to hear the work of William Shakespeare, one of the greatest playwrights of all time.

OUR SHOW FEATURE this year will be A Midsummer Night's Dream for 4 special performances in July. July 9, 16, 23, and 30th!

A MIDSUMMER NIGHT'S DREAM is set in Athens, and consists of several subplots that revolve around the marriage of Theseus and Hippolyta. One subplot involves a conflict among four Athenian lovers. Another follows a group of six amateur actors rehearsing the play which they are to perform before the wedding. Both groups find themselves in a forest inhabited by fairies who manipulate the humans and are engaged in their own domestic intrigue. The play is one of Shakespeare's most popular and is widely performed.

• Preshow Entertainment: Tour Palo Duro Canyon State Park, State Park Visitor Center, Pioneer Amphitheatre Souvenir Shop, Wagon Ride to Show
• Special Concession items such as turkey legs available for purchase!