If you live in Texas, on of the must do items you need to put on your list is to see the production “Texas” in Palo Duro Canyon State Park. On it’s 49th season, this show is as good as it was when I saw it as a 10 year old. My parents took me as a young girl, so when creating our Texas Road Trip this summer, I knew this had to be a “must-do”.
What makes this show so good? Good enough to last 49 seasons?
Location
The show is in an outdoor amphitheater, that actually incorporates the beautiful bluff backdrop into the show. From the lone cowboy with the Texas flag that starts the show, to the fireworks, hillside fire, and projected images, the bluff is a central part of the show.
The amphitheater is in the actual canyon within Palo Duro Canyon State Park, and runs only in the summertime. But we all wore sweatshirts to the evening show, so it wasn’t as hot as you’d think it would be. There was always a nice breeze.
Talent
Though the story doesn’t change much year after year, the cast of talented actors do an amazing job. You can tell the actors enjoy telling the story as many of them return year after year to perform in it. And when you read the bios, many come from all over the state (and even out-of-state) to be in the play.
Special Effects
The special effects in Texas were terrific, with thunderstorms, a mountain fire, fireworks, water show and more. The night we saw the show, thunderstorms were moving into the area and we thought it was a part of the show they do such a good job with the show lightening. I think the special effects really add to the excitement of the show and keep the kids entertained.
Finale
Once the show ended, the cast of Texas performs a special tribute to Texas and America that gives you goose bumps. With patriotic music, dancing, water show, fireworks, and more, this was better than a 4th of July fireworks display in terms of evoking emotion. I was surprised to find out how choked up I was.
Tradition
I think the most important part of what makes this show so special is the tradition of Texas. The show itself is a sweet story about the settling of the Texas panhandle in the 1800s – ranchers versus farmers and the railroad coming into the area and of course it’s a love story. I keep going back to the bluff, but it’s as much of the show as the actors are. It’s just so cool how they can incorporate it into the story as well.
This show is a tradition that all Texans should see. It tells a story of the hard-working, persevering Texans that created our great state and it will make your very proud of the amazing state we live in.
The show itself starts at dusk (8:30 pm), but there is great preshow entertainment in the courtyard, and a chuck wagon BBQ dinner too. You can also take a backstage tour before the show.
The show only runs throughout the summer – May – August. Tickets to the show are reasonable – its a good deal for this broadway-quality show.
The show is good for all ages, the story is easy to follow and fun – both my 11 & 5 year old watched the entire show entranced. It is a long show, so be prepared for sleepy car riders on the way home. We were camping in the park, so we had a 10 minute walk to the camper and didn’t get home until close to 10:45 pm.
Again, seeing Texas should be on every Texan’s list. There is actually a great deal of fun to be had at Palo Duro Canyon State Park, so make a trip out of it.
Disclosure – My family and I were invited to see Texas! while visiting Palo Duro Canyon State Park. I was not compensated for this review. All opinions are my own.
