By Rachel Nelson Those visiting Palo Duro Canyon to see the legendary musical Texas will notice some big changes around the Pioneer Amphitheatre. Bobby Lee, co-owner of the Big Texan Steak Ranch in Amarillo, has helped make renovations in the catering department.
According to Lee, in recent years the audience of Texas has declined, falling to numbers as low as 400 per night. "We started putting the 'T' back in Texas. It's all coming back to life," he said.
Upon arrival, visitors will notice the new beverage station where they can satisfy their thirst with iced tea or lemonade. Mister coolers have also been installed to help beat the summertime heat. Lee said the coolers provide a comfortable climate of 77 degrees while keeping insects away by running an extract from the root of an African plant through the misters. The repellant, Lee said, is non-toxic and keeps bugs away because they hate the smell of the root.
The previous food station has been closed so that the Big Texan can cater hot steaks off their custom-made rotating grill that spans seven-feet in diameter. Visitors dine outdoors in what Lee calls "the world's most beautiful dining room," which overlooks the Canyon. The Texas flag has been painted on top of the picnic tables in the dining area so that guests from around the world can get a true taste of the Lone Star State.
Lee sees the Big Texan's involvement in the project as a natural fit. "It's so important to give them a good show and hot food off the grill. They should leave telling themselves, 'I don't know which was better, the show or the food.'"
Phase one of the catering project was completed June 1. Lee said future plans include extending private areas for private functions for show nights as well as off nights.
Kris Dowd, a long-time Amarillo resident, said he has never taken the time to go and see Texas. "I've lived here all my life and I've never seen it and everyone else has seen it. The weather is great and the show is just opening. Plus, I'm from Texas, so it's part of my heritage." Dowd decided to go watch the show last month when his work, KAMR News Channel Four, gave him free tickets. "It's something you always hear about, but you don't go out of your way to check it out," he said.
Lee agreed that many Amarillo residents take the Canyon for granted, including himself. "This has been in my backyard my whole life," he said.
Lee said he hasn't seen"Texas since 1976 when he graduated from high school and urges local people to go out and see the show. "I find myself asking, 'Why did I never come to this? Why did I never come? Why not get an experience of what our area's all about?"
Lee said more people close to home are expected to attend Texas this year because high gas prices have put a damper on vacation plans. He also added that the annual showing of Texas has a big affect on Amarillo's economy. "When attendance is down down here, everyone in Amarillo feels it including hotels and restaurants," he said.
The catering isn't all that's new with–Texas. "We have a lot of new equipment from the lighting standpoint," said Brandon Mitchell, light designer for the show. "It's going to improve the quality of the lighting design. It's newer technology. We were using outdated stuff. This is one of the largest upgrades of lighting that's happened in years."
Last year a larger prairie fire was added with the installation of a propane fire system. "It's gonna be good and it's gonna be bigger and better than ever," Mitchell said.
House Manager Brett Burris said the Canyon Economic Development Committee donated $23,000 to upgrade the sound system at the amphitheatre.
Texas has switched back to its original script with a few modifications, Burris said. The gift shop also has been modified with the adding of the Texas Soda Shop, which offers frozen milkshakes.
"They'll have hand-scooped ice-cream, popsicles, ice cream sandwiches and more," Burris said.
Frances Krolczyk traveled to the Panhandle for the first time from Houston to see Texas. She called the show "hilarious," as it is laced with Texas humor.
"I've enjoyed the visit. Amarillo is beautiful. I'm proud I'm from Texas," she said. "I've never seen the Panhandle. That's the thing about Texas... there's a lot of things to see."
The show is presented in a natural wild west set-up.
"What a backdrop," Lee said when describing the set.
Texas also includes an exciting story line with enthusiastic performances from the cast. An award is given each night to the person who traveled the longest distance to see the show. On the night that Krolczyk visited the Canyon, there were 1,028 people in attendance, and a woman from India received the award.
The amphitheatre seats 1,800 people. Texas opened on June 4 and will continue showing every Tuesday through Saturday night until August 18. For more information about the show and ticket prices, visit http://www.texas-show.com/.
Burris said upcoming concerts are in the works for the amphitheatre."We will advertise it when it's all set in stone," he said.
