I have been watching Texas every few years since the late 1960s. I can tell you that this year, 2026, is the best ever! If you came and weren't impressed in the past, you should come now. The energy on the stage was electrifying, and the technical extra effects were mind-blowing. Amazing show!! read more

Amazing show right under the stars in the backdrop of the Palo Duro Canyon. Talented singers, dancers and actors come for the summer to perform each night and it's a wonderful way to get a taste of the history of the panhandle. read more

Texas Musical Drama - Backdrop of the theater - Performing Arts Near Me - Canyon, Texas

Where else can you see a musical performance in the middle of the "Texas Grand Canyon"? This was such a unique event! We purchased tickets about 2 months ahead of time and after looking at other reviews online, we took someone's advice of where to sit. In case you need the info, the right side, halfway up (rows K-M) are perfect. The show had a ton of college-age actors/singers/dancers in it (I'm guessing from West Texas A&M down the street in Canyon, TX). They did such a great job and had huge smiles on their faces the entire time. The only thing we didn't necessarily enjoy was the storyline. It was a bit strange and didn't flow correctly in some spots. But it was a great experience overall! read more

Texas Musical Drama - Performing Arts Near Me - Canyon, Texas

See all

Very good show, definitely worth the visit and if you are in the area you should take the time to visit this iconic musical. We showed up too early. We were fully warned to avoid the pre-show meal, so we came at 7:30. I would recommend much closer to 8:00. They keep the crowds well entertained with a pre-show talk by Quanah Parker and some country music on a small stage, but there's not a lot of seating and the gift store is pretty meager. I think your average gas station/convenience store is better stocked. In fact, we spent 20 minutes across the street at the Group meeting house. We snuck over and sat at their back porch on their fantastic outdoor furniture. We chatted for about a half hour in solitude enjoying the views before we went over to wait for the show to start. Wow, that was brilliant! (All my really good ideas are actually just dumb luck). We took another Yelper's advice and went stage right. It was a good seat, but I would highly recommend the middle. We couldn't see what was going on when they had actors on the canyon walls or when things were highlighted up the middle on the canyon. Definitely don't sit lower than J/K or you will be looking backwards when the show is in the "wings". Before the show and during intermission, they sold concessions in the amphitheater. Ice cream (Blue Bell!), cotton candy, popcorn, water and drinks. The water is definitely airport priced, so you better bring a bottle. The show was very entertaining. The seating was good. It was long, so if you aren't staying in the park or nearby, it will be well after 11 (maybe midnight) before you get back, so plan on that. It was super easy to get in and out, so don't worry too bad about the lines. Sorry, no photos allowed, so you'll have to use your favorite search engine to see more re: it. Pro tip: Sit above row J/K and bring water. read more

See all

This is great family experience. The canyon is beautiful and the play is just a good old time. The barbecue dinner is ok, so if you want to spend your money else where, you won't be missing anything. read more

57th production of it. Born and raised Texan and first visit for both my wife and I. A "must-do" for every Texan. Very entertaining. Most of the cast were very talented. Good clean family fun that you don't have to censor for your kids. Best seats are near center, around Rows K-O. read more

Beware of extra fees. If you buy your tickets online, it looks like you are only being charged $15 per person, but that is just for the dinner. (That is less than impressive) You will be charged another $30/person for the show tickets, plus a $3 per ticket service charge and another $4.50 transaction fee. You can save a bit of money by getting tickets on the far edges. If you do that, pick the right side, you will get a better view. The show itself is pretty good. It's all college students but well choreographed. The finale is the best part with a fireworks show. read more

A unique setting for a unique musical. The backdrop is worth half the price of admission. And the finale--fireworks plus a new water show worthy of Las Vegas--was thrilling. As for the musical itself ... well, it ain't Broadway, that's for sure. Performances were varied--some were good, others were more passionate than polished--and the story can drag in some parts, but there are some good numbers and plenty for kids to enjoy. Some of the special effects were "electrifying" as well (inside joke, but you'll enjoy it!). We skipped the bbq meal and used the pre-show daylight to tour the canyon, which was impressive. We also sat up mid-level and agree that you don't want to be too low. All in all, a great time. Kids really enjoyed it! read more

We made this a family trip that included 3 adults (35 - 59 years old) and 3 children - all boys between the ages of 8 and 11 yrs old; the 8 year old is usually unable to sit still. We expected all of the boys to get bored, and start to getting restless. But, not one of us did. Everyone of us enjoyed it and stayed interested in watching to the end. We choose to sit on the first row (M) in the Far Right section. This was THE PERFECT seats. Center may be good (but not as good as the Far Right), but don't seat up close in the Center section, look for seats near K or L or farther back. The stage is higher than the lower alphabet seats and you will be tilting your head back for over two hours to watch the show. But, I want to repeat the show has the most action on the right, with the Far Right section being probably the best seats in the house. It was a little bit long, it started at 8:30pm but we didn't leave until near 11:00pm. But as I said this didn't keep the boys or the adults from having a great time. And, there is an intermission. We would highly recommend this show, even if you usually wouldn't ever consider a musical. read more

Always a fun time. Always worth it. Good cast, good direction. (The people attacking the show in the other reviews have no experience in theater and have no basis on what's good or bad. Actually moronic) read more

I have to hand it to the kids that sing and dance and sweat in the Texas heat. Good job. The show is a bit dated. This is not Hamilton. Bring your insect repellent. Mosquitos the size of watermelons are everywhere. Skip the BBQ before the show. Not worth it. read more

If you wanna have a fun evening with your family this is a great place! We visited in mid July temperatures in high 90's probably 100. But you would never know it because of dry air. The wife and I were never uncomfortable! Even during the play we were fine. The musical "Texas" was a fun show for all ages and ended with fireworks, waterworks, and lots of patriotism. We sat around older folks and kids and they all seemed to have a great time. Now to the things that needs lots of help. BARBECUE DINNER TERRIBLE!!! This was below cafeteria quality! Severs were all delightful and had smiles! Too bad the product was horrible. SOUVENIR SHOP SUCKED!!! There were 700+ people at the show last night and there was absolutely nothing to buy! It was unorganized and full of dollar store crap! So my advice would be go 2 hrs before show and drive through canyon (state park gives you free entry for show 4 hrs before show) go to state park gift store and get a hamburger. Arrive at show few minutes early for music outside theater. All in all we had a great time. We were leaving state park at 11pm. read more

See all

I have wanted to come and see this musical for years. We finally got the opportunity to stay in the Lighthouse cabin and get reservations for the show. So let's just say that I had really high expectations. I also got us tickets for the meal. I figured that we were there already, so might as well have the whole experience. Luckily I called ahead to ask what was the latest that we could slide in to eat. In the heat of summer I had zero desire to sit around in the sun for 2.5 hrs between the food and the show. We were told that it was fine to come around 7, so that's what we did. Parking was easy. We seemed to be about the last people to eat, so they looked a bit low on some food but we still got a plateful. The "brisket" was chopped. There was also the usual - beans, slaw, onions. Cobbler in a little cup for dessert. It was just alright - not the worst and not the best. Not worth the meal price though. Even coming in later we were finished eating by about 7:20 so there was still an hour of "sit around in the sun" time. They don't open the gates until around 8:20. During the wait I did get really tired of the hard pressure sales of the program. One stage mom pushed her little girl to go up to every stranger and try to sell the program plus her autograph. She was about 4 years old and played one of the little kids standing off to the side in the show. It was heartbreaking to watch the little girl being made to sell. Finally we got in and found our seats. As others have said there really aren't any bad seats. I'd pick higher rather than lower but otherwise it should be fine. The show finally began and we did love the rider on the rim carrying the Texas flag. But that's about it. We found the show to be really poor in plot and acting. It just all seemed so hokey.. If we hadn't paid over $100 for the meal and tickets I wouldn't have minded as much, but with all the hype I was just expecting so much more. The show has an intermission and we got up and left. I did want to see the finale with the tribute and fireworks but not enough to sit through another hour. We decided that the show probably would have been interesting for either kids or old folks (and there were a lot of both there!) but that's it. Just a big let down. read more

I wanted to add my two cents here. My advice is to spend your money elsewhere. This musical is just a bunch of amateurs jumping around on stage and screaming. The props were invented and constructed at the local elementary school when the teacher called in sick one day and let the sub do "whatever". The storyline didn't make any sense to me but I couldn't pay attention since I was bored to tears - literally. You know how you yawn so much that your eyes begin to water and before long you have tears streaming down your face? That's what I mean! The food is basically frozen Walmart/Sams stuff warmed up and out of the can, edible if you eat fast enough so your tongue doesn't get a chance to taste it. Peach cobbler tasted so much like salt that they should change its name to salt lick - diabetics beware.... on to the gift shop, if you enjoy broken trinkets from China that were sent as rejects from Rudolph the Red nose reindeer "island of misfit toys" this place is definitely worth checking out. Needless to say, I won't be coming back. How can a place this bad be so hyped up? Their management or owners must be marketing geniuses but management drop outs. read more

Can I just say WOW! We came to the musical tonight from Waco. Or children are 10 and 7 and they were both mesmerized. My husband wasn't to excited to go beforehand, but even he said it was pretty incredible. It made you proud to be a Texan and proud to be an American. The fireworks show at the end was an added bonus! Way to go cast and crew! We will be back again that is for sure. read more

This play was absolutely amazing!!! Fantastic actors/actresses and singers! It was funny and interesting! Family of 8 and all of us LOVED it! I highly recommend. Family friendly and wheelchair accessible. Very patriotic too. The actors/actresses even was outside thanking everyone for coming. It was the best play I've been to. read more

Texas Musical Drama - Texas on the side of canyon - Performing Arts Near Me - Canyon, Texas

The production is amateurish at best, better suited for a cruise ship than in the Palo Duro Canyon. The show is basically highly overproduced music, songs and a quite cheesy storyline. The amount of times they say "Calvin Armstrong" is totally ridiculous. The story drags on and on with way too many corny songs. The show is at least an hour too long for good entertainment. Save your money and treat yourself to a good dinner somewhere else and a good movie. Skip this syrupy excuse for entertainment. read more

I saw this with my youth group last week, and I gotta say it was AMAZING. I enjoyed the food and the performance was just great. I really loved the fire works at the end ! :) read more

I have heard about this musical since my Tech days 25 years ago, and had always wanted to go, but never did. Now with my daughter at Tech, I decided we would have a little day trip to Canyon to see it. Wow!! I can't believe I waited so long! Much better than I expected. It was like a broadway show, with a huge water show and awesome fireworks at the end! We went July 5th, and the fireworks were much better than the show we saw in Lubbock on July 4th! The singing was fantastic, and the story cute, and overall a great representation of Texas panhandle history set against the canyon wall. Very pretty! I can't wait to see it again in a year or two! If you've never been to Palo Duro Canyon, make a day of it. It is beautiful!! read more

I have read some critical reviews. The show TEXAS is an outdoor musical that tells part of the history of the Texas Panhandle. The actors, mostly, are young college students. I think they do an exceptional job for this venue. No, this is not an expensively produced Broadway show with professional actors who earn much money performing. These are young professionals who work for next to nothing, and some will continue in a performance career. I think the show delivers quite well on its premise. Those who would criticize really don't understand. They should try a summer of working hard for very small pay in the Texas Panhandle heat six evenings a week to bring fun entertainment to thousands. My wife and I are returning for our third time this season to see the last performance of the season, and I anticipate receiving an evening of good fun for a very reasonable ticket-price! The barbeque dinner catered by Feldman's Wrong Way Diner in Canyon is not at all worth the price. I suggest you eat a pleasant meal before coming out to the Palo Duro Canyon for the show. By eating elsewhere beforehand you won't have to wait in the hot sun for the "doors" to open. But don't be late! Have fun and enjoy the efforts of the young people who are are working hard to entertain you! read more

Average at best. At first thought it actually was real cowboys doing what they do in that lifestyle. For 36 dollars a head expected better. 1st 3 or 4 rows are useless. Cannot see stage and have to look up the whole time. They show stage to the front when it is actually all around you. My neck was so sore barely slept last night and will be seeing my chiro and therapist today. All this for that kind of money is not acceptable. read more

The scenery is beautiful and the cast was great, but the overall production left something to be desired. The acoustics were off and it was hard to hear what the actors were saying at times, also several of the dance numbers had far too much going on to appreciate the act. read more

This was really good. My teenagers were dreading it but after thanked us for making them go. We did the dinner before and it was decent. Don't get there too early. Dinner is 6-8 and doors don't open until 8 so don't get there to eat until 7-715. If you aren't eating wait until 8! It lasts until after 10 so leave littlest ones at home. Good Texas history, great choreography, decent songs and singing. The opening band on the small stage beforehand had a girl that sounds just like Miranda sings so that was funny... read more

Heard from two different folks that the musical was great and we had to go see it. The food was just okay. I feel like a better meal could have been had for the money. After the show there wasn't much to do but sit around until the gates opened. The souvenir shop was small and there was nothing worth having. We made 2 trips in there to hang out in the ac. When they let us in we got to our seats easy enough which were center and middle. The seats themselves leave a lot to be desired as they are narrow and pretty uncomfortable. I'm not the biggest guy but not the smallest either and I got to know my neighbor better than i cared to. We ultimately waited for the seats to fill in and found 2 vacant ones on the other side of the amphitheater. The musical started and it was just.... well it was bad, man. Like watching the uncomfortable choreography of your kids first kindergarten sing a long. The microphones of some of the main characters cut out during the production and that was a blessing. The sound system is so garbled that you couldn't make out the words to songs. There were some funny characters like the gold prospector so of course his mic cut out so we couldn't hear what he was saying. Some of the female leads thought it was an opera so they overdid the vibrato too much and stood out. We left way early. The best part of the show was watching the ushers harass people taking pictures. We considered taking pics to see of they would possibly kick us out so the actors didnt have to feel bad about their performance as we left out midsong. I wish I could have seen the hustle and dedicated personnel used to keep people from taking pictures diverted to the ticket sales booth or the food line. All in all it was not good. Definitely go check out the canyon. Also dont believe the reviews from the people putting 5 stars on here. They must have been paid to put those because there is almost nothing redeeming about the show. I'm convinced that the photography is prohibited because they dont want word to get out that the show is terrible. Full disclosure; me and my wife are in our mid 30s so maybe it just wasn't for us. There were a lot of older folks and kids there too but didnt stick around to see if they were giving rave reviews. One good thing I did see was some posters they have in the gift shop. They were kind of cool minimalist color paintings for the musical. Might be worth a stop to get one of those but dont stay to watch the show or you will regret it. read more

Not as good as it once was. the acting needs some excitement. it was like they were reading lines. They need to go back to the original script and put things back the way they were. for example the grave scene is vital to the story. there are some good improvements like the mexican dance and Isabella but I miss the old show. read more

We was looking forward to a western type shows. Every year we go on vacation we try to attend at least one show somewhere. We have enjoyed shows all over the country and enjoyed them and would go back to see most of them. This show is no exception it was quite good and we really enjoyed all the young adults in the show. The music was great and the acting was good. We really enjoyed the performance and would recommend this to anyone who want to see how talented the young people are in this performance. Excellent we would come back to see the show again. The show I would rate as a 5 but because they serve dinner with the show I had to mark down from five star to 4. The so called dinner was terrible. The pulled pork I had was burnt and dry and Pulled beef was terrible and the sausage was something you would by out of a freezer and warm up. For bread they had a slice of store bought white bread. The beans was terrible no taste and all watery. The peach cobbler was like eating glue and very little peach. The coleslaw was good and potatoes salad was ok for store bought. Did not taste like fresh. I would not recommend this dinner to anyone. I would score this dinner as a 0 if we could. Do not waste your time go and drive the canyon then come to the show. After the show they had a good fire work show which everyone seems to enjoy. After the show all the actors stuck around to and sign autograph and visited with anyone that was around. Great show! read more