[Congressional Record Volume 141, Number 127 (Wednesday, August 2, 1995)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1592]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


    A TRIBUTE TO THE 30TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE MUSICAL DRAMA ``TEXAS''

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                           HON. LARRY COMBEST

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, August 2, 1995
  Mr. COMBEST. Mr. Speaker, I would like to take this opportunity to 
salute the musical drama, ``Texas,'' as they celebrate their 30th 
anniversary. Set in the natural confines of Palo Duro Canyon State Park 
in the Texas panhandle, ``Texas'' has maintained its reputation as the 
best attended outdoor drama in the country, as well as the Official 
Play of the State of Texas. The Palo Duro Canyon State Park is located 
near Canyon, TX, and is administered by the Texas Parks and Wildlife 
Department. Since its inception in 1966, ``Texas,'' produced by the 
nonprofit Texas Panhandle Heritage Foundation, Inc. has contributed 
over $1 million from show revenues to the department.
  Written by Pulitzer Prize winning author, Paul Green, ``Texas'' 
portrays the struggle and hardships, celebration and joy of early 
settlers living in the Texas panhandle. Well over 2\1/2\ million people 
from across the country and around the world have come to the Grand 
Canyon of Texas to watch this epic story, which captures the uniqueness 
of the Lone Star State.
  The talented cast of over 80 singers and dancers act out the historic 
tale on the stage of an open-air theater with a 600-foot cliff serving 
as a backdrop. ``Texas'' uses great choreography and stirring music to 
tell its story. Modern technology has improved props, sound effects, 
and light displays to help make ``Texas'' nights an unforgettable 
experience.
  The play ``Texas'' embodies the true values of a great musical 
romance. I now ask that you, Mr. Speaker, and my colleagues join me in 
commending ``Texas'' for 30 wonderful seasons. As we look forward to 
the next 30 seasons, I am confident this extraordinary musical drama 
will continue its professional depiction of early Texas history for our 
children and our children's children.


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