This week's entertainment includes 'Texas' cast doing Shakespeare, Perryton benefit

'Texas' cast to present Shakespeare at Amarillo Botanical Gardens

Do you love Shakespeare? Do you love nature? Then you won’t want to miss the performance of "Romeo and Juliet" at the Amarillo Botanical Gardens on Monday, July 10.

For Shakespeare in the Gardens this year, the "Texas" outdoor musical cast, under the direction of former cast member Brandon Dawson, will feature a 6 p.m. reception in the gardens and the beloved Shakespeare play at 7 p.m. Tickets are $45 per person and available until sold out at texas-show.com.

Join them for a night of romance, tragedy, and beauty as they bring to life the classic tale of two star-crossed lovers in the stunning setting of the gardens. Enjoy the sights and sounds of nature as you watch the drama unfold on stage. The show starts at 7 p.m., but guests can arrive early to explore the gardens and have a picnic, bringing their own chairs or blankets.

Guests can reserve tickets for the one-time event online at https://www.texas-show.com/events/2023/shakespeare .

'Texas' musical hosting special evenings, family nights on Sundays

In addition, two other special evenings are planned by the "Texas" Outdoor Musical cast as part of its ongoing season.

TEXAS Opera this year will be the Pirates of Penzance on July 23 (2:30 p.m.) and July 24 (7:30 p.m.). Singers and actors will perform this comedic opera in two acts for audiences. Tickets are $10 per person, and the show will feature two performances at the West Texas A&M University Branding Iron Theatre. Tickets are available online or at the door.

TEXAS Originals on July 31 features cast and crew talents in a variety show. It is also the evening they will honor the cast and crew with scholarship presentations. Tickets are $10 per person and the show will be at the West Texas A&M University Branding Iron Theatre. Tickets are available online or at the door.

"Texas" the Outdoor Musical is offering tickets for $1 to all kids ages 6-12 for every Sunday during the month of July. Kids younger than 5 get in free as a part of this special promotion.

“We want families to feel welcome to share a night at the best outdoor musical in Texas, so we are making it easy to bring the kids out Sundays in July,” said Andrew Hay, Executive Director

The family-friendly show is 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. To purchase a discounted ticket online, visit texas-show.com and select the kid’s price type, no code needed.

For complete listing of show times, admission costs, volunteer opportunities and more information, visit their website, www.texas-show.com.

'Johnny Cash – The Official Concert Experience' plays Amarillo on Oct. 30

"Johnny Cash – The Official Concert Experience" is bringing songs and stories from the “Man in Black” to the Amarillo Civic Center Complex Auditorium on Monday, Oct. 30, 2023 in a way that audiences haven’t seen or heard before.

With video of Johnny from episodes of The Johnny Cash TV Show projected on a screen above the stage, a live band and singers will accompany him in perfect sync. This concert experience will showcase iconic performances from the TV show and highlight the spirit of the legend by revisiting some of his memorable words and anecdotes. Cash will perform some of his biggest hits, including “Folsom Prison Blues,” “Ring of Fire,” and “I Walk the Line,” and share stories of people he met along the way whose causes he championed – the working man from all walks of life. Plus, onstage male and female singers will split vocal duties performing their own takes on Cash hits. The music never stops in this concert event, according to a news release.

The show will also feature on-screen narration by Cash’s only son, John Carter Cash. “My father’s music has resonated deeply with fans around the world and we’re looking forward to bringing this music experience to cities across North America,” says Cash. “I will help narrate the evening and share some intimate stories from my father’s personal life and career in music.”

The tour will launch in Fayetteville, Arkansas on Oct. 14 before embarking on an 85-plus city tour across North America through spring 2024. For more information, visit www.JohnnyCashConcertExperience.com and follow @johnnycash on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and Twitter and @johnnycashofficial on YouTube.

Tickets for "Johnny Cash – The Official Concert Experience" will go on sale later this year. To join our email list, register your email address at www.CelebrityAttractions.com; you will receive an email when you can purchase tickets.

Ticket buyers are reminded that for Celebrity Attractions’ and Amarillo Civic Center Complex Auditorium productions, panhandletickets.com is the only official retail ticket outlet and the only way to guarantee that you are paying face value for legitimate tickets for all performances the Amarillo Civic Center Complex Auditorium. Get social with Celebrity Attractions: Facebook.com/BwayAmarillo Instagram.com/AmarilloBroadway .

Starlight Ranch presents Pickin' for Perryton, a music festival benefiting disaster relief fund

Starlight Ranch is raising funds for Perryton with Pickin’ for Perryton, a two-day music festival taking place on Saturday and Sunday, July 15 and 16. The event will support the Perryton Disaster Relief Fund at Interstate Bank. Join them at Starlight Ranch in Amarillo for a weekend of music, food trucks, vendors, and exciting activities for all ages.

Saturday's festivities kick off at noon and will continue until 10:30 p.m., while Sunday's event runs from noon to 6 p.m. Attendees can look forward to a full lineup of bands, including performances on the main stage and at the Moon Palace. Headlining Saturday will be Jason Williams, and Sunday will feature Michael Martin Murphy. The complete lineup, including the headliner, will be announced soon.

In addition to live music, Pickin’ for Perryton offers a range of activities to enjoy. Get competitive with a cornhole tournament presented by Cactus Cove & Suites. For team entry or cornhole information, contact Case Hess at (469) 500-7713.

Treat your taste buds to delicious offerings from the area's best food trucks located in the backyard area. Explore the diverse selection of shopping by curated vendors brought to you by the Ruffles and Rust Expo. Shop everything from handcrafted to boutique items; 100% of the vendor booth fees will go directly to the relief fund. Contact Camey at Rufflesandrustexpo.com for more vendor information. Also, let the kids have a blast in the dedicated Kids Area with a bounce house and mini-golf.

General admission for the two-day event is only $25, payable to the Interstate Bank Perryton Disaster Relief Fund. Online tickets can be purchased at starlightranch.com, or you can get them at the door for $30.

For food trucks or sponsorship inquiries, please contact Bobby Lee at (806) 584-7201. For guests coming in from out of town, our host hotels are offering special rates just for you and your family: Ashmore Inn & Suites, Cactus Cove & Suites, and Fairfield Inn & Suites.

All money raised will be directed to United Way of Perryton, which will work directly with a local committee to vet needs and allocate money to those most impacted.

Barbie takes over at Cinergy Enertainment locations with menu items, sweepstakes

Cinergy Entertainment Group, a family-owned and operated national chain of Family Entertainment Centers (FEC), crowned Top Family Entertainment Center of the World in 2019, announced today that in celebration of the upcoming "Barbie" feature film release, Cinergy will be hosting a “Barbie Takeover” through July 31 at all locations. Now through July 31, Cinergy is offering its Elite Rewards Members the opportunity to enter "The Barbie Sweeps” for a chance to win a PINK Jolta Electric Moped.

In addition to the sweepstakes, Cinergy has put together Cinergy presents Barbie’s Favorites menu items, a Collectible Kid’s Snack Pack, themed beach ball adult and non-alcoholic beverages, a Barbie-themed breakfast, Barbie Blowout Party early screenings, among other exciting activities.

To become an Elite Rewards Member, go to https://www.cinergy.com/signup . It's free to join. To enter "The Barbie Sweeps” Sweepstakes, visit https://www.cinergy.com/barbie-sweeps .

Music in the Gardens concert series returns for the summer

Music in the Gardens summer concert series is taking place on Thursdays from 7 to 9 p.m. Admission is $10, or $5 for members.

Remaining performers in the lineup include Sadie's Rangers (July 13), Cameron James Smith (July 20), Buster Bledsoe (July 27), Texas Junction (Aug. 3), Kayla Richardson and Byron Roberts (Aug. 10), Touching Voodoo (Aug. 17), Tennessee Tuckness (Aug. 24) and Geezers Gone Wild (Aug. 31).

For more information about these and over happenings at the gardens, visit amarillobotanicalgardens.org/events/ or call (806) 352-6513.

Center City of Amarillo presenting High Noon on the Square concerts

Center City of Amarillo will present its 2023 High Noon on the Square series, from noon to 1 p.m. Wednesdays on the Potter County Courthouse lawn, located at 501 S. Fillmore in Amarillo. Lunch will be available for $10. The full lineup includes:

• July 12 – Entertainment by Buster Bledsoe – sausage wraps by AQHA Cook Team;

• July 19 – Entertainment by The Prairie Dogs – hamburgers by Bubba’s 33; and

• July 26 – Entertainment by Insufficient Funds – fajitas by Joe Taco

For more, visit https://centercity.org/high-noon-on-the-square/.

Starlight Theater music in the park being held Tuesdays

Amarillo Parks and Rec is hosting Starlight Theater every Tuesday at 7 p.m. at Sam Houston Park, 4101 Line Ave.

Enjoy free music in the park with local bands, food trucks and vendors.

Those attending are asked to bring a lawn chair, blankets and family and friends.

Diamond Rio coming to Amarillo

Legendary country group Diamond Rio takes the stage at the Starlight Ranch Event Center on Thursday, July 13. This show will be in the Moon Palace.

Diamond Rio found major commercial success in the country music market by playing an eclectic hybrid of modern country, traditional bluegrass (especially in their harmony singing), and a hint of rock & roll. The band was composed of Marty Roe (lead vocals, guitar), Jimmy Olander (guitar, banjo), Gene Johnson (mandolin, vocals), Dan Truman (keyboards), Dana Williams (bass), and Brian Prout (drums).

Diamond Rio’s most recent release I Made It, is their tenth studio album. They recently celebrated their 30th Anniversary, has sold more than 10 million albums, won a Grammy Award, a Dove Award, six Vocal Group of the Year wins (CMA and ACM), released two Greatest Hit albums, a live and Christmas project, earned five multi-week no. 1 singles, 22 Top 10 singles, three certified Platinum and five gold albums, released an autobiography.

Tickets for this show range from $30 to $150 (plus taxes and fees), depending on seating and VIP features.

For more information or to purchase tickets, visit www.bigtexan.com/starlight-ranch-event-center/

Giovannie and the Hired Guns to perform at Starlight

Giovannie and the Hired Guns return to Starlight Ranch on Friday, July 21, in the Moon Palace.

One of the most crowd-thrilling bands to burst onto the national scene in recent years, Giovannie and The Hired Guns have pushed the boundaries of rock-and-roll and country to forge an irresistibly gritty sound all their own.

After building a massive grassroots following on the strength of their explosive live show, the Stephenville-based five-piece ascended to new heights with their smash hit “Ramon Ayala".

Tickets for this show range from $20 to $150 (plus taxes and fees), depending on seating and VIP features.

This show is for those ages 18 and older.

For more information or to purchase tickets, visit https://www.bigtexan.com/starlight-ranch-event-center/

Sistine Chapel: The Exhibition now open in Amarillo

The internationally acclaimed Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel: The Exhibition has come to Amarillo and runs through July 23. It will be the inaugural exhibit at the newly renovated Sunset Center in Amarillo, now called Arts in the Sunset.

This globally successful exhibit has been all around the world from Shanghai to Chicago, Phoenix, Berlin, Vienna and more. Tickets are on sale and can be purchased online at artsinthesunset.org.

Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel: The Exhibition is a collection of the artist’s renowned ceiling frescoes from the Vatican’s Sistine Chapel, reproduced in a format allowing viewers to be faceto-face with the masterpieces. Through artfully displayed reproductions, this innovative presentation brings the audience just a few feet away from world-renowned pieces like The Creation of Adam and The Last Judgment.

Arts in the Sunset is located at 3701 Plains Blvd. The exhibit will be open Tuesday through Saturday from 11 a.m. until 7:30 p.m., with the last entry at 6 p.m. On Sundays, the exhibit will be open from 1-5:30 p.m., with the last entry at 4 p.m. The exhibit is wheelchair accessible. Viewing time is estimated between 60 and 90 minutes. Tickets rangefrom $19 to $26.50, based on age and time of day.

Proceeds from the exhibit will benefit the Downtown Women’s Center (DWC), Catholic Charities of the Texas Panhandle (CCTXP), the Amarillo Art Institute and the Amarillo Cultural District of the Texas Commission on the Arts.

Cinemark hosts 40th anniversary of 'National Lampoon's Vacation'

Cinemark Hollywood 16 Amarillo, 9100 Canyon Drive, is hosting Fathom's Big Screen Classics "National Lampoon's Vacation" 40th anniversary screening at 4 and 7 p.m. July 16 and at 7 p.m. July 19.

The all-American Griswold family just wants to go on an all-American vacation. Everyone is packed. The route is planned … And absolutely everything goes wrong as a simple trip quickly becomes a madcap cross-country odyssey and heroic quest in search of National Lampoon's Vacation. For the Clark W. Griswolds of Chicago, 50 weeks of work and routine will soon be rewarded with a fortnight of frenzied freedom. Mom and the kids would rather fly, but Dad (Chevy Chase) insists on driving west to Walley World.

He's programmed everything on the family's PC--from tire wear to best routes, from choice sights to the finest AAA-recommended lodgings. With such planning everything should go right … srong. From director Harold Ramis and screenwriter John Hughes.

Tickets for this special screening are $12.45 and available online in advance at fathomevents.com

Symphony kicks of 100th season with special event

The Amarillo Symphony will kick off its Centennial Season at Hodgetown with a one-of-a-kind concert featuring country star Randall King. Gates open at 6 p.m. on Aug. 26.

Join ASO as it performs a mix of patriotic and Western favorites with local stars Eric Barry and the Opera Cowgirls, finishing the night with King’s biggest hits, and a fireworks finale.

Hereford native and up-and-coming country artist King released his major label debut album, "Shot Glass", in March. King was named a 2022 Country Artist to Watch by Pandora and Country Now and has more than 120 million global streams.

Tickets for this event range from $16 to $27 (plus taxes and fees), depending on seating.

For more information or to purchase tickets, visit https://amarillosymphony.org/

This article originally appeared on Amarillo Globe-News: Amarillo area entertainment in brief for July 9, 2023