Local youth perform in Crystal Palace Revue

Meghan Bishop and Mallory McClenahan of Perkins County are performers in this summer’s Front Street Crystal Palace Revue in Ogallala.

Matthew Wendell of Grant is also returning for his second year of performing with the show.

The show, performed at Front Street Steakhouse at 519 E First St., is about life in an old west cattle town in the late 1800s when cowboys came to Ogallala following the cattle drive from Texas.

This is the 58th year the production has been performed, making it the longest running summer stock theater production in the state.

Auditions this year were held in early April, and Bishop said they rehearsed for about a week and a half before the group put on a show for their parents May 28 before regular shows started.

Bishop auditioned because she thinks it’s really fun to do something you enjoy with people who are willing to work hard and who know what they’re doing.

Meghan was cast as a showgirl named Lizzie, so she spends her evenings singing, dancing and acting out life in the old west on the stage at Front Street Steakhouse.

Bishop said the showgirl costumes are “really fun” to wear, particularly when it comes to spinning and kicking in the outfit.

“But when you’re outside in the heat doing that part of the show, it gets hot!” she added.

McClenahan said she saw the show when she was younger, and ever since then she has wanted to be a part of it.

“I love music, dancing and acting, so when I heard about auditions I had to give it a go,” she added.

Mallory was offered a job as the ticket taker, named Ruby.

“They like to call me Ruby, because I’m a gem!” McClenahan noted.

Her duties as ticket taker include handling admissions, running lights and counting and dividing tips among the evening’s cast members.

This year’s shows no longer need to adhere to strict COVID safety precautions, something Bishop is grateful for.

“I know last year, the show had to be altered for COVID protocols, but we’re pretty much back to normal this year, which I like because it makes it so much more fun for the audience and the cast members,” she said.

Bishop will next perform Thursday and Friday, June 24 and 25. McClenahan can be seen at the steakhouse June 18, 19 and 30, July 10, 17 and 30, and August 6.

Each show begins at 7:15 p.m. with a shootout, followed by a show inside Front Street Steakhouse performed by four cowboys, four saloon girls and a pianist. The cast changes, and the show changes with it each night as much of the performance is improvised.

“It’s a bit like speech, one act and musical all rolled into one,” Bishop said. “I’m lucky enough to have some experience with what this kind of thing is like, but it’s very different performing with kids from all around the area who really enjoy it and are committed to putting on the very best shows.”

As far as jobs go, Bishop added, she feels she has a pretty good one.

“The best part about the crowd is hearing the whole room fill with laughter after someone on stage cracks a joke,” McClenahan said. “I really enjoy working at the Crystal Palace Revue.”

Shows are running Wednesday through Saturday each week, and according to Bishop and McClenahan shows have been full or sold out entirely, so it is wise to reserve tickets ahead of time to guarantee entrance to the show. Adult tickets for those 13 years of age and older are $15, tickets for kids age 5-12 are $7 and children age four and under are allowed free entrance. To reserve tickets call 308-284-6000.