Legends of Salado -- Excellent!!!

Friends

The last performance of 2015 Legends ended last Saturday night.  The acting, the music, the costumes, the special effects were excellent.  Jackie and Denver Mills brought to Salado a production that is memory-maker.  And, they did it with style, grace, and care.

Donnie Williams, the Director, is a special leader.  Listening to him talk to the actors before the show was a learning experience.  The care and respect that he has for each person -- actor or stage hand -- was evident in every word he spoke.  He encouraged, gave guidance, and listened to the actors.

There were people from Houston, Dallas, Dripping Springs, and Valley Mills to name a few places.  Many in the audience were seeing Legend for the first time.  Jim Bell moved to Salado a few weeks ago and brought his relatives and friends to see the performance.

Tablerock was built in 1973 when a Salado group of people wanted a place to honor their Scottish heritage as well as Native Americans.  The Goodnight Family gave 13 acres to start the project.  Local people gave time and money, artist used their skills and talents, metal workers made props, and musicians wrote songs.  It was a community effort.

However, after three years, Tablerock was struggling.  They had $1.24 in the bank.  Jackie Mills was asked to manage Tablerock.  After attending an Outdoor Theater training event, her and Denver, Jackie's husband, began turning Tablerock around.

Jackie put her talents to work writing Legends of Salado.  Through careful research the history of Salado came to life.  Others helped through art and music.  When there were no costumes and lighting, Temple offered there assistance, costume, lighting.

On 24 July, 1993, the first performance of Legends of Salado was given to a sold-out crowd. Two other performances followed -- all sold-out.  35 actors from all over Bell County participated.

As years went by, the Dinner was added making Legends of Salado a dinner theater event.

Today over 120 actors and workers perform Legends of Salado.  They are from communities around Bell County.  Their ages range from 3 to 79.  Like the first performance, it is still as powerful and moving.

Thank you for an evening that reminds us of how great Salado is.

VR/Skip