The audience's eyes catch a glimpse of movement at the top of a cliff. Two riders fire their six-shooters into the sky, the horses' hooves pounding the ground as the American and Texas flags stream across the wind. On the stage below, another burst of excitement unfolds as dancers and singers take their places for another year of "Texas."

The 36th season of the epic production is a must-see event. The outdoor musical has attracted more than 3 million visitors from throughout the world. Eighty singers and dancers take you back to the Old West and bring you the story behind the struggles of Panhandle pioneers and their challenge to tame the Texas High Plains.

The script remains consistent each year, carrying on the production's original intent of preserving the Panhandle's heritage. Yet, "Texas" continually upgrades and incorporates surprises into the production to keep the experience fresh for first-time and repeat audience members alike.

Spectacular lighting is a prominent part of the play. More than 500 individual lighting instruments illuminate the stage and flood the canyon walls. Ten speaker locations, in concert with the canyon's natural acoustical properties, take a sudden thunderstorm and the grand finale off the stage and into reality. Smoke, lighting and pyrotechnics capture the blazing beauty of a prairie fire. Even Uncle Henry's dream sequence transfers the audience into the action.

The musical drama reaches into the past to reveal early settlers' struggles, strengths, celebrations, burials and politics of the day. Neil Hess, director of "Texas," received an award from the American College Dance Festival for his work. Hess' choreography was cited for the highest standards of excellence.

Blain Bertrand, president and general manager of "Texas," said guests are in for a truly unique experience.

'''Texas' is more than a local show about the locals,'' Bertrand said. ''It's a Broadway musical with the same quality as shows in New York. 'Texas' is the best attended outdoor musical drama in the nation. Since 1996, we have been cited as one of the top 100 events in the nation by the American Bus Association. And 'Texas' is the official play of the state of Texas.''

"Texas" runs June 7 through Aug. 19. The show begins at 8:30 p.m. and ends about 10:45 p.m. Performances are nightly except Wednesdays. For more information and reservations, call (806) 655-2181; visit texasmusicaldrama.com, or write to "Texas," Box 268, Canyon, TX 79015.

Don't settle for a cowboy and Indian movie. See "Texas" and experience how the West was settled.