San Jon, a small Route 66 town in New Mexico near the Texas border, says it wants to take over the operations of the Caprock Amphitheater south of town, reports the Quay County Sun.
The amphitheater, which has a concession stand, bleachers and stage, could be used for weddings and other gatherings, as it has in the past, said Rose. […]
“We’ve had some interest from someone who wants to develop a horse trail and a nature trail,” she said. The village has also been pursuing the idea of developing a bird watching tour near its wells on the north side of town, she said.
The Quay County Commission discussed San Jon’s request at its meeting on Monday and commissioners had no objections to the request.
For those who are unfamiliar, the amphitheater sits on a bluff hundreds of feet above the flatlands below. It’s on State Highway 469, and the views from the road as you’re ascending or descending the Caprock are breathtaking.
The amphitheater has suffered from some problems in recent years, including vandalism in the off-season. I think San Jon’s idea to expand its offering — and thus having more people using it — is a good one.
I visited Caprock Amphitheater last week during a motor cycle ride with my husband and was amazed at this little patch of beauty and a vision of what must have been and what could be. Being new to this area it sure would be GREAT to see this place refurbished and used. Our first sight of Caprock Amphitheater was “WOW” and as we looked around at the left behind and abused grounds we could still envision children and adults walking around, sitting at the tables and the performances in delight.
I was just at this ampitheatre a few days ago (19 January 2009), and took many pictures. It feels a bit like a movie set for ‘Last Man Left on Earth.’ I am researching because I want to find out why this became abandoned. I know your article is a bit dated, but if you have any more current information, I’d love to know why this beautiful ampitheatre was left behind…In the meantime, it’s back to Google.
I visited here in September 2013, what a site. It is so sad that New Mexico put so much money in this, and did not pursue it’s financing. Quay county losing population really needs to keep this up to bring more people into the county. When a county does not have manufacturing, it must depend on tourism, an Quay county needs to bring this back.
Was the sound board still hanging out of the window of the sound booth?
Yes, it is so sad the state did not try to keep this going
In 1986, I worked as Lighting and Sound Technician for the opening season, which was Dream on a Blue Horse. Hiram Posey provided the music for the production, and the cast was a mix of local and out-of-area talent.
In 1987, we changed to the Billy the Kid production. I was Technical Director as well as Stage Manager. We had audiences that were considerable.
I worked there the first 3 years they opened and loved the experience. We would dress up in costumes for working in the concession stands and seating people. Such beautiful country and so sad that it is not being used today.
Chris,
Lying about being the sound tech for the whole season of Dream on a Blue Horse needs to be correct. If memory serves right Hiram Posey got that position for Robert Ortega from Tucumcari, New Mexico. It has also been suspected that since you lived on the property you had time to sabotage the system making it difficult for Mr. Ortega to do his job. Yes he was let go two weeks before the show, but he made every show and fixed the sabotage that seemed to happen on a daily basis. Would you be willing to take a lie detector to prove that Mr. Ortega did not work their as the original sound tech. Is it not true you only operated the lightning and despise Mr. Ortega because he was sound tech from get go.
… He was let go two weeks before show ended for the season, but he made every show … Also he did go to Las Cruces, New Mexico to Gold Dust Records and played lead intro on one song for the play.
Robert…Read your contract. I was hired as lighting and sound technician, as were you.
Yes, it is so sad, that was such a big project, the state should have supported it. I did not know it was there than or I would have visited it.
Rawdays came to Tucumcari and it reminded me when I was young I seen Billy the kid at this outside theater. Wish they could do another production of something to do with the west.
Accordingly Ron the County Commissioners sold the remaining equipment and lighting to the crew in Texas at the Palo Duro Canyon at Amarillo.com. The board at that time of sale was Mr. Dickerson (who owned Dickerson Equipment on Rt 66)
and two other county board members. If memory serves right one member was a previous politician. I heard a rumor that all the equipment that the government had put up the money to San Jon and the Arts Foundation (not for sure what they called themselves back then) was sold supposedly for $1,000,000.00 by approval of the Quay County Commission, but I never saw any documentation stating the financial sale. I wonder if that document and proceeds were properly returned to the State of New Mexico or where did that funding end up? Heard other rumors that made me glad to have been relieved two weeks before the end of “Dream on a Blue Horse” by playwright Rebeca Gosset. I did enjoy being a part of a new venture that sadly to say failed in the long run.
Always verify before posting. The organization was called New Mexico Outdoor Drama Association.
Chris in your first posting, you stated you were hired as tech of sound & lightning.
“Chris
February 17, 2016 at 1:38 am
In 1986, I worked as Lighting and Sound Technician for the opening season, which was Dream on a Blue Horse. Hiram Posey provided the music for the production, and the cast was a mix of local and out-of-area talent.
In 1987, we changed to the Billy the Kid production. I was Technical Director as well as Stage Manager. We had audiences that were considerable.
Reply ”
You did not ever signify I Robert Ortega also was part of first crew of “Dream On a Blue Horse.” Not until a response of my post on “Robert Ortega
May 26, 2016 at 10:44 pm
Chris,
Lying about being the sound tech for the whole season of Dream on a Blue Horse needs to be correct. If memory serves right Hiram Posey got that position for Robert Ortega from Tucumcari, New Mexico. …” You are trying to make fabrications and I wonder if who you work for realize about your ability to not disclose correct information or even disclose that you actually lived on site. By the way what degree did you finally obtain at ENMU?
Wow, buddy…
This was over 20 years ago.
Read your contract.
We were both hired as lighting and sound technicians. You never touched a light.
I made it through the first season with a new crew. My original task was lighting. When you left, I stepped up and ran the sound. I came back for a second season.
You are right, I lived on the grounds at the theatre. The management had no issue with it. It even saved them from having to hire anyone beyond Mike Burns. Mike liked it because it gave him someone more than his dog to talk to, and I was willing to help him with recurring tasks. I mowed the berms separating the road from the ticket office and food plaza, the one between Stage Left and the top of the seating (around the tower), and the one behind the dressing rooms. I picked up trash, swept up and rinsed out the seating area before each performance. Funny, but I did not see you making any such offer or attempt.
After graduating from ENMU with Bachelor of Science, majors in Technical Theatre and Radio/TV, I have since trained and certified as a Computer Applications Specialist and Paralegal..
Get over it, man.