The history of theater goes all the way back to the 1970s, when audiences were eager to see "living movies." See how far these unfilmed talkabouts have come in only 40 years with today's Groupon to the Texas Musical Drama in Palo Duro Canyon, running Tuesdays through Sundays from June 4 to August 20. (Groupon not valid for the July 4 show.) Shows start approximately at 8:30 pm and end at 10:30 p.m. Choose from the following options:

• For $19, you get a center-seat child ticket and a Big Texan-steak dinner (a $45.15 total value; tax and service charges included).
• For $23, you get an center-seat adult ticket and a Big Texan-steak dinner (a $53.40 total value; tax and service charges included).

The Texas Outdoor Musical Drama unites moving music, juicy steak, and the story of the Texas Panhandle in a scenic outdoor amphitheater. Featuring more than 60 singers, dancers, and actors, this family-friendly tale explores the trials and triumphs of the area's settlers, wowing crowds with displays of fireworks and rattlesnake PDA. Groupon holders watch the action from prime center-stage seating ($36.45 adult-ticket value; $32.45 child-ticket value), oohing and aahing as a horseman appears on a 600-foot cliff, then surfs across the canyon on a colorful state flag. Produced by the Texas Panhandle Heritage Foundation, the two-hour show has entertained millions of visitors over the past 45 years, earning thunderous applause and numerous modeling contracts.

Before each show, guests enjoy a hearty meal ($16.95 adult value; $12.70 child value) from Big Texan Steak Ranch, which includes a fresh-from-the-grill ribeye and a helping of cheesy potatoes. Guests can fill their plates with salad, fruit, and homemade rolls as they top their meat with grilled onions or mesquite-roasted jalapeños. After washing down the main course with a homemade lemonade, diners may savor peach-cobbler desserts or the canyon's eye candy, from the graceful juniper trees to the incredibly lost giraffes.