Cherokee's Drama, "Unto These Hills," Begins 51st Season

Cherokee's Drama, "Unto These Hills," Begins 51st Season

Cherokee, NC: The sounds of history begin echoing through the great Smokies on Thursday, June 14, when "Unto These Hills" outdoor drama begins its 51^st season. Straight from the textbooks of the Cherokee's past, leaders such as Sequoyah, Junaluska, John Ross and Tsali become real as the drama unfolds in the Mountainside Theater.

Since its opening on July 1, 1950, over six million people have been moved by author Kermit Hunter'/s interpretation of Cherokee history from the mid-1540s through the late 1800s. The story is unveiled by talented actors, actresses and a highly experienced technical staff. Altogether about 130 people on-stage and behind the scenes make "Unto These Hills" an unforgettable experience.

The drama unfolds with Spanish explorer Hernando de Soto entering the Great Smoky Mountains of western North Carolina after moving northward from Florida through Georgia in search of gold. It ends two and a half hours later with a small group of Cherokee re-establishing themselves in the mountains following the forced government removal of 17,00 Cherokee men, women and children to Oklahoma on the infamous "Trail of Tears."

The audience joins Daniel Webster in Washington as he sides with the Cherokee in the presence of Andrew Jackson; it hears the President's refusal to let the Cherokee remain in their homeland; it witnesses the Tecumseh's effort to get the Cherokee to join forces with the Shawnee in their fight against the white man; it feels the pain and agony as thousands of Cherokee begin a 1200 mile march to a land unknown.

It also shares in the triumphal survival of a handful of Cherokee who hid in the very mountains where the drama takes pace.

Spectators are also treated to a wonderful mix of music, dancing and lighter moments of comedy...all blending into an evening of theatre that shouldn't be missed by visitors the Cherokee Indian Reservation.

Performed nightly, except Sundays, from June 14 through August 26, "Unto These Hills" offers general and reserved seating. Information may be obtained by visiting their web site at www.untothesehills.com or calling 828/497-2111.