Cherokee’s Outdoor Drama “Unto These Hills” Premieres New Script, Cast, Costumes, Music & More on June 8

Renowned American Indian playwright is new show’s writer and director.

CHEROKEE, NC (PRWEB) May 31, 2006 -- One of the top five outdoor dramas in the country, “Unto These Hills,” opens June 8 in Cherokee, N.C., with a brand new production for the first time in the show’s 57-year history.

In what is now being called “Unto These Hills...A Retelling,” every aspect of the drama has been changed – including new storyline, director, costuming, music, dance, set and sound design. In addition, for the first time ever, the majority of the new cast is Cherokee, with another dozen actors representing other Native American tribes.

Renowned playwright Hanay Geiogamah (ha-NAY GIG-ah-ma) rewrote the play’s original script and is directing the new production. A Kiowa Indian and accomplished writer/producer of Native American dramas, Geiogamah is the founding director of the American Indian Dance Theater. He is a professor at UCLA School of Film, Theatre & Television and has won numerous awards for his work.

Open since 1950, the drama tells the poignant story of the Eastern Cherokee, from the arrival of the Europeans and forced exile along the Trail of Tears in 1838-39, to the uplifting restoration of tribal life that carries on today.

Since its first days, more than 5 million people have attended the memorable drama, which features live music, tribal festivals, ritual dance and native dress, in a 2,800-seat amphitheater.

The show runs nightly at 8:30 p.m. except Sunday, through August 19. For more information and tickets, visit www.cherokee-nc.com or call (866) 554-4557.

Note: Media previews of the new show are available on June 6 & 7.

Contact publicist Kathi Petersen to make arrangements: 828-712-1286.

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