Cherokee Heritage Center begins ‘Under the Cherokee Moon’ drama

Dragging Canoe, portrayed by Bryan Crittenden, gets into a heated debate with Capt. Nathaniel Gist, portrayed by Joe Weavel, about which side to join in the Revolutionary War as Peace Chief Attakullakulla, far left played by Steven Hair, and War Chief Oconostota, played by Dave Fuller, listen during a May 28 performance of “Under the Cherokee Moon” at the Cherokee Heritage Center in Park Hill, Okla. (Photo by Will Chavez)

By Tesina Jackson
Staff Writer

PARK HILL, Okla. – The Cherokee Heritage Center on May 28 opened the third installment of its outdoor showing of “Under the Cherokee Moon,” a historical dinner theater revolving around Cherokee history.

Written in 2007 and directed by Laurette Willis, the production brings Cherokee history from the 1700s and 1800s to life as the audience has the option of eating a barbecue dinner or not while watching the show.

“People expect a summer show so we want to show something that is keeping the mission of the Cherokee Heritage Center,” said Willis, who is originally from New York City and has been acting since 1978.

CHC Executive Director Carey Tilley said the CHC has been involved with drama since 1969. The center previously produced the drama “The Trail of Tears” in its amphitheater, but discontinued it 2005 due to disrepair and funding problems.

“We wanted to continue to show a production and stay involved in drama,” Tilley said. “In ‘Under the Cherokee Moon’ we got to use resources that we already had, and the show really brings the audience in the set so they feel like they’re back in time. The public has stayed really interested in it.”

The first act of the “Under the Cherokee Moon,” titled “Amazing Graces,” takes place in the Adams Corner Rural Village. On the front porch of the general store, the audience finds Willis, who figuratively takes the audience back to the 1800s while portraying two characters.

“A lot of what you hear the characters say in both acts are words that are attributed to what was actually said,” she said. “I tried to incorporate a lot of the Cherokee language, and I tried to stay as true to the history as I could.”

One character portrayed is Trail of Tears survivor Carrie Bushyhead, who relives her trail journey and reenacts a moment of the Civil War.

The other character is Sarah Worcester, who was a missionary teacher, first assistant principal of the Cherokee Nation Female Seminary and daughter of Rev. Samuel Worcester. Sarah Worcester’s character describes the early days of the CN while working at the seminary.

“They are two very remarkable women who have a big impact on the history of the Cherokee Nation,” Willis said.

In the second act titled “Around Cherokee Council Fire,” the audience takes a short walk to the Ancient Village where they watch scenes depicting the year 1776. 

The audience also takes part of a Cherokee Council as it sits under seven brush arbors, which represent the seven clans, surrounding a fire while watching Cherokee leaders of that time debate their parts in the American Revolution.

“I love to find ways to bring the audience in and interact,” Willis said. “The audience is brought in as the body that would’ve been in attendance at the meeting to help make that decision. The actors look right at them and the audience even gets to play characters themselves and ask questions. People feel like they are a part of history.”

The production has three returning actors: Steven Hair as Peace Chief Attakullakulla, Joe Weavel as Capt. Nathaniel Gist and Dave Fuller as Chief Oconostota. 

“I’m glad to have an opportunity to be part of this production because it educates and brings back the history of our people,” Hair said. “I hope that I portray Chief Attakullakulla to a point where people learn to appreciate that figure in history.”

The rest of the cast for “Under the Cherokee Moon” includes Bryan Crittenden as Dragging Canoe, Charles Foster as the storyteller and Sue Hammer as Nancy Ward. Starting July 17, Mike Phillips will assume the role of Chief Attakullakulla.

“It’s an excellent opportunity for people near and far to experience the Cherokee history,” Willis said. “People feel like ‘wow, I was there; I was a part of it.’ They feel brought into that part of the history. They can forget for a little while that they are a part of the 21st century.”

Performances are Friday and Saturday evenings to Aug. 15. Admission for dinner and theater performances is $25 for adults and $15 for youth, or $15 and $10 for theater only. Other discounted rates are available for CNHS members, groups and senior citizens.