See Unto These Hills, Under the Stars

There's still time to see Unto These Hills before the season closes on August 15th, but be sure to book your ticket now. As one of the oldest running outdoor dramas in the United States, it remains one of the most popular and beloved attractions in Cherokee. To date, over six million people have watched the stirring performance which is held nightly, May through mid-August, except on Sundays.

The drama first debuted in Cherokee in 1950, and has become a mainstay event for locals and visiting families who return to see it year after year. Recently, due to outstanding customer reviews, the drama won a prestigious Certificate of Excellence from TripAdvisor. (Read the blog post on the TripAdvisor award here.)

The Mountainside Theater venue puts the audience, and the action, under the stars. It seats 2,800 and was recently upgraded with a 1.8 million dollar renovation, including new food concessions and comfortable seats, all with a clear view of the stage. A golf cart shuttle service is also available to seat any guests needing additional assistance.

Living History

Unto These Hills tells the story of the Cherokee people through a moving performance that includes song, dance, and lots of action. It follows the story of the Cherokee up  through the removal in 1838 through the Trail of Tears to Indian Territory in Oklahoma, and beyond. The storylines of notable historic Cherokee figures weave through the drama, including Sequoyah, Junaluska, Chief Yonaguska, William Holland Thomas, Selu the Corn Mother, and Kanati the Great Hunter.

Mike Crowe, (pictured at top), is a Cherokee native who has performed in the drama for the last ten seasons, and says that, to him, the drama "is a testament to the trials and adversity that we've overcome as a people."

In addition to playing a number of leading roles over the years, Crowe currently hosts the Unto These Hills pre-show performance, featuring local children from the production. The children sing songs in Cherokee and perform traditional animal dances as fellow actor Jared Wildcat plays the flute, before the main performance. 

"Unto These Hills is uniquely Cherokee and authentically Cherokee, from the pre-show to the venue itself, it's historic and is something you will only see in Cherokee," says Crowe.

For Crowe, acting in Unto These Hills is more than a performance; it's a calling.

"I feel it's a duty to our ancestors to bring these events to life and to allow the outside world to have a perspective on the events that transpired, and how they've shaped us as a people. We're still here, we're still Cherokee. We speak our language, dance our songs, know our history, our culture, our arts. We are Cherokee."

Ticket Information

For more info and to purchase tickets, visit: http://visitcherokeenc.com/play/attractions/unto-these-hills-outdoor-drama/#sthash.DHZ5WnF8.dpuf

7:30 Preshow

8 pm Main performance

General Admission Prices

Adults: $20.00

Children 6–12: $10.00

Children 5–under: FREE

Family Pack

Buy one adult ticket, get one child ticket free (general admission tickets only)

***Family pack is only available Monday through Wednesday.***   

Reserved Ticket Prices  

Adults: $23.00

Children 6–12: $13.00

Children 5–under: FREE   

VIP Package

VIP Tickets include a reserved seat up front, popcorn, souvenir program, cookie, and backstage pass. Call 866.554.4557 for pricing.

Rain Insurance is $3.00 per ticket. Call the box office to get rain insurance with your ticket order up to the day before the show.

What people are saying about Unto These Hills

"Captivating"

Easy to make reservations online. The show is extremely professional in a large open air arena. The show flows smoothly from Act to Act. Pay attention though. You're seeing some of the most monumental moments in the history of the Cherokee nation! Witnessing the glory, sacrifice, and steadfastness of the people is a profound experience. It can only be experienced firsthand and we recommend enjoying every moment!

-Taylor Miller, Tampa, Florida

"Everyone should see this"

The natural historic setting, the authentic actors, the poignant topic are a must see to better understand the history of the Cherokee people. Story, music, dance, heart, soul -- a winning combination. This is the real thing, the authentic portrayal that will inspire you to support and love the strength and fortitude of the Cherokee people and learn about history and culture at the same time.

-Suzy S, Saint Louis, Missouri