Go under ‘Cherokee Moon’

By Travina Coleman
Phoenix Staff Writer

July 04, 2008 12:46 am

— It is rare to get the chance to look through a window in time.
But the dinner theater production of “Under the Cherokee Moon,” gives you one.
In it’s second year, the performance is selling out to record crowds. The dinner theater production is hosted by the Cherokee Heritage Center in Park Hill.
“Under the Cherokee Moon,” runs on Fridays and Saturdays until Aug. 16, at the Cherokee Heritage Center.
The production is done to create a living history of the Cherokees, said Judy Pierce, marketing manager for the center.
“The first year was successful enough to bring it back,” she said.
Seating begins at 6 p.m. in the Adams Corner Rural Village. Theater patrons will have the option of being served dinner before show time at 6:30 p.m., or choose to see only the show at approximately 7 p.m.
The story begins on the front porch of the Adams Corner General Store as it transforms to center stage for the first act, “Amazing Graces,” bringing 1800s Indian Territory to life. It revisits the days when the Cherokee Female Seminary stood on the grounds of the Cherokee Heritage Center
Laurette Willis, writer and director, plays Carrie Bushyhead, a Trail of Tear survivor, seminary graduate and teacher, and Sarah Worcester both of whom did exist, in the first act.
Willis, a professional actress originally from New York, said she has been in the area for almost 22 years.
“I love it here,” she said. “I have done a lot of one-woman shows, and this is perfect for what I do.”
Willis said dinner theater allows the audience to become involved in the life of the Cherokees. The second act requires the audience to travel back 100 years.
“It’s great when we ask the audience if they would want to go back in time,” Willis said. “We actually transpose them to the Ancient Village. You actually feel like you are going back in time.”
The second act, “Around Cherokee Council Fires,” is performed in the Ancient Village.
It is there you can decide with the Cherokee leaders of the day whether or not to become involved in the war being fought between the British and the Colonists who continue to encroach on Cherokee lands.
Willis said people who attended last year’s performance were really thrilled with the show.
“People have come up to me after the show with tears in their eyes,” she said. “They tell me they have never seen something so real and moving.”

If you go
WHAT: “Under the Cherokee Moon,” dinner theater.
WHEN: 6:30 p.m., dinner is served; 7 p.m. show starts.
WHERE: Cherokee Heritage Center, 21192 S. Keeler Drive, Park Hill.
COST: $25, adults; and $15, children.
INFORMATION: (888) 999-6007, Ext. 245, or cherokeeheritage.org.

Cast of performers
• Peace Chief Attakullakulla — Steven Hair.
• War Chief Oconostota — Dave Fuller.
• Dragging Canoe — John Farrel.
• Nancy Ward — Leslie Lewis.
• Silent warriors — Dude Weavel and Nick Shaffer.
• Captain Nathaniel Gift — Joe Weavel.
• Carrie Bushyhead/Sarah Worcester — Laurette Willis.

Reach Travina Coleman at 918-684-2901 or Click Here to Send Email

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