Trail of Tears

The Tsa La Gi Amphitheater Comes to Life
"With Production of "Trail of Tears" Drama"
News from the Cherokee Nation
Cherokee News Path ~ Friday, June 20, 2003

Copyright © 2003 CNO
All Rights Reserved


TAHLEQUAH, OKLAHOMA - The story of the round-up, confinement and removal of the Cherokee people is a story that has been passed down from generation to generation by cultures around the world. Through these recounts, details have been lost and new ones added, but the strength and determination of the Cherokee people have remained constant. Nowhere is this dramatic piece of history told more entertainingly than through the "Trail of Tears" drama by playwright Joe Sears of "Greater Tuna" fame.

Every year, hundreds of people visit the beautiful Tsa La Gi Amphitheater to see this dramatic tale come to life with song, dance, wit and folklore at the Cherokee Heritage Center in Tahlequah, Okla. Sequoyah and animal characters guide the audience through this heroic Cherokee story with wit and compassion, making it a show for all ages. The drama’s cast and crew of nearly 100 include many renowned actors and actresses.

Directing this year’s version of the drama is playwright Joe Sears, a Tony Award nominated actor who has been performing professionally for more than 30 years. Sears is largely known for his plays "Greater Tuna" and "A Tuna Christmas," which have won him numerous awards and nominations. In addition to his career on Broadway, Sears’ acting credits include a season with Theater Works USA in New York, Summer Stock, outdoor drama, television, and numerous Shakespearean plays.

Sears made his film debut with Tommy Lee Jones and Matt Damon in the western "Good Old Boys." He was awarded the "Theater LA Ovations Award" for Best Actor in 1999.

American dramatic mezzo-soprano Barbara McAlister will play the role of the ancestral grandmother in the drama. McAlister has performed leading roles with the Arizona Opera, San Diego Opera, Tulsa Opera, Florentine Opera, New York Grand Opera, New England Opera and Washington, D.C. Opera. She has been heard as a soloist in concert at Carnegie Hall, Alice Tully Hall and Weill Recital Hall, and appeared with such prominent orchestras as the Houston Symphony, the Duesseldorf Symphony and the Symphony in Passau.

Will Hill, who narrates the drama as Sequoyah, began his career with the "Trail of Tears" drama in the Cherokee Nation’s 1997 production, and returned by special request to the new "Trail of Tears" drama by Joe Sears. A few of his television appearances include, "Rise and Walk: the Jim Byrd Story," "Chasing the Wind," and "Walker Texas Ranger," as well as many commercials. He was voted Favorite Performer in the State of Oklahoma in 1998, in a poll taken by the "Oklahoma Indian Times."

Richard Nanahwe plays Anawake’s father in this year’s drama. His singing and acting career covers a full range of opera, recital and musical theater engagements, including performances as the king in "The King and I" at the Bartlesville Community Center, "Ochelata’s Wedding" at the OK Mozart International Festival, and "Tosca" at the Tulsa Opera. In addition to his acting career, Nanahwe has sung in supporting choral ensembles for such internationally known opera stars as Leontyne Price, Sherrill Milnes, and Marilyn Horne.

The 1,800 seat Tsa La Gi Amphitheater will come to life with theater and dance as this incredible drama unfolds. The Tsa La Gi Amphitheater is recognized as one of America’s most beautiful outdoor theater venues. Each seat provides an excellent view of the stage area, and the theater’s unique design lends itself to natural acoustics.

Named one of the Top 100 Events in North America by the American Bus Association, the "Trail of Tears" drama offers excellent entertainment value to both tour groups and individual travelers from around the world. ABA’s 2002 Top 100 Events Selection Committee selected the Trail of Tears Drama from among hundreds of U.S. and Canadian events nominated by state and provincial tourism offices and visitors bureaus.

The "Trail of Tears" drama will run June 21 through Labor Day weekend every Thursday, Friday and Saturday at 8 p.m. To reserve tickets call the Cherokee Heritage Center, phone: 918-456-6007, or call toll free, 888-999-6007.