Travel NC With Kids: June 2018

Unto These Hills Outdoor Drama in Cherokee NC © Katrena

The history of Cherokee Native Americans is a story of much tenacity, dedication, forgiveness, and sheer will to survive. We attended the Unto These Hills drama in 2018, the 69th season of the outdoor drama that has entertained and encouraged people since 1950.

Cherokee History in Outdoor Drama © Katrena

We had a bit of a challenge finding the theater. There is a large ampitheater at the Museum of the Cherokee Indian that we at first thought was the location of the outdoor drama, but you keep going down the road and up a short hill and you'll see signs for the outdoor drama just a short distance past that first ampitheater.

Native American History in NC © Katrena

We purchased tickets at the gate because weather reports had been questionable before we left home. Thunderstorms are common in this area, but we were very fortunate to get great general admission seating on the side and perfect weather. We brought bug spray and doused ourselves before the show. My apologies to the folks sitting near us, but perhaps we kept the mosquitoes away from you too!

Matthew Tooni, NAMA Flutist of the Year Nominee © Katrena

A preshow had already begun when we arrived. Several younger kids were dancing under the direction of a seasoned performer. I got the impression that this adult was hoping to incorporate many Cherokee traditions in future generations. Before the show, we also enjoyed hearing a talented flutist playing several songs. I would have loved to have heard more of his music!

Unto These Hills in Western NC © Katrena

If you go to one of North Carolina's famous outdoor dramas, I highly recommend getting a program booklet. You can find great information about the director, crew, performers, choreographers, youth company, technicians, and more. After the show, performers will autograph the program booklet. I forgot our pens, but a very nice young lady working at the gift shop gave me her personal pen so that my kids could get autographs after the show.

Learn About Cherokee History Through Theatre © Katrena

Unto These Hills covers a heartbreaking history in our nation. The Native Americans who called this beautiful location nestled around the Great Smoky Mountains home had so much taken away from them in such a cruel way. The drama incorporates many sides to the story and depicts some white settlers in a surprisingly positive way. The show flowed well from one scene to the next with a good mix of music and laughter interspersed with fighting scenes.

Fight Scene in Unto These Hills © Katrena

Be prepared for some gunfire; a cannon also fires in one scene. If you have kids who are scared of loud noises, you might want to sit farther back or bring ear plugs for some scenes, but those scenes are fairly short. Several of the main characters are executed, but that happens offstage; some younger kids in the crowd probably never realized what was happening.

Woman Protecting Cherokee Boy in Unto These Hills © Katrena

There are several scenes with dancing and a few with some singing. The young actor who started the singing had such a beautiful voice, and the dancing was heartfelt and memorable. One of my daughters' favorite scenes was in the shop when the lady behind the counter took on all of the men in the shop to protect a young Cherokee boy. I wouldn't be surprised to see that young actor back on stage as an adult in this same play!

Dance Scene in Unto These Hills © Katrena

I noticed that many people who are involved with Unto These Hills have been involved with the production for many years, some performing as youngsters and then returning years later in various capacities. I believe my family attended this outdoor drama more than 40 years ago. The seats have been improved to be more comfortable with backs and the bathroom facilities have been updated, but the heart of the story has remained the same.

Learning more about history through storytelling and drama is a great way to teach and make one think on a deeper level. My daughters and I discussed the Trail of Tears and the history of those with Cherokee heritage after the play with much more depth and passion. I wish those with power so many years ago had befriended these native peoples, and I appreciate all the sacrifices made to help preserve this important group in our nation's history.

Unto These Hills does not end with the Trail of Tears. It goes beyond that to encourage brotherhood, lasting friendship, and compassion for others. I think we as a nation have a lot to learn by adopting that philosophy. Thank you to the Cherokee Historical Association and all those involved for continuing to teach future generations about this important time in history while looking toward our future with hope.

Visit the Unto These Hills web site by the Cherokee Historical Association for information on tickets, history, directions, prices, and more. You might also consider visiting the nearby Great Smoky Mountains National Park and Mingo Falls if you visit the area.