Center presents ‘Under the Cherokee Moon in Indian Territory’

The Cherokee Heritage Center is presenting “Under the Cherokee Moon in Indian Territory” for a four-week limited engagement each Saturday in September at 7 p.m. The Cherokee Heritage Center is located at 21192 S. Keeler Drive, Park Hill, OK 74451.

“Under the Cherokee Moon in Indian Territory” is an interactive dramatization that presents authentic Cherokee stories by interpretive actors dressed in period clothing. The production updates the popular “Under the Cherokee Moon,” which previously enjoyed a four year run at the Cherokee Heritage Center.

The opening scene of the performance features the grounds of the Cherokee Female Seminary in the late 1800s. The Seminary was one of the first institutions of higher learning for women west of the Mississippi River. In this adaptation, guests are immediately immersed in life as residents of Cherokee Nation, Indian Territory, enjoying a pleasant evening of music and storytelling by Trail of Tears survivor and Female Seminary graduate Miss Carrie Bushyhead and the delightfully eccentric Seminary instructor Miss Sarah Worcester. These dynamic ladies present powerful stories of survival and triumph from the Removal and early days of "Fem Sem" to General Stand Watie's deadly Civil War battle in Indian Territory.

In act two audiences will enjoy performances featuring a variety of patriots, lawmen and outlaws including Cherokee local celebrities Zeke Proctor and Ned Christie. A young Will Rogers will make an appearance and share his unique insight.  Guests will also relive famous scenes with lady-bandit Belle Starr and a visit from John C. West, the last Captain of the United States Indian Police, and a member of the Cherokee Lighthorsemen. Rounding out the evening’s presentation is an encounter with the Doolin gang, who take cover in Indian Territory while on the run from U.S. Marshals.
 
“We are excited about bringing back ‘Under the Cherokee Moon’ in this format. The show provides a glimpse into the personalities of real Cherokee characters from the late 1800s just prior to statehood,” said Carey Tilley, Executive Director at the Cherokee Heritage Center. “This is an important period in Cherokee history as forces struggle to define the law as well as who has the right to enforce it. Guests have an opportunity to meet individuals on all sides of the law while reliving a range of amazing adventures at the Cherokee Female Seminary and throughout Indian Territory.”

“Under the Cherokee Moon in Indian Territory” is sponsored by the Oklahoma Arts Council and is set to take the stage following the conclusion of the popular “Legends at Dusk.” “Legends at Dusk” runs now through August 20 then returns in 2012.

Adams Corner Rural Village first opened June 15, 1979, and represents Cherokee life in the 1890s prior to Oklahoma statehood. The village consists of seven buildings including the one-room Swimmer schoolhouse, the New Hope church and the smokehouse, the General Store and three residences representing a traditional log cabin and two frame houses known as the Storekeeper’s house and the Weaver’s cottage.

“Under the Cherokee Moon in Indian Territory” will be presented September 3, 10, 17 and 24. Admission is $10 per adult; $8 per senior (55 and older), group, or member of Cherokee National Historical Society with proper identification; and $5 students (K-12); and Free for children (0-4 years old).

The Cherokee Heritage Center is open 9 a.m.-5 p.m. seven days a week from May 1 to Sept 5. It is closed during January and on Sundays from Feb. 1 to April 30 and Sept. 6 to Dec. 31.

Cherokee Heritage Center admission is $8.50 per adult, $7.50 per senior (55 and older) and students with proper identification, and $5 per child. Admission price includes all attractions. Entry to the grounds and museum store are free.

For information on “Under the Cherokee Moon in Indian Territory” tickets or the Cherokee Heritage Center 2011 season and programs, please contact the Cherokee Heritage Center at (888) 999-6007, email at info@cherokeeheritage.org or visit http://www.CherokeeHeritage.org.