All proceeds from “Nanyehi” to benefit Cherokee Heritage Center
Historical Cherokee musical at The Joint Aug. 21-23
TAHLEQUAH, Okla. – When “Nanyehi – Beloved Woman of the Cherokee” is performed Aug. 21-23 at The Joint inside Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Tulsa, it will not only share a historic Cherokee story, but all proceeds will go to the premier cultural center for Cherokee tribal history.
The Cherokee Heritage Center is a 501 (c)(3) nonprofit organization that is home to the Cherokee National Archives. It features an art gallery, museum and Diligwa, a replica of an ancient village depicting Cherokee life in 1712.
“Giving the proceeds from the run of ‘Nanyehi’ at the Hard Rock is an appropriate way to support the Cherokee Heritage Center’s mission to preserve and promote our tribal culture and history,” said Cherokee Nation Principal Chief Bill John Baker. “The story and music of the ‘Nanyehi’ production are moving. As a descendant of Nancy Ward, I am humbled we are able to share that with the public and, in turn, share the proceeds with the Heritage Center. Nancy Ward’s story is inspirational to me and many other Cherokee people.”
“Nanyehi” is the story of Ward, a legendary woman who was first honored in the 18th century as a Cherokee war woman, but then as a peacemaker during the American Revolution.
Seats are still available for the all-ages show, with tickets costing $15. There is a $5 discount for Cherokee citizens and for children 12 and under that can be purchased by calling the box office at 918-384-ROCK.
To tell the story, the Tulsa production features New York-based actress Michelle Honaker in the title role.
Lawton native Rudy Ramos is also a lead cast member, playing influential Cherokee leader Attakullakulla. Ramos brings nearly five decades of film, television and stage work to the production. His filmography includes “Beverly Hills Cop II,” “NYPD Blue,” “JAG” and “Hawaii Five-O.”
The musical is written by Nashville-based, award-winning songwriter and recording artist Becky Hobbs and playwright Nick Sweet. It has been performed in Hartwell, Georgia, and Tahlequah.
Hobbs, a Cherokee citizen and Bartlesville native, is a direct descendant of Nancy Ward. She is a singer-songwriter known for her hit record “Jones on the Jukebox.” Her songs have been recorded by Alabama (“Angels Among Us”), Conway Twitty (the No. 1 hit “I Want To Know You Before We Make Love”), George Jones, Loretta Lynn, Emmylou Harris, Glen Campbell, Wanda Jackson, Shirley Bassey and others.
“Nanyehi” is presented by Cherokee Nation Businesses and Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Tulsa.
For more information about the musical, visit www.nanyehi.com.
Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Tulsa has twice been nominated for the ACM Award for best casino venue. It is located off Interstate 44 at exit 240. Ticket prices and information on upcoming shows are available online in The Joint section of www.hardrockcasinotulsa.com or by calling (918) 384-ROCK. The Joint box office is open from 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 10 a.m. – 9 p.m. on Friday and Saturday.
