Unto These Hills Drama, America's most popular outdoor drama, is the tragic and triumphant story of the Cherokee Indians. Set against the backdrop of the Great Smoky Mountains in Cherokee, North Carolina, the drama is presented under the stars at the beautiful Mountainside Theater from mid June through late August each year (except Sunday).
The show today has been reconcepted to better portray the unique story of the Cherokee from a historical perspective. The new play traces the Cherokee people through the aeons, through the zenith of their power, through the heartbreak of the Trail of Tears, finally ending, appropriately, in the present day, where the Cherokee people, much like their newly re-scripted drama, continue to rewrite their place in the world. A place based on traditional Cherokee values and modern sensibilities.
New for 2009 is a $1.8 million renovation to the 2,800-seat open-air theatre that includes upgraded seating with wider aisles and more comfortable seats, new food concessions, reserved box seating, and other enhanced conveniences. Since opening on July 1, 1950, "Unto These Hills" has been seen by over six million people.
Upgrades also include new VIP reserved seating in the front row, with extra perks like covered seats, blankets, bottled water and the new Chief’s Box. Offering a unique theatre experience, the Chief Box includes the same benefits as the VIP seating area but will be available for purchase to the general public only when they are not in use by the Chief, his council or guests. If available, tickets for this special experience may only be purchased on the day of the event beginning at noon at the box office. Additionally, the new concession stand will offer an expanded menu to include pizza and ice cream. Safety and convenience enhancements include a new golf-cart shuttle service available to transport the elderly and handicapped to their seats.
To purchase tickets by phone, call toll free 1-866-554-4557. Tickets are also available at the Cherokee Historical Association Box Office on Tsali Blvd., across the street from the Museum of the Cherokee Indian (off Highway 441 N) 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m., and at the Mountainside Theatre (during summer season - also located off 441 N) 4:00 p.m. until show time. Paid reservations are held for late arrival. All tickets are held at the box office. (Cash, Visa, & Mastercard accepted). Located adjacent to the Oconaluftee Indian Village.
Shows nightly except Sunday. Preshow at 7 pm, drama begins at 7:30 pm. Performance runs two hours including intermission. Appropriate for all ages. Handicapped accessible parking and seating are available with golf cart shuttle service.
Parking: $3 per vehicle at the theatre. Free parking at the nearby Museum of the Cherokee Indian and Qualla Arts & Crafts with free shuttle service provided to the show.
Cherokee is just 52 miles from Asheville via I-40 West to Exit 27, then U.S. 19 to U.S. 441 in Cherokee (Just over an hour's drive). Or you can take the more scenic Blue Ridge Parkway, but this could take three to four hours. A great day trip is to ride the Blue Ridge Parkway to Cherokee and return the faster way via I-40. Download a PDF map of Cherokee.
Each July, visit for the Festival of Native Peoples and Cherokee Indian Art Market.
