Unto These Hills outdoor drama in Cherokee, North Carolina is an experience unlike any other! Book your tickets now and watch Cherokee history come to life under the stars at Mountainside Theatre.
Info for Unto These Hills outdoor drama
Dates: May 30 – August 22, 2026. Closed on Sundays
Time: Show begins at 8pm
Duration: Show runs approximately 2 hours
Location: Mountainside Theatre at 688 Drama Rd, Cherokee, North Carolina
Schedule: Box office opens at 4pm. Gates open at 7pm. Pre-show entertainment begins at 7:30pm. Show begins at 8pm. The show runs approximately 2 hours with one intermission.
Pricing (excluding fees):
General Admission: Adult – $35; Senior – $30; Child (ages 6 to 11); Infant (ages 5 and under) – Free
Reserved Seating: Adult – $45; Senior – $40; Child (ages 6 to 11) – $35; Infant (ages 5 and under) – Free
VIP Ticket (includes reserved seating, early admission to the theatre, souvenir bag) – $60
Group rates available. Inquire here.
Please Note: Mountainside Theatre is an outdoor venue. Please dress accordingly for the weather. The seats are metal and have backs. You are welcome to bring a cushion.
Have dinner with us at the theatre before seeing Unto These Hills!
Add the pre-show dinner to your order when booking your tickets here.
The meal includes Pulled Chicken BBQ, Mac and Cheese, Baked Beans, Cole Slaw, Hush Puppies, Dessert, and a drink. Dinners are served at 6:30pm at the lower concession stand, 30 minutes before the house opens.
Pre-show dinners are $22 per person.
Note:
- Tickets to Unto These Hills are required with purchase.
- Pre-Show Dinners must be booked 24 Hours in advance.
- No substitutions.
- Pick up vouchers at box office
- Will be able to enter the theatre at 6:30pm
Experience the tragic and triumphant story of the Cherokee
Unto These Hills outdoor drama is a long-running outdoor historical drama performed in Cherokee, North Carolina. The theatrical production depicts the history of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, spanning from first contact with Europeans through the removal west on the infamous Trail of Tears. The narrative contrasts historical tragedy with cultural triumph, integrating traditional Cherokee values with modern societal sensibilities. Performed under the stars in an open-air mountain setting, this immersive production has attracted millions of visitors and remains one of America’s most powerful historical dramas, reframing the global perspective on Cherokee history.
The show itself is amazing! Put me through the whole gamut of emotions! There are light hearted scenes and happy scenes and sad scenes and darn right heart wrenching scenes and I loved them all!!!
— Linda
Unto These Hills outdoor drama depicts the historical struggle, resistance, and survival of the Cherokee Nation across four centuries. The narrative begins in 1540 with the arrival of Spanish Conquistador Hernando DeSoto, signaling centuries of future conflict. In the early 1800s, Cherokee leaders Yonaguska and Junaluska pursue peace and diplomacy, with Junaluska saving the life of Andrew Jackson at the Battle of Horseshoe Bend. Despite this alliance, Jackson later uses his presidency to violate Cherokee sovereignty and enforce tribal removal policies. The situation escalates in 1835 when the discovery of gold brings corrupt land agents and illegal white settlers driven by Manifest Destiny ideology, fracturing the Cherokee community. Amidst forced military relocation, a Cherokee man named Tsali resists the United States Army, ultimately sacrificing his life so a small remnant of his people can legally remain in their ancestral homeland. Although the tragic Trail of Tears begins for the rest of the nation, Tsali’s sacrifice lays the foundation for the preservation of the tribe. The drama concludes by celebrating the resilience, enduring culture, and modern sovereignty of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians.
Dustin Wolfe
Associate Director / YonaguskaAn enrolled member of the Muscogee Creek Nation, Dustin is returning for his 16th season with Unto These Hills, and his first season as Associate Director. A graduate of Haskell Indian Nations University, Dustin is a former member of the Thunderbird Theatre and a founding member of the American Indian Repertoire Theatre of Lawrence, Kansas. Originally from Sapulpa, Oklahoma, Dustin has resided on the Qualla Boundary for the past 17 years and has been an active part of the Cherokee Historical Association for that time at both Mountainside Theatre and Oconaluftee Indian Village, where he currently serves as Program Manager.
Tamara Sampson
NukwadeyeTamara has been with Unto These Hills since 2005. She is currently an Early Childhood Educator and has been for 6 years. She has lived in Cherokee all of her life and loves performing and teaching our culture to those to seek to learn. She dedicates every season to both her parents who are watching over her in Heaven.
Philenia Walkingstick
Mrs. PerkinsPhilenia Walkingstick returns to the stage for her 39th season at Unto These Hills. She has been involved with the drama for many years and is thankful to be back. She loves spending time with her husband, her friends and her family, especially her nieces and nephew. She is also an active dialysis warrior #BecomeADonor
Taylor Wachacha
TsaliTaylor is an enrolled member of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians and is from the Bird Clan. He is excited to be returning for his seventh season with Unto These Hills and thrilled to be portraying Tsali this year. He’s previously played Junaluska, Sequoyah, Elias Boudinot, White Path, and Kanega. Outside of Unto These Hills, Taylor played Tawodi in the short Cherokee horror film “A Raven’s Call” by Mad Crab Productions, which is available on YouTube.
Sienna Haas
Wilani / DancerSienna Haas is honored to be portraying Wilani and returning as a member of the dance company for her third season at Unto These Hills. Originally from Gatlinburg, TN, she has performed with Dolly Parton’s Stampede and Anakeesta, and has recently completed a work study program with Millenium Dance Complex Nashville. Sienna is Ojibwe and an enrolled member of the Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians. She is thrilled to combine her passions of dance and indigenous storytelling, and would like to thank her family, friends and partner for their support.
Josh Driver
JunaluskaJosh is an enrolled member of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians and is from the Bird Clan. This is his third season with Unto These Hills, and he is excited to play Junaluska. He previously played White Path and Sequoyah. While attending Cherokee Central, he was part of the Cherokee Chamber Singers and performed at Disney World, Carnegie Hall, onstage with Foreigner, at Cherokee Days in Washington DC, and with the NC and Charlotte Symphonies performing Si Otsedoha (We’re Still Here)
“What an amazing show. I loved the entire experience. The acting and dancing were excellent. I was completely captivated with the story, and the effects make it feel so real.”
— Joyce F. via Tripadvisor, 2024
“The show itself is amazing! Put me through the whole gamut of emotions! Really impressed with how many Natives are in the show and how many tribes are represented. If you haven’t been…GO!!!!”
— Linda via Tripadvisor, 2024
“Amazing performance! Show throughout was filled with passion and talent. The lighting, the sound, the acting, and the narration made for an incredible experience. I was moved to tears. Overall, can’t recommend this enough.”
— Shalyssa B. via Google, 2024
“This is our 4th time seeing this show and we have never been disappointed. It’s both educational and entertaining. Well worth seeing.”
— Bill S. via Google, 2024