Meet the cast of the 2026 season of Unto These Hills outdoor drama: Part 4
Part 4 of Meet the Cast! Meet the cast of the 2026 season of Unto These Hills outdoor drama. We have a lot of talented folks to introduce you to. Stay tuned to meet the many people it takes to bring the story of the Cherokee people to life each season.
Sienna Haas
Sienna Haas is an actor and dancer originally from Gatlinburg, TN. She has previously performed with Dolly Parton’s Stampede and Anakeesta, and recently completed a work study program with Millennium Dance Complex in Nashville. Sienna is Ojibwe and an enrolled member of the Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians. She loves combining her passions of dance and Indigenous storytelling. She give special thanks to her family, friends, and partner for their support.
This is Sienna’s third season with Unto These Hills. She originally joined us as a dancer. This season, she’s still dancing, but she’s also playing Wilani. Wilani is Tsali’s wife and one of the main characters in the show. Sienna also participated in The Raven Mocker Screams haunted trail last October. We have enjoyed getting to know Sienna and her family, and we’re always happy to have her on the team.
Michael Henry Harris
Michael Henry Harris is an actor and writer based in Atlanta and represented by Houghton Talent. After training at the Maggie Flanigan Studio, he co-founded and served as Co-Artistic Director of NYC’s InViolet Theater Company. He also hosts The Origin Story Podcast, where once a month, the asks an artist he respects to introduce him to a piece of work or an artist they love. Michael is an enrolled member of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, and he is thankful for the cast, crew, designers, and producers who make Unto These Hills possible each season.
This is Michael’s first season with Unto These Hills, and we are grateful to have him onstage. He plays Sequoyah and understudies Tsali and Yonaguska. Michael’s son is also in the cast this season, and it is really special to see the two of them act together.
Michael Harris Jr.
Michael Harris Jr. is from Atlanta, Georgia and currently studying theatre at Brown University in Rhode Island. As an enrolled member of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, Michael hopes that this summer’s audience members are moved by the show.
Michael is the second half of our favorite father-son duo. This is his first season with Unto These Hills. He plays White Path and Suyeta, and understudies Elias Boudinot. We are thrilled to have both Michael and his father in the in the cast this season.
Reed Horsley
Reed Horsley graduated from University of North Carolina School of the Arts and has worked professionally in theatre and film since 2016. He’s an Advanced Actor Combatant with the Society of American Fight Directors, a juggler, stilt walker, and overall clown. Reed has performed with Triad Stage, Thunder Bay Theater, Bright Star Touring Theatre, and the Carolina Ballet. Some of his favorite credits include The Marvelous Miss Maisel, You, and National Geographic’s The Long Road Home.
This is Reed’s sixth season playing Andrew Jackson. Jackson is the president we love to hate, and Reed takes it all in stride. In addition to acting in Unto These Hills, Reed serves as the Company Manager, making sure our out-of-town actors are comfortable in company housing for the summer. He has also participated in The Raven Mocker Screams haunted trail as a scare actor the past two Halloween seasons. Reed is a jack-of-all-trades, and we’re always fortunate to have him on the team.
Lizzie Hull
Lizzie Hull, affectionately known as “Miss Lizzie” to most, is our longest tenured company member. Miss Lizzie, who is an enrolled member of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, has been involved with Unto These Hills for over 50 years. She started in the show with her mother, Ollie Jumper, who was in Unto These Hills for many years before her passing. Today, there are four generations of Miss Lizzie’s family working onstage and backstage. Outside of the show, Miss Lizzie stays busy with elders events and trips. She says, “I want to keep busy as long as I can.” Miss Lizzie is a special member of the Unto These Hills family, and it is an honor to have her onstage each season.
Jaelee Jackson
Jaelee “J-Bug” Jackson is an enrolled member of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians. She’s 10-years-old and lives in Robbinsville, NC. She enjoys horseback riding, riding her four-wheeler, kayaking, and swimming. She also plays basketball and volleyball.
This is J-Bug’s second season in the Youth Ensemble of Unto These Hills outdoor drama. You can see her acting in the ensemble three days per week. We’re always proud to help foster a love of theatre amongst our local youth.
Bode Kicklighter
Bode Kicklighter is originally from Brevard, NC and attends East Carolina University. Some of his recent ECU credits include Legally Blonde, You’re a Good Man Charlie Brown, and Cabaret. Bode is thrilled to spend his summer in his home of Western North Carolina and thanks his family and friends for their love and support.
This is Bode’s second season with Unto These Hills as a dancer and actor. This season you can see him playing the Doctor, playing a soldier, dancing, and acting in the ensemble. Bode is a hard worker and an asset to the team!
Rhett Lambert
Rhett Lambert is a student at New Kituwah Academy, which is the Cherokee language immersion school. At school, he’s known as Alasgisg Yona, which means Dancing Bear. Rhett enjoys playing basketball and baseball, spending time outdoors, going to the beach and Disney world, and playing games with his friends.
This is Rhett’s third season as a member of the Youth Company of Unto These Hills. He’s previously understudied the role of Wasseton, Tsali’s youngest son. This year, you can find him playing Wasseton three days a week. It’s so special that these young kids enjoy returning to Unto These Hills season after season, and it’s a joy to watch them grow.
Miranda Lopez
Miranda Lopez is an enrolled member of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians and part of the Bird Clan. She is excited to be working with her siblings, Taylor and Erika Wachacha.
This is Miranda’s third season with Unto These Hills. She’s an actor, combatant, and understudy. Miranda is a pleasure to work with, and it’s been a joy to see her gain more skills and confidence over the years.
Be sure to catch these talented performers onstage in Unto These Hills outdoor drama this season! Unto These Hills runs Mondays through Saturdays through August 22nd. You can find a full schedule and more info here. And stay tuned for the next installment of Meet the Cast, A to Z!