Copyright © 2003 NLThomas
All Rights Reserved

TAHLEQUAH, OKLAHOMA - The highly acclaimed Trail of Tears Drama will begin its season with a Special Benefit Opening (SBO) on Saturday, June 21, 2003.

"The annual SBO sets the tone for the drama season with sophistication and elegance as numerous community leaders and organizations lend their support to this outstanding theater venue", said Ami Maddocks, marketing director for the Cherokee Heritage Center.

During the summer months, the Trail of Tears Drama employs a cast and crew of more than 100 people. To assist with the cost of the drama, the SBO was developed to raise funds and create excitement for the upcoming theater season. Last year’s SBO raised approximately $75,000 to help the Cherokee Heritage Center promote and preserve Cherokee history and culture through the drama.

This year’s attendees will be presented with a reception of Oklahoma-made wines and cheeses and be given the opportunity to bid on items in a silent auction. Following the reception, guests will make their way to the courtyard in Adams Corner for an elegant dinner before they are captivated by the opening performance of the Trail of Tears Drama.

"Every year, hundreds of people visit the beautiful Tsa La Gi Amphitheater to see this dramatic tale come to life with song, dance, and folklore", Maddocks said.

The revised drama, by playwright Joe Sears, uses Sequoyah and animal characters to guide the audience through this heroic Cherokee story with wit and compassion, making it a show for all ages.

The evening’s festivities begin at 5:30 p.m. and the drama begins at 8:00 p.m. For information on attending the Special Benefit Opening please call the Cherokee Heritage Center, dial 918-456-6007 or call toll free, dial 888-999-6007.

Mike Miller, Cherokee Nation Director of Communications Phone: 918-456-0671 (ext.2210) Fax: 918-458-5580 E-mail: Communications@cherokee.org Larry Daugherty, Advertising Manager Cherokee Nation - Public Affairs Phone 918-456-0671 (Ex.2324) E-mail: ldaugherty@cherokee.org

Bradley D. Peak, Cherokee Nation Natural Resources Specialist Phone: 918-456-0671 (ex.2843) E-mail: bpeak@cherokee.org Cherokee Nation, Oklahoma Attn: (Department Name) P.O. Box 948, Tahlequah, OK 74465 Telephone: 918-456-0671 (Toll Free OK) 1-800-256-0671