NANYEHI
Tickets on sale now for Cherokee musical featuring Academy Award-recipient Wes Studi
‘Nanyehi’ returns to Hard Rock Live Oct. 11-12
TULSA, Okla. – “Nanyehi – The Story of Nancy Ward,” featuring Academy Award-recipient Wes Studi, makes its return Oct. 11-12 at Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Tulsa.
Studi is set to play the principal role of Attakullakulla, Nanyehi’s uncle. As a direct descendant of Nanyehi, Studi has been very vocal about his participation in the production.
“This production has promoted the legacy of my ancestor for many years, and it is a true honor to be personally involved this year,” Studi said. “Nanyehi’s message for peace is one that is very timely and desperately needed today. I am grateful to everyone who has a hand in bringing this story to life.”
Tickets are $20 and are on sale now. There is a $10 discount for Cherokee Nation citizens and children 12 and under. Tickets can be purchased by calling the Hard Rock Live Box Office at 918-384-ROCK or online in the Entertainment section of www.hardrockcasinotulsa.com.
The Cherokee musical shares 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.
Cherokee Nation citizen Cheyenne Gagner, of Owasso, is returning to the title role, Nanyehi, alongside Cherokee Nation citizen Tommy Cummings, of Muskogee, returning as Dragging Canoe. Special guest star, Cherokee Nation citizen Winnie Guess Perdue, will also return as elder Nanyehi. Perdue has been recognized as one of five Cherokee women who changed the world.
The 2024 performance will mark the 13th production of “Nanyehi.” It has been presented eight times in Oklahoma, twice in Tennessee, and as single productions in Georgia and Texas. The musical is written by Nashville-based, award-winning songwriter and recording artist Becky Hobbs and freelance director and co-playwright Nick Sweet.
Hobbs is a Cherokee Nation citizen and Bartlesville native who is a direct descendant of Nancy Ward. As a recording/performing artist, she has performed in more than 40 countries and has had over 20 chart records. Her songs have been recorded by Alabama, Conway Twitty, Demi Lovato, Emmylou Harris, Helen Reddy, George Jones, Glen Campbell, John Anderson, Kristin Chenoweth, Loretta Lynn, Sara Evans, Shirley Bassey and Wanda Jackson.
Hobbs was inducted into the Oklahoma Music Hall of Fame in October 2015, and the “Nanyehi” short film was inducted into the Oklahoma Movie Hall of Fame in April 2019.
“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 is the flagship property of Cherokee Nation Entertainment. From signature restaurants and gaming to award-winning live entertainment, Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Tulsa offers the best amenities in Oklahoma. Information on upcoming shows at Hard Rock Live, Track 5., Riff’s and Amp Bar is available online at www.hardrockcasinotulsa.com or by calling (918) 384-ROCK. The Hard Rock Live 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.
The original Cherokee musical “Nanyehi – The Story of Nancy Ward” will be performed at Hard Rock Live inside Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Tulsa.