TULSA – Actors, singers and dancers of all ages are encouraged to audition for Cherokee Nation’s historical musical “Nanyehi – The Story of Nancy Ward,” returning to Hard Rock Live Tulsa Oct. 9 and 10.
“Nanyehi” tells the story of Nancy 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.
The production is seeking to fill nearly 30 roles, including:
- Kingfisher: Cherokee warrior, Nanyehi’s first husband – paid speaking role with one duet and one solo musical number
- Oconastota: Cherokee War Chief – paid speaking role
- Young Nanyehi: paid speaking role with lead musical number (ages 7-12)
- Teen Dragging Canoe: speaking role in Act 1 (ages 15-18)
- White Settlers – limited speaking roles
- Warriors – fight choreography and traditional stomp
- Ensemble – strong voices, limited dancing
- Contemporary dancers
Auditions will be held in Tulsa from 3-6 p.m., July 18 and 2-5 p.m., July 19 at Theatre Tulsa, 5521 S Peoria Ave.
Those auditioning for a singing role are asked to sing a cappella or provide their own accompaniment. A keyboard, CD player and Bluetooth speaker will be provided. Non-singing performers will read from the script, and dancers are asked to bring dance shoes as they will be taught a short routine.
If you are auditioning for a principal role and would like to sing a song from the musical, please email [email protected] for more information, including songs, a lead sheet and tracks.
Rehearsals begin Sept. 8.
The 2026 showing will mark the 14th production of the musical with Cherokee Nation citizen Cheyenne Gagner returning to the title role of Nanyehi for the third year. Tommy Cummings, Muscogee/Choctaw, will return as Dragging Canoe, and special guest star, Cherokee Nation citizen Winnie Guess Perdue will return as elder Nanyehi. Perdue has been recognized as one of five Cherokee women who changed the world.
The musical is written by Nashville-based, award-winning songwriter and recording artist Becky Hobbs and playwright Nick Sweet.
Hobbs is a Cherokee Nation citizen and Bartlesville native who is a direct descendant of Nancy Ward. As a recording and performing artist, she has performed in more than 40 countries and has had over 20 charting songs. Her songs have been recorded by Alabama, Conway Twitty, George Jones, Loretta Lynn, Emmylou Harris, Glen Campbell, Wanda Jackson, John Anderson, Helen Reddy, Shirley Bassey and others. Hobbs was inducted into the Oklahoma Music Hall of Fame in October 2015.
“Nanyehi” is presented by Cherokee Nation Businesses and Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Tulsa.
For more information about the production or a list of open positions for auditions, visit www.nanyehi.com or email [email protected].
‘ The preceding article may include information circulated by third parties ’
‘ Some details of this article were extracted from the following source www.cherokeephoenix.org ’
