An Oscar-honored Oklahoma actor is returning to his home state for an autumn stage production — and his fellow Oklahomans have the opportunity to not only see him perform but also to audition to become his co-star.
The Cherokee Nation has signed Academy Award recipient Wes Studi to star in its October production of “Nanyehi – The Story of Nancy Ward.”
This fall's production of the historical Cherokee musical is set for Oct. 11-12 at Hard Rock Live Tulsa, with auditions taking place July 12-14.
The show 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.
A direct descendant of Nanyehi, Studi will play the principal role of Attakullakulla, Nanyehi’s uncle, according to the announcement.
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“The story of Nanyehi is not just Cherokee history, it’s world history,” said Cherokee Nation Principal Chief Chuck Hoskin Jr. in a statement. “Bringing on a Cherokee actor of this caliber will have a tremendous impact on this year’s production. We know that with Wes Studi’s involvement, we will have the opportunity to elevate Nanyehi’s message for peace and inspire and empower the rest of our talented cast.”
Who is Wes Studi?
Born in Nofire Hollow, near Tahlequah, Studi is widely considered a trailblazer who helped expand Native American representation in film. He spoke only Cherokee until he was 5 years old, when he was sent to Chilocco Indian School in northern Oklahoma, where he remained until high school graduation. He was drafted into the U.S. Army and served 18 months in South Vietnam with the 9th Infantry Division in the Mekong Delta.
While appearing on the 90th Academy Awards in 2018, Studi grabbed attention when he spoke Cherokee in honoring military veterans in introducing a tribute to movies featuring servicemen and women.
A 2003 inductee into the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum’s Hall of Great Western Performers, Studi, 76, has been part of several Oscar-nominated and winning films, including “Dances with Wolves,” ″The Last of the Mohicans,” ″The New World,” and “Geronimo: An American Legend.”
A 2014 deadCenter Film Icon Award winner, the internationally acclaimed actor and musician also has played memorable roles as a police detective in Michael Mann's crime thriller “Heat,” a superhero trainer in the comedy “Mystery Men," the protective patriarch of the alien tribe the Na’vi in James Cameron's blockbuster sci-fi epic “Avatar" and a dying Cheyenne chief in Scott Cooper's Western “Hostiles.”
In 2019, Studi became the first Native American man as well as the first Native American actor or actress to receive an Academy Award when he was presented an Honorary Oscar by his "Hostiles" co-star, Christian Bale.
In his Oscars acceptance speech, he thanked all the actors he'd worked with throughout his long career, dating back to first paying gig at American Indian Theatre Company in Tulsa.
Which Grammy-nominated Oklahoman co-wrote 'Nanyehi – The Story of Nancy Ward?'
The 2024 staging of "Nanyehi – The Story of Nancy Ward” will mark the 13th production of the musical. It has been presented eight times in Oklahoma, twice in Tennessee and in single productions in Georgia and Texas.
Nashville-based, Grammy-nominated songwriter and recording artist Becky Hobbs wrote the musical with playwright Nick Sweet.
A Cherokee Nation citizen and Bartlesville native, Hobbs also 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 chart records. 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 more. Hobbs was inducted into the Muskogee-based Oklahoma Music Hall of Fame in 2015.
In addition, Hobbs co-wrote the short film “Nanyehi," which was inducted in 2019 into the Oklahoma Movie Hall of Fame, also based in Muskogee.
“Nanyehi” is presented by Cherokee Nation Businesses and Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Tulsa.
When and where are auditions for this fall's production of 'Nanyehi – The Story of Nancy Ward?'
More than 30 roles are still available for Native and non-Native actors, singers and dancers of all ages in the autumn production of "Nanyehi – The Story of Nancy Ward."
Auditions in Muskogee are scheduled from 5 to 8 p.m. July 12 at the Oklahoma Music Hall of Fame, 401 S 3.
In Tulsa, auditions are planned from 2 to 5 p.m. July 13 and 2 to 5 p.m. July 14 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 hopefuls will read from the script, and dancers are asked to bring dancing shoes as they will be taught a short routine.
Those auditioning for a principal role who prefer to sing a song from the musical, can email nanyehiproductions@gmail.com for more information, including songs, a lead sheet and tracks.
Ticket information for the production has not yet been announced.
For more information, go to http://www.nanyehi.com.
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