Renovations

MOUNTAINSIDE THEATRE UNDERGOES $1.8M RENOVATION
Preparations Begin for 60^th Anniversary of “Unto These Hills”

CHEROKEE, N.C. - The renowned outdoor drama “Unto These Hills,” which chronicles the history of the Cherokee Indians, will open its 60^th season in the newly renovated Mountainside Theatre. The $1.8 million renovation to the 2,800-seat rustic and elegant open-air theatre began this winter and will create a more comfortable, safer and convenient experience for theatre-goers.

“Mountainside Theatre has entertained more than 6 million visitors since the drama opened in 1950,” said John Tissue, executive director for the Cherokee Historical Association. “The renovation work includes upgraded seating with wider aisles and more comfortable seats, new food concessions, reserved box seating, and other enhanced conveniences that will make the rustic and elegant theatre an inviting place to learn about the Cherokee.”

Upgrades also include new VIP reserved seating in the front row, with extra perks like covered seats, blankets, bottled water and the new Chief’s Box. Offering a unique theatre experience, the Chief Box includes the same benefits as the VIP seating area but will be available for purchase to the general public only when they are not in use by the Chief, his council or guests. If available, tickets for this special experience may only be purchased on the day of the event beginning at noon at the box office. Additionally, the new concession stand will offer an expanded menu to include pizza and ice cream. Safety and convenience enhancements include a new golf-cart shuttle service available to transport the elderly and handicapped to their seats.