TULSA, Okla. – The historical Cherokee musical “Nanyehi – The Story of Nancy Ward” is hosting a casting call to support the musical’s Oct. 11 and 12 productions at Hard Rock Live Tulsa.
“Nanyehi” is 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.
Cheyenne Gagner will return for her second year as Nanyehi, while Tommy Cummings will also return in his role as Dragging Canoe. Although the lead male and female roles are filled, there are still nearly 30 roles available for Native and non-Native actors, singers and dancers of all ages.
Open principal roles include Kingfisher, Bryant Ward and Young Nanyehi. All principal roles will be compensated.
Auditions will be held in Muskogee on July 12 from 5-8 p.m. at the Oklahoma Music Hall of Fame, located at 401 S. 3rd St.
Auditions in Tulsa are slated for July 13 from 2-5 p.m. and July 14 from 2-5 p.m. at Theatre Tulsa, located at 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.
If you are auditioning for a principal role and would like to sing a song from the musical, please email
The 2024 showing will mark the 13th production of the musical. It has been presented eight times in Oklahoma, twice in Tennessee, and single productions in Georgia and Texas. 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 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 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, please visit www.nanyehi.com or email