"Tecumseh!" Performance in the Great Outdoors
County:
Pickaway County From June 11 to September 4, history will be brought to life as the legend of Shawnee leader Tecumseh is performed live and under the open sky above the Sugarloaf Mountain Amphitheatre in Chillicothe, Ohio. Complete with galloping horses, firing cannons and life-like recreations of 19th century battles, “Tecumseh!” has been called “the ultimate outdoor drama experience” by the performance’s Web site, and is sure to please audience members of all ages.
Using all of the outdoor elements of Chillicothe’s natural country scenery, “Tecumseh!” tells the story of the fierce battles between the Shawnee Native Americans and the white settlers threatening to conquer their Ohio homeland. The producers and actors of “Tecumseh!” invite guests to not only learn the compelling history of this legendary warrior, but to experience its depiction firsthand.
Since its creation in 1973, “Tecumseh!” has been experienced by over 2.4 million visitors and continues to amaze spectators with this one-of-a-kind performance. The staff members and participants of this “Tecumseh!” performance have far more to offer their visitors, however, than just the production itself. Before the 8:00 p.m. show, guests will be welcomed to experience an hour long behind-the-scenes tour guided by the actors themselves. Performers take visitors “back stage” and explain the logistics of their dangerous stunts and special effects, while accompanying their modern-day explanations with detailed historical context.
A covered terrace buffet is also available for those wishing to enjoy an outdoor meal while also experiencing the compelling view of the Chillicothe mountainside.
The producers of “Tecumseh!” also encourage guests to visit their pre-historic Native American “mini museum” before the actual drama begins. Filled with displays of Native American artifacts from the Scotio Valley, this museum offers even further historical relevance for visitors curious about America’s history and Ohio’s connection to the great Tecumseh himself.
Beth Beatty, Vice President and Associate Producer of The Scotio Society Inc. and the “Tecumseh!” production, says that her love of history and the legend of Tecumseh inspire her to continue her involvement each and every year.
“I believe in the mission of this organization [The Scotio Society] – to dedicate itself to the historical, educational and economic development of the tri-county area – and I believe in the story of Tecumseh. He wanted to form a bond between the Native Americans and the whites threatening to take his land and I think that even today, this is an important concept to remember,” Beth says.
For more information on the production itself, its location, tour and dinner prices, visit the drama’s website. Tickets for the drama are $22.95 per adult and $15.95 for children 10 and under. Each show begins at 8:00 p.m., weather permitting.
