Tecumseh! performed in the intimate 1200 seat Sugar Mountain amphitheater is one of the best plays I've seen, ever. Horses, cannons, canoes, bluecoats and deerskin-robed Shawnee tell the story of Tecumseh, a heroic figure in the First Peoples' fight to save their way of life. We took the backstage tour led by two new members of the professional cast - a young man from Kansas, the other from New Orleans. My suggestion for management - and this is really important - you filled the auditorium with 500 back-to-school teenagers (end of August) and they're inattentive chaperones. The chatter, giggles, guffaws went unanswered by the chaperones, whom I gave an F+. They were paid to be there, and did nothing to "teach" the young people theatre etiquette. Removing one or two of the mouths would have taught the rest how to behave. I imagine the producers need the concession revenue and that's why the menu played to the high carb/high-fat options teens favor. While it was a "slow" night for the performance (only 600 guests), cars from Kentucky, Tennessee, Pennsylvania, Indiana drove to see Tecumseh!. These cash paying families were annoyed with the rude teenagers, too. One mom - cranked, "unbelievable". I agree. The actors and the audience deserve better. Management needs to expect more from students and their chaperones. In the meantime, I will share my praise for the production and look for the talented actors in the future productions. read more

The show was pretty good, it went from 8 to 10:30. There was a half hour intermission as well. The actors did a great job and it was really fun to watch. The only thing we did not like at all was the concession stands. If you are wanting a meal there, they only have pork and beef products, nothing for vegetarians or pescatarians. They are also limited on snacks. We tried the pretzel and cheese, which was really unimpressive. The food just tasted cheap for how much it cost. Overall, the show was great but I would definitely bring your own snacks or eat beforehand (just our opinion though). read more

Tecumseh - Outdoor Drama - Performing Arts Near Me

See all

Must see, we have been multiple times, and brought multiple friends throughout the years. Everyone (including ourselves) is always very impressed! Love this outdoor drama. Historical and entertaining! Well done! read more

See all

I've been to this show 5 or 6 times in the last 45-years or so. But it looks like they just went "woke". Actors are no longer anything resembling an Indian and a couple of females are used in some male character roles. Battle scenes have been toned down alot. The powder charges were reduced to muzzle loader rifle amounts for a canons. That is if they even went off at all; I couldn't tell. If the canons didn't fire, that explains why the charges in the pond didn't go off either. Lots of misfires and hang-fires for the rifles. Even our tour had two misfires during the demonstration. As said in another review, one of the characters that was shot on the left promenade did not fall off the cliff (the padding door never opened). The tomahawks being struck into the War Pole; of the five tomahawks, only 3 stuck. The bottom one fell out and top one missed completely. Tecumseh's sister had a lot of trouble lighting one of the ceremonial fires. The new digital surround sound system just sounded like traffic from a distant road down the mountain. Finally, there IS ABSOLUTELY NO REASON WHY WE CANNOT BACK INTO THE PARKING SPACES! Last time I looked, my eyes are in the front of my head and not the back making it easier to leave. And the second Tecumseh actor (they switched in the show) even forgot some of his lines. I took my, then, new girlfriend to see the show about 4-years ago and she was very impressed. It took us this long to get her son, his new wife and their 2 children ( 13 and 15) to go. Egg on our faces all around. BTW - The brush in front of the pond needs to be trimmed back a lot. We could barely see the back entrance into the water. read more

Wow! We purchased 3 V.I.P passes for the show. The buffet was so delicious we asked to meet the chef. We just knew someone's grandma was back there cooking up a storm! The most humble woman came out to greet us. She was so bashful about accepting the compliments on her down home cooking. 5 stars for the food. It was too muddy for the back stage tour. The two actors put on a show teaching the crowd about fake fighting, blood packets and gun fights. They where so funny. The entertainment was lovely never a dull moment. The meet and greet after the play is nice for the kids to see it's just a play. I can't wait to see Shakespeare in the summer! read more

Tecumseh - Outdoor Drama - Performing Arts Near Me

We have been going to Tecumseh, off and on, for 30 years and this year's performance was very disappointing. If you have nothing to compare it to, you will enjoy. They have made so many cuts though that we were disappointed. The scene where the guy falls off the cliff, no more children in Simon Kenton's wedding celebration and they didn't scalp the guy. Then, even though they announced at the beginning the actors would be available after the show for pictures, they didn't come out. We stood around for an extra 15 minutes to be told oh they aren't coming out tonight because of the rain delay. Which is fine but they could have at least announced it. Just not very professional. read more

Great reviews and lady always wanted to see - we just left thinking what a wasted night. Backstage tour was enjoyable but when done (due to their timelines) you have 3 hours until showtime to fill with very little else to see. Very small gift shop and not alot of Tecumseh stuff other that $22 shirts, just general Indian things. Snack bar had good variety and fair prices. The box office and concession staff were all great. The show was OK, not fast or action packed as reviews or the website make it out to be. The actors while very good struggle to have emotion or voice inflection because they spend the whole night yelling so everyone can hear. Very nice open air outdoor 'stage', great use of horses and weapons, boats etc. Unless you already know the story you will be lost, the 'narration' does not tell you anything and it bounces around different years of his lifetime. Lastly the parking is atrocious - they make you pull in parking only - no problem until you want to leave in the dark with 1000 other people all trying to BACK out into a log jam of traffic - absolute ridiculous, not to mention the parking staff (when arriving) are total A-H to the patrons, after moving us around 3 times, they truly threatened the gentleman next to us with a honest to goodness fist fight because he complained about them. Not professional, and ruined the mood for our visit. Total trip from home and back too 'enjoy' Tecumseh was 7 hours and we felt it was just wasted time, would not do again. read more

Terrible experience! Rude concession staff, cancel the entire show for 5 min. of rain. Acted like refunding our tickets was sufficient enough when we drive 3hrs to see the show and literally never go out for a date like ever. We finally go to have some fun and that is the experience we have. They also got rid of their buffet and only sell crappy concession for 3x the price. Terrible!! read more

"and Tecumseh shall one day rise again" ...cue goose bumps and tears. I have come to this show once a year since about the age of 8, maybe missing one or two performances. There is a reason I keep coming back. The performance is unlike any other, taking place in Sugarloaf Mountain Amphitheater in an outdoor theater filled with caves, hills, horses, and a river-- which can all be watched under the stars. The action that literally surrounds you and wraps around the stage brings the audience members into the performance and invested in the tale of the Shawnee leader. The show is always done very well with a mix of action (trust me there are plenty of the blood packets exploding), romance, drama, and horror. This show is great for families, dates, young and old. A warning though they do use cannon fire and gun fire, so the wee ones may get a bit frightened. The story depicts the tale of Tecumseh and his last years. It is narrated by Native American actor Graham Greene who will literally send chills up your spine similar to James Earl Jones and Sean Connery (yes, I have an obsession with voices). The story is heartfelt and written by seven-time Pulitzer Prize nominee and Emmy recipient, Allan W. Eckert. The show has been running since 1973 for a reason. Enough of me showing of my nerd-iness for Tecumseh and my slight "obsession" but this is a must see performance that will leave you remembering the last words of the play as I do. read more

Tecumseh - Outdoor Drama - Performing Arts Near Me

See all

This is really well done entertainment! The story was fairly close to historically accurate, it is definitely high energy and action. There were NO slow moments. My teenager even enjoyed it, which is a serious feat! We didn't opt for the buffet but didn't feel like we missed out. This is definitely worth a drive from Columbus to see. read more

I went here this past summer expecting a great show, considering the rave reviews I've heard. Since we were making the trip from Columbus, I figured "what the hell" let's do the tour/buffet/and show package just so the trip is worth while. Well....in short, it wasn't. The tour was nice. You had the opportunity to go backstage and see how the whole things operates (hidden speakers for music, props, cannons) and the theater folk came out to show off how they did fights and gun shootings. 3 stars. Then, it was time for the buffet. Umm, no thanks. Way over priced for the food they served. On their facebook page, fans were going ga-ga at all the tasty offerings, but I just didn't get it. Fried chicken, mashed potatoes..the classics, just cooked/prepared...awful. Not to mention, one of us got sick on the way back after the show. 1 star. Then off to the giftshop/tiny museum area just to kill time before the show. The giftshop was crowded (to be expected) and full of useless junk. Nothing authentic. The museum part was a tiny hallway with maybe 3 items that weren't even worth the gander at. Trying to act interested was making me tired. 2 stars. Show time! Maybe it will actually make this trip worth it. Haha, right.... I am a fan of the theater, but this was so dumbed down, I was ready to leave within the first 10 minutes. Not to mention the crowd...I guess you would only enjoy it if you were 95 years old, or hating life and deciding to come with your rowdy four 8year old kids. Other than that, avoid this place. Unless you want a good laugh. But be careful, you'll laugh at the most inappropriate times...or the most appropriate depending on how you look at it. While yes, the acting was okay, and the production takes work...the dialogue, the script, the dramatics...too over done. It was a history lesson for an elementary student. Let's just say, to not be rude, we waited until intermission to leave. And that was an afternoon/evening wasted. I am being generous with my 2 star review, considering maybe I just wasn't the type of crowd they are catering to. Us city folk apparently can't get down in Indian country. However, my mother lives in South Salem, OH - 5-10 minutes away...so yes, I have "down-home" roots and I still wanted gouge my eyes out all the way up until we were headed for the car. Fun fact: The theater uses no microphones. The design lets their voices project enough to be heard. read more

Dont do the buffet. Avg food following a long wait with disorganized service. Tonight we waited an hour...got seated outside the buffet area and then got yelled at trying to get more to drink by someone who didnt now they put us in overflow. They ran out of chicken several times and had to wait while they cooked more slowing the lines. Couple that with one girl trying to fill the 8oz cups with sodas as you order for a few hundred and you needed a lot of patience. EAT BEFORE!! Once in the theater it was a great show. Pyro simulating gun and cannon fire is loud so be ready for that. Story and acting was better than expected. The athleticism displayed was surprising as well. Aug 24 show started about 8:10 and ran until almost 11 or a little over incl an intermission. read more

This was an amazing show. I lived in Ohio for 20 years and somehow never made it and it was always on my bucket list. So when I came back to visit family we made it a point to finally go. I was so impressed. It was very moving and a great history lesson! This is a great family event. They do use some fake explosions and gun fire so maybe not suitable for very young ones. However there were some infants in the audience on the night that I attended and they seem to do OK. read more

WOW...what a spectacualr show and area...Chilicothe is lucky and we should all hear this true american tale of love, loss and bravery during our country's infancy. Well Acted from top to bottom and I love the horses...OHIOS BEST!! read more

I have been to this outdoor drama twice - the show is well worth a visit though I suspect a fair amount of artistic license was used - though the basic storyline is accurate [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tecumseh]. If you plan to visit skip the buffet and eat elsewhere before arriving. The buffet simply was not worth the price - both in terms of the limited selection and the quality of the fare. If you have kids who are afraid of loud bangs (gunfire, cannon) you may want to consider bringing earmuffs or waiting until they are a little older. read more

We visited this past weekend, did it all and it was really nice!! First up was the History Tour...it was narrated by a few of the cast members giving a background through their character. Second was the Back Stage VIP Tour...Very nice!! We got to see the back area and have things explained...how the stunts are performed. Use of weapons. How they make blood, how it is used and how they make it look so real. we saw the props area, was educated on how the horses are trained. Next was the buffet...it was great. It was outside under their shelter house. We had beautiful weather all day...so sitting outside was nice. They had ham and chicken as their main dish with many side dishes: Mashed potatoes, green beans, corn, salad bar, potato salad, pudding, warm apple cobbler, rolls...I am sure there is some things that I forgot. We visited the small museum and gift shop. Their prices weren't too bad. We got out of there for $75 for souvenirs which was 3 shirts and 2 pairs of earrings and a bracelet. After the show the girls wanted Tecumseh and a few others to sign their shirts. And, they had their picture taken with him and a few other cast members. Parking was good and getting out was a breeze. There is no charge for parking. The amphitheater was so nice...packed house but you have a great view from every area. The night was beautiful with a full moon!! My boyfriend goes every year and loves it. It was my second time and I cannot wait to go back next year. For the whole night, including the History Tour, Back stage VIP Tour, buffet dinner and the show the cost was $50 per person. It was well worth it! read more

I've been to the show a few times over the years & I enjoy myself every time. Never ate at the buffet. Have signed up for the "Shadows of Destiny" to be given at Adena Mansion & am looking forward to a wonderful experience! read more

This is an EXCELLENT, very exciting, entertaining, and informative show! The play is based as much as possible on historic research on the amazing Shawnee chieftain, Tecumseh. Cannons, guns, fire, well-choreographed fight scenes, the use of the real Shawnee language in parts, and gorgeous galloping horses make it great "candy" for the senses. The outdoor venue makes it seems so realistic, with a "river", rock formations, and the beauty of nature all around you. When it gets dark, it's almost magical-- the moon and stars above you and the sounds of the night. (Our favorite show may have been when it was raining lightly-- the mist in the light of the moon was, as I said, magical). The actors prepare so well, even learning to move noiselessly through the brush, and learning some Shawnee language and signs. They put their heart and souls into the drama and become almost like a tribe or family up there on Sugarloaf Mountain. The acting is great! Without microphones in such a big venue, it must be difficult to project enough without making the dialogue seem forced. We have done the backstage tour and the dinner, and have very much enjoyed both. Take time to meet the cast afterward. They are DELIGHTFUL, and it is interesting to see the makeup and costumes up close. (The costumes and props were also researched and are quite authentic). The program cover/poster for this year is beautiful! There are images of past posters hidden within it. I plan to frame the poster. The town is also charming. Spend some time in their quaint shops and restaurants. Also, the Adena property and the nearby mounds are quite interesting. We usually stay at the Christopher Inn and Suites and enjoy it there. Friends have stayed at the Fairfield and would recommend it, also. A suggestion-- If you're coming from quite a distance (as we do) and can be flexible, get your tickets for your first night, but be able to stay for a second night in case they have to cancel because of heavy rain or lightening. The raincheck is built into the ticket price, so if rained out the first night, you could go the next (or any time that season). GO SEE TECUMSEH!! You won't regret it!! read more