Cherokee Heritage Center News Release (918) 456-6007 Cherokee Heritage Tours & Marketing tourism@cherokeeheritage.org © Cherokee Heritage Center - All Rights Reserved June 10, 2003

Brett Butler Attends Special Benefit Opening

Tahlequah, Okla. - Brett Butler will be attending this year’s Special Benefit Opening (SBO) of the "Trail of Tears" drama presented by the Cherokee Heritage Center. Butler, a comic actress who produced and starred in "Grace Under Fire," will be coming to Tahlequah for the first night of this summer’s drama which takes place in the outdoor Tsa La Gi amphitheater June 21.

To assist with the cost of the drama, the SBO was developed to raise funds and create excitement for the upcoming theater season. Last year’s SBO raised approximately $75,000 to help the Cherokee Heritage Center promote and preserve Cherokee history and culture.

This year’s attendees will be presented with a reception of Oklahoma-made wines and cheeses and be given the opportunity to bid on items in a silent auction. Following the reception, guests will be treated to an elegant dinner provided by the Restaurant of the Cherokees.

After years of working as a stand-up comic, Butler received her big break when she appeared on Dolly Parton’s Variety Show in 1987. Soon after, she was hired as a writer for the show. Despite the show’s quick cancellation, Butler earned national fame and started her own show, "Grace Under Fire," in 1993.

"Grace Under Fire" explored the world of single motherhood in the 1990’s. Butler’s character Grace is a smart-talking, no-nonsense Southerner, making it through life one day at a time following a bad marriage.

The show landed Butler two Golden Globe nominations before it ended in 1998. Now, Butler has a stand-up comic tour and is a frequent guest-star on TV sitcoms.

For more information about the "Trail of Tears" drama and other Cherokee Heritage Center events call (918) 456-6007, toll free at (888) 999-6007 or visit the website at www.CherokeeHeritage.org.