The Lost Colony

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An Experience Not To Be Missed!

The 2024 Season of The Lost Colony offers a refreshed production of Paul Green's original symphonic drama. Set on the soundfront on Roanoke Island, enjoy this 87 year-old musical under the stars. Become immersed in the story of the discovery of a new world with newly enhanced musical and theatrical direction and dynamically stunning choreography. Witness the pageantry of Queen Elizabeth I and her court and celebrate the birth of Virginia Dare, the first English child born in America all while preserving the historical importance of America's oldest mystery. An Outer Banks experience not to be missed!

The Lost Colony ampitheater

THE LOST COLONY
In 1587, 117 English men, women and children came ashore on Roanoke Island to establish a permanent English settlement in the New World. Just three years later in 1590, when English ships returned to bring supplies, they found the island deserted with no sign of the colonists. After nearly 450 years, the mystery of what happened to the colonists remains unsolved.

The Lost Colony’s 87th season runs May 30th - August 24th every Monday-Saturday evening at 8:30PM at Manteo’s Waterside Theatre on North Carolina’s Outer Banks. The Lost Colony is the nation’s premier and longest-running outdoor symphonic drama. Gather clues from the colonists as you are immersed in epic battles, haunting Native American dances, elegant costuming and beautiful music in this enormous stage production that brings our nation’s oldest mystery to life all around you.

The Lost Colony actors

HISTORY OF THE PLAY
Millions have seen the compelling story that celebrates the 117 English men, women, and children whose dream still lives on in this American original.

Come see epic battles and Indian dances. Experience the sorrow and heartbreak of tragedy and loss. Witness the pageantry of the Queen and her court and celebrate the birth of Virginia Dare, the first English child born in America. There is music, laughter, romance and dance.

Over 100 actors, technicians, singers, dancers, designers and volunteers gather each spring to begin rehearsals to bring The Lost Colony to life for another summer season. The production is enormous. The stage itself is over three times larger than most Broadway stages in New York City. You are seated in our open-air theatre, located on the Roanoke Sound, with the stars above and live action happening on three sides of you.

The Lost Colony outdoor drama is the “grandfather” of all outdoor dramas and is produced by the Roanoke Island Historical Association (RIHA), a non-profit whose mission is to celebrate the history of the first English colonies on Roanoke Island, North Carolina, and to honor the founders of The Lost Colony symphonic drama through drama, education and literature.

First staged in 1937, The Lost Colony is the nation’s premier and longest-running outdoor symphonic drama. Written by Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright Paul Green, The Lost Colony’s 87th anniversary season opens May 30th and plays through Aug. 24th, 2024 at Roanoke Island’s Waterside Theatre, on North Carolina’s Outer Banks.

PLAN YOUR VISIT: MAKE A DAY OF IT!
Plan your visit and make a day of it. Just a few minutes from the beach, you will discover a “New World”on Roanoke Island. In addition to its rich history, Roanoke Island has charming boutiques, art galleries, sidewalk cafes and a working waterfront and colonial farm, an aquarium to discover and explore and Fort Raleigh National Historic Site. There’s something for the whole family!
 

Ticket Office: (252) 473-6000
Website: www.thelostcolony.org

The Lost Colony actor on shore

The Lost Colony elaborate costumes

The Lost Colony actors carry buckets

The Lost Colony actor in colorful costume

 

 

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