When America’s longest-running outdoor symphonic drama was forced to go dark in the summer of 2020 due to COVID-19, all was not lost.
Rather than dwell on disaster, The Lost Colony’s producers and creative staff got busy, using the time as an opportunity for growth. The result after a year of hard work is a 2021 show with fresh new layers that still manages to honor the historic events and legacy of the theatrical script. And, luckily, they got the go ahead to run the 2021 season. With North Carolina allowing outdoor performances, the 84th season of The Lost Colony kicked off at Waterside Theatre on May 28.
“It’s such a blessing and privilege to open our doors this year,” says John Ancona, general manager of Roanoke Island Historical Association (RIHA), which produces the show. “It’s such an incredible gift to be able to hire 70 cast and crew members to stage this beloved production.”
The Lost Colony tells the story of the 1587 attempt to establish a permanent English settlement in the New World. Written by Paul Green, the award-winning symphonic drama has it all – drama, comedy, tragedy, mystery, music, dancing, fight scenes, royal pageantry, special effects and a stunning outdoor setting, making it an exciting, family-friendly show that’s loved by all ages and draws generations of return visitors. Even Outer Banks locals who’ve seen the show dozens of times return year after year.
A Fresh Approach
While Paul Green’s original script for The Lost Colony always remains the same, each director over the 84 years has brought in his own special touches, which builds curiosity for repeat visitors.
For the 84th season, RIHA was thrilled when Jeff Whiting agreed to come on board as the show’s new artistic director and choreographer. A director, actor, dancer and choreographer with a long and distinguished list of Broadway, Disney, opera, television, concert and special event credits – and acclaimed by The New York Times as “a director with a joyous touch,” – Whiting brings new levels of experience and expertise to the show.
“Jeff is extremely qualified to help launch the production to new levels of excellence,” says RIHA Chairman Kevin Bradley. “He is a huge talent, and we are fortunate to have him lead the artistic team.”
Whiting has added new layers of special effects, splashes of dynamic dancing and new ways of introducing the queen. The show also includes a new symphonic score by Sam Davis.
“These are not changes in the story but shifts in how we tell it,” Ancona says. “There are new moments our guests have not seen before. The music and special effects are very compelling.”
Over the past year, Whiting and the RIHA production team also chose to zone in on their representation of American Indians in the theatrical production. They sought the counsel of Harvey Godwin, chairman of North Carolina’s Lumbee Tribe, for help in being more respectful of American Indian culture and faith and ended up bringing him onto the RIHA board of directors.
“We had some candid conversations about where we wanted to go in light of the social justice issues of our times,” Godwin says.
Working with Godwin led to one of The Lost Colony’s biggest steps forward: For the first time ever, the show features American Indians in all the American Indian roles. For the past 83 seasons, the American Indians in the play have been portrayed primarily by non-natives, often with the help of skin-darkening makeup. The Lumbee Tribe’s culture team was able to find a wealth of talented American Indian dancers and actors to audition for the show in 2021.
“We feel really good about authenticating those roles,” Ancona says.
New assistant choreographer, Jerad Todacheenie, helped bring authenticity to the American Indian dancing. “It is rare with historical productions that directors seek out the voices of those of indigenous descents,” Todacheenie says. “I was elated that Jeff and his team not only value but also respect the Native American voice, traditions, culture and beliefs.”
Another major alteration in the 84th season is the role of the narrator, which has traditionally been a male voice. This year the play is narrated by a female American Indian storyteller.
“This is indicative of American Indian culture, in which older women tell the stories,” Ancona says. “It’s a beautiful and fresh new way to tell the story.”
With the help of Kaya Littleturtle, cultural enrichment coordinator for the Lumbee Tribe, there have also been updates to props and instruments, and American Indians were hired to build historically accurate regalia designed after some of John White’s actual drawings.
“We are getting comments from all over Indian country that they are glad we are representing Native People in this way,” Godwin says. “American Indians have a historical legacy that was there before the colonists even arrived, and they will bring that experience to the show because they have lived it.”
Godwin says the Lumbee Tribe hopes to continue to foster the relationship with RIHA by creating workshops for Lumbee youth so that they can continue to offer a pipeline of talent for the show.
A Safe Setting
This summer the staff will ensure that attending The Lost Colony is a safe experience.
“We have been extremely focused on COVID protocols and working with National Park Service on implementing these protocols,” Ancona says.
Although with a limited offering and in keeping with their longtime partnership, the Manteo Lions Club will have one of their concession stands open for popcorn and snacks. For guest convenience, vending machines have been placed in both breezeways.
“I just want to reiterate that we are so thankful to be producing the show this year and especially grateful to those in the community and elsewhere who continue to send us well wishes and dedicate their time to help with all that needed to happen to open our doors May 28,” Ancona says. “There has been overwhelming support for our 84th season.”
See the Show
May 28 to August 21 - Monday through Saturday
nights 8:30 pm
Tickets start at $20.
Kids ages 5 and younger get in free.
AAA, military, senior and group discounts are available.
(252) 473-2127 • 1409 National Park Drive
Fort Raleigh National Historic Site • Manteo
thelostcolony.org
About the Author Molly Harrison
Molly Harrison is managing editor at OneBoat, publisher of OuterBanksThisWeek.com. She moved to Nags Head in 1994 and since then has made her living writing articles and creating publications about the people, places and culture of the Outer Banks.
