The 88th season of The Lost Colony officially kicks off tonight (May 29), and there's no better time to see the show than on these cool spring nights.
Plus, if you're a local or regional resident, you can go for almost free tonight and tomorrow night! In keeping with tradition, the production is offering two Dare Nights on Thursday, May 29 and Friday, May 30. On these nights, residents of Dare, Tyrrell, Currituck and Hyde counties can attend The Lost Colony for free with the donation of three or more canned or nonperishable food items per person. Thursday's donations will benefit the Roanoke Island Food Pantry, and Friday's will benefit the Beach Food Pantry. Local identification is required to get your free tickets. Non-locals are welcome at the Dare Nights shows, but they will be required to purchase tickets.
For the rest of the summer, The Lost Colony will run Monday through Saturday nights at 8:30 p.m. through August 23.
Most people know the story of the Lost Colony, which unfolded on Roanoke Island, where English settlers attempted to establish the first English colony in the New World. Led by Governor John White, the 1587 settlers faced numerous challenges as they attempted to establish a foothold in the untamed wilderness. Their endeavors were overshadowed by a series of events beyond their control, culminating in the disappearance of the entire colony without a trace. To this day, the fate of the lost colony is debated, inspiring countless theories and legends about what befell the ill-fated settlers.
The Lost Colony has told this story every summer for the past 87 years, and of course, the technology used in the production has changed dramatically since 1937. Over the past few years the show has ushered in a new era of technological innovation and audience engagement.
While the story is the same, the incorporation of state-of-the-art equipment immerses audiences in the action like never before. One of the most notable upgrades has been the incorporation of a high-tech sound system with updated microphones, amplifiers, speakers and sound board.
In addition to the advancements in sound, the introduction of LED lighting has transformed the visual landscape of the show. Intelligent lighting fixtures and side lighting positions allow scenes to come to life with depth and dimensionality. The interplay of light and shadow adds a layer of drama that captivates the audience and fully immerses them in the unfolding narrative.
State-of-the-art projections add great depth to the production.
The show itself has undergone significant changes, reflecting a concerted effort to adapt to the preferences of modern audiences. It’s shorter and faster-paced than in past years, offering a condensed yet impactful storytelling experience. Dynamic projections transport audiences across oceans and through time, creating a seamless journey of discovery and adventure.
What began as a humble community event in 1937 has blossomed into a Broadway-style production with modern technologies that add real excitement to the show.
This year, Outer Banks residents will be excited to see longtime local actor and Manteo High School English teacher Stuart Parks in the role of one of the show's favorite characters, Old Tom. After five seasons playing Governor White, Parks says he is excited to play the part of the old drunk from England who turns out to be a vital member of the colony. It's been decades since a local played the part of Old Tom, a role that was traditionally reserved for Outer Banks residents.
This year, the Native Pre-Show, a Native-American Cultural Presentation, will be held at 8 p.m. on Tuesdays, Fridays and Saturdays. These shows, with stories, songs and dances, are performed by indigenous members of The Lost Colony production. The elements range from Plains powwow style intertribal dances to dances of the Eastern woodland and allows the cast members to education the audience about Native culture. Tribes represented in the show this year include Tuscarora Indians of Kahtenuaka Territories, Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina, Catawba Nation, Citizen Potawatomi Nation, Sisseton Wahpeton Oyate Dakota, Yeopim and Coharie Tribe. The Native Pre-Show is included with regular admission tickets.
Dancers in the Native Pre-Show
If you want to see how the magic happens, Backstage Tours are offered nightly at 7:30 p.m. and cost an additional $15 per person. A guide will lead you backstage to learn about the history of the production and Waterside Theater's origins and to see the actors and technicians as they prepare for a performance. You'll see the costumes and props up close plus get a great view of Roanoke Sound behind the theater.
Concessions, including beer and wine, are available at The Lost Colony.
See The Lost Colony
May 29 to August 23 Monday through Saturday, 8:30 p.m. Gates open 7:30 p.m.
Adult tickets: $29 to $44. Children ages 5 and younger get in FREE every night. Children ages 6 to 12 pay half-price Tuesday through Saturday. Thanks to Kitty Hawk Kites, on Mondays all children get in FREE. Discounts are available for seniors, military and RIHA members and groups.
Backstage Tours: Nightly at 7:30 p.m. for an additional $15.
Native Pre-Shows: Tuesdays, Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m. (no additional charge)
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.
