Recently, Jay and I visited the Outer Banks of North Carolina. I was fortunate enough to visit last year, but this was his very first visit. Last year, I got to experience many of the awesome things that this gorgeous chain of islands has to offer, but the outdoor symphonic drama, The Lost Colony, was out of season. So, of all the things that we got to do on our most recent visit, I have to admit I was most excited about the opportunity to see The Lost Colony, on Roanoke Island.
A Short History Of Roanoke Island
For those of you who may not know what the lost colony is as it relates to history, I will give you a few pieces of information. But definitely research and learn more as this is a very important part of US History and is one of the most debated and unresolved American incidents to date.
In the time of English settlements in what would later become the United States of America, the first colony to be settled was on Roanoke Island. As I am sure you are aware, life was not easy. There were conflicts between the English settlers and the native Americans. Many of the settlers were also starving due to their inexperience raising crops in this new land, disease and other factors. So, the English sent supplies to the settlers only to find no one left in the colony. There were clues left that led them to believe that the settlers left to find a better environment in Croatoan, but no one really knows for sure. 60 settlers just disappeared to never be be heard from again. Thus, they became known as the lost colony.
Experience The Lost Colony On Roanoke Island
The Lost Colony is awesome and I am not about some spoilers, so instead of telling you all about the outdoor drama and essentially ruining your experience, and then getting the smack in the comment section and ruining my experience, too, I am just going to share with you guys some fun facts about the play. I got you. đ
We were lucky enough that we got to take a backstage tour of The Lost Colony before viewing the actual play. Two of the actors [Emily Asbury and Claire Jones] led us around, shared lots of great information about both the history of the area as well as the history of the production, and answered all of our questions. One of the things that I found interesting is that the Indians in the play are all spray tanned before each show to look more authentic. I asked if it was washable and learned that the cast showers after the performance and are able to remove the âtan.â Also, some of the characters play settlers as well as Indians, so they are getting sprayed during the play!
One thing that I love is that if you look across the Roanoke Sound from the backstage area behind the set, you can actually see the Wright Brothers Memorial. I mean, itâs small and the untrained eye will have no idea what it is, but I thought it was very cool when pointed out. So, even though Jay has not been to the actual memorial, he can technically say that he has seen it. đ
There have been many notable actors to grace the stage at The Waterside Theater, the home of The Lost Colony. You guys know that Jay and I live in Mount Airy, NC. What you may not know is that Mount Airy is the basis for The Andy Griffith show. Andy Griffith actually grew up in Mount Airy [aka Mayberry] and traveled often to nearby Pilot Mountain [aka Mount Pilot]. He later moved to Manteo and is one of the many notable actors to have graced the stage at The Waterside Theater.
In itâs 80th year, The Lost Colony is the longest running outdoor symphonic drama in the United States. Created by Paul Green, it commemorates the 350th birthday of Virginia Dare, the first baby born to English settlers in America. The Lost Colony is the recipient of the 2013 Tony Honor For Excellence in Theatre and has been seen by millions of people to date. You can see it, too, at The Waterside Theater at Fort Raleigh National Historic Site on Roanoke Island.
And donât forget to get your National Parks Passport Book stamped at the ticket booth while you are there. You might want to ask about the stamp because I didnât see it out anywhere, so I asked and was able to get my husbandâs book stamped [I got mine stamped last year]. đ
Check out the rest of our pictures from The Lost Colony on Flickr!
View Comments (36)
My husband is OBSESSED with this story. I think he would LOVE to visit this area and learn a little more about it.
It sounds like a really interesting play to watch, I have to admit the story of Roanoke always interests me, I wonder what really happen to them all.
We love Duck in the Outer Banks. My family has gone since I was a kid. It is so beautiful there. I would love to visit the Lost Colony Roanoke our next trip!
The play sounds awesome! I've always been interested in the history, and anything that runs for that long must be good!
Sounds like an interesting place. Those dresses look insane and hot! I've never been to an outdoor play, maybe one day I'l be able to go.
This sound like such an experience... awesome costumes and outdoor drama? I'd love to check it out.
Roanoke island has so much history and that outdoor play looks like a lot of fun to watch. I must get down there and see it for myself.
This sounds like so much fun! I would love to see a play about the lost colony of Roanoke. I love all kinds of history.
This looks like a wonderful experience! It's amazing that this is the 80th year! I would love to see a show.
I'm an NC girl myself and i've honestly never been to see the drama. I'd love to take my kids when they get older because I think it would be a great way to teach them more about our history.