The Lost Colony invites North Carolinians to celebrate history through art

This article was written for our sponsor, Whitley Law Firm

Attending a production of The Lost Colony in Manteo, NC is an experience unlike any other. There is something magical about an outdoor theater telling the incredible story of the history of the very place you reside. And there are times, with the sea-salt air of the Outer Banks kissing your skin, that you’ll forget you are at a Tony-Award-Winning production and find yourself immersed in the story, blurring the line between audience and actor.

Originally premiering on July 4, 1937, The Lost Colony, the longest running outdoor symphonic drama in the country, tells the story of the first English attempts at settlement and of the birth of Virginia Dare, the first English child born in the United States. More than a historical recreation, this artistic vision was originally penned by North Carolina’s own Pulitzer-Prize Winning author, Paul Green during The Great Depression. His work, far from the pessimism and despair so prevalent at the time, focuses on the kind perseverance and hope that can inspire us today.

Executive Director Chuck Still said of Green’s original manuscript, “It was a hopeful vision for a country down on its luck, a vision that has adapted to the times and still resonates today.”

Historically, the play itself brought hope to the Outer Banks and, in many ways, put OBX on the map. “Local businessmen and politicians supported this production, not just for its message and history, but because they thought it would bring visitors and residents to the Outer Banks.”

While it’s hard to imagine there was a time that visitors needed to be enticed to that gorgeous coastline, The Lost Colony had a lot to do with the growth of the Outer Banks. Still pointed out that Governor Broughton once said that The Lost Colony put paint on houses and moved plumbing indoors on the Outer Banks.

More than a production

While audiences can expect an engaging show with complex characters, mesmerizing sets, beautiful costumes and an incredible story, The Lost Colony is so much more than a production. “It’s an integral part of the cultural fabric of North Carolina,” Still said.

A graduate of North Carolina undergraduate and graduate schools, Still’s career took him all over the country. From Broadway to Houston, Still said he’s never seen a cast or crew so devoted to a place or a vision. “The devotion to this play, this production was a big surprise. The Lost Colony was born not just out of Green’s genius, but also the love of the people of Roanoke Island.”

“It makes sense.” He continued, "The Lost Colony’s fame was their fame. Andy Griffith’s fame was their fame.” (Griffith played a variety of roles from 1947-1953.) The legacy and the history are beyond worth fighting for, but it’s the artistry, according to Still, that needs advocacy.

“We all need to learn from history … but I’m not so worried about keeping history alive. History has a way of finding its way to the top.” He continued, “Art is harder to keep alive. Art is personal and art sometimes offends. Art needs support to flourish. When art is poor or scared or pushed aside or sanitized, we are less of a people, less of a country, less of a planet.”

It’s for this reason that The Lost Colony is grateful for supporters like The Whitley Law Firm. While a flourishing and successful play, there are challenges that come alongside being a fantastic outdoor production in an unpredictable environment. Especially considering the goal of keeping ticket prices low to ensure all families have the opportunity to be a part of the show.

Ben Whitley of Whitley Law Firm said, “The Lost Colony is a true North Carolina staple. For generations, this production has brought families together and we’re proud to support its continued success.”

Not your grandparents Lost Colony, but original vision and traditions remain

The end of the 2025 season is upon us and now is the time to get your tickets. If you’ve seen the show before, you may note some recent changes. While Still notes that the vision is still true to the original, there have been updates both the audiences and actors appreciate.

A new musical score and underscoring help the production feel more like a movie than a historical play and new state-of-the-art lighting creates a one of a kind experience. “You’re going to see stuff you’ve never seen in an outdoor theatre before,” Still promised.

The Native roles are now played by Native actors and the story offers a more nuanced view of the relationship and realities of the Native tribes. “The Natives no longer speak Tarzan English,” he said.

One of the most special traditions that continues to this day is “Baby Night.” Every year on August 18, Virginia Dare’s birthday, the -normally used- doll in Eleanor’s arms is replaced with a live baby. The baby appears four times in the production and each time, it is someone new. Then the parents of these four babies are presented with a pendant and the children are gifted two tickets to The Lost Colony for life, earning the right to call themselves a Virginia Dare baby.

It seems an understatement to say that the production needs to be on the bucket list of anyone who calls themselves a North Carolinian. But none of the fantastic lighting, immersive set, or rich history matters if the story is not impactful.

Right now, Still says, it is the story that matters most. “Look at these folks in the second act: starving, in rags, mourning, different families, different strata, they could give up. They could fight amongst themselves. Instead, they make a decision together to seek out a new world out there in the wilderness. Dang, that’s the “go west” American spirit and the sense of democracy that made our country great. In the midst of the Depression, Paul Green showed a way forward. It’s a message that just keeps resonating.”

Shows run now through August 23rd Monday - Saturday at 8:30 p.m. For more information or to buy tickets today, visit www.thelostcolony.org.

This article was written for our sponsor, Whitley Law Firm