Current Lost Colony News

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Then and Now Photo Contest Now Underway
(Manteo, N.C., February 8, 2010) – The Land of Beginnings Festival has announced the start of the premier Then and Now Photo Contest. The contest challenges photographers to capture from a current perspective, the modern view of several historic Outer Banks locations. The locations for the photographs are based on 30 historic images of the Outer Banks captured from 115 to 45 years ago.
To give a then and now perspective, Photographers who enter the contest will take their modern photographs at the same locations and from the same angle of any or all of the historic locations. Each submitted image must be of the same orientation and perspective as the historic image. The historic images are available for viewing at flickr.com.
A print and digital image must be submitted for each entry. The print can be color or black and white, sized to 8x10 inches. The digital image must be sized to the largest camera resolution and be at the least 300 dpi. Digital images should be copied and submitted on CD or DVD. Photos should be mounted on backing board and should have name and phone number on back.
Pictured here is the Bodie Island Lighthouse circa 1894 from the H. Bamber Collection, archived at the Outer Banks History Center. To access this image and the others for the contest, go to: www.flickr.com/photos/obhc/sets/72157623119970911/

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Winter Wonderland at Manteo's Waterside Theatre

(Manteo NC, January 30, 2010) – Waterside Theatre, home of The Lost Colony outdoor drama, typically entertains tens of thousands of summer visitors to the Outer Banks, but today the theatre was entertained by snow falling on its' historic stage. Snow, a rare event on the Outer Banks doesn't often accumulate on roads and buildings and this sound-side theatre rarely enjoys the white stuff.

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NEW TOWERS HOISTED INTO POSITION
(Manteo, N.C., January 26, 2010) – It's a bird, it's a plane--no it's a steel tower being hoisted by crane from The Lost Colony's parking lot to position at Waterside Theatre. Just before sunset on January 25, the first of two towers were lifted over the tall trees at Fort Raleigh and placed right on target atop their concrete base at the theatre.
Apex Steel manufactured and is installing the steel portion of the towers which is part of a critical replacement project that upgrades the safety and function of the structures. Since 1937, The Lost Colony has proudly told the story of North Carolina's first English settlers.

  

 

The two towers that flank the right and left sides of the audience have been a part of the theatre's architecture designed by Skipper Bell since 1937. Years of Outer Banks weather and age deteriorated the twin lighting towers at the historic theatre.
This project merges the original design by Bell with structural upgrades to improve their usage. Without these towers, the stage would grow dark on this groundbreaking drama about America's pre-colonial heritage. The project is a partnership with the National Park Service and The Lost Colony. For their part, The Colony must raise $184,000. Although donations from businesses, grantors, and individuals have come in, the drama is reaching out passionately to the community for additional support.
Your help is needed to fund this essential project. To contribute and keep this drama known as a state and national treasure shining bright, go online at thelostcolony.org or call The Lost Colony at 252-473-2127.

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THE LOST COLONY LOOKING FOR
LOCAL NORTH CAROLINA TALENT TO FILL CAST
-- Auditions set for February 27th at the
College of the Albemarle Roanoke Island Campus –
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PHOTO CUTLINE: Many actors, singers, dancers, and colonist children were cast from The Lost Colony’s 2009 local auditions. (Photo Left, L-R) Simon Davenport (Manteo) and Cameron Pope (Nags Head) were two child actors that Director Robert Richmond and Producer/Executive Director Carl V. Curnutte cast from the 2009 auditions. (Photo Right) From his 2009 audition, First Flight High School Junior Colin Connors (Kill Devil Hills) was hired as an intern in the production. Local auditions for The Lost Colony’s 73rd Anniversary Season will take place on February 27th starting at 9 am.

The College of the Albemarle Roanoke Island Campus is located on North Virginia Dare Road/ Highway 64 at the former Manteo Middle School location. Auditions will occur in several parts of the building. Visit the information/registration area for details.

 

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A Sweet Dance
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(Manteo NC, January 25, 2010) – Chocolate and other aphrodisiacs are on the menu at The Lost Colony's annual Valentine's Dance on Saturday February 13 held inside the ever-elegant 108 Budleigh in Manteo. An entertaining atmosphere of romance is sure to abound, as you and your beloved dance and enjoy the coastal cuisine of Kelly’s warmed by candlelight and caressed by live entertainment ripe for dancing.

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Richmond to Direct The Lost Colony's 2010 Production

(Manteo, N.C., January 22, 2010) – The Roanoke Island Historical Association and The Lost Colony's Executive Director/ Producer Carl V. Curnutte have announced that Robert Richmond will direct another season of The Lost Colony, America’s longest-running symphonic outdoor drama. His return will mark his third year as director of the drama. -> more'

“I am thrilled to work once again with Richmond,” said Carl V. Curnutte III, Executive Director/ Producer of The Lost Colony. “Much like a respected conductor returning to perform a masterpiece, I feel Richmond will find nuances in the production to fine-tune and bring his interpretation to new heights.”

For tickets and information, go to www.thelostcolony.org or call (252) 473-2127 or (252) 473-3414 (April through August). For accommodations information, visit www.outerbanks.org or call the Outer Banks Visitors Bureau at 1-877-629-4368.

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A Sweet Dance

(Manteo NC, January 14, 2010) – Fuel the flames of love between you and your sweetheart at The Lost Colony's annual Valentine's dance on Saturday February 13 at the ever elegant 108 Budleigh in Manteo. This year's dance, titled "My Sweet Valentine Dance" will feature some of the world's most powerful aphrodisiacs to assist you and your hunk of burning love celebrate the occasion.

Embrace flames of romance, kindled with live entertainment as you and your beloved dance and enjoy the coastal cuisine of Kelly’s warmed by candlelight. An entertaining atmosphere of romance is sure to abound.

Of course a romance would not be complete without aromatic scented flowers. Elegant flowers will be available to show your love to that someone special. This romantic evening is complete with wine, beer, Kelly’s infamously sumptuous food and an array of Valentine’s gifts through a silent auction.

Mrs. Myra Ladd Bone is chair of the event with assistance from Mrs. Dee Buchanan and Mrs. Margaret Wells who serve as co-chairs.

Proceeds benefit theatrical and educational efforts of the Roanoke Island Historical Association, producers of The Lost Colony. Tickets for the dinner dance are $60 per person for non-members and $50 per person for members of the Roanoke Island Historical Association. Tickets can be reserved by calling The Lost Colony at 252-473-2127, extension 223.

PHOTO CUTLINE:

Dee and David Buchanan enjoy dancing at 2009 Lost Colony’s Annual Valentine Dance. This year’s event, held at 108 Budleigh in Manteo from 7-11pm, falls on the Saturday before Valentine’s Day, February 13. Tickets for the dinner dance are $60 per person for non-members and $50 per person for members of the Roanoke Island Historical Association. Tickets can be reserved by calling The Lost Colony at 252-473-2127, extension 223.

 

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Awful Arthur's Supports The Lost Colony

(Manteo, N.C., January 13, 2010) – Outer Banks restaurant Awful Arthur's recently donated $1,000 to The Lost Colony's Lighting Tower Replacement Fund. The funds will assist the drama’s rebuilding and replacement of the aged towers that support the instruments to light the stage at Waterside Theatre where the production has been presented since 1937. Jo Whitehead (center) owner of the Kill Devil Hills restaurant was congratulated for her generosity and for being the first business to donate to the fund by Board Members (L-R) Edward L. Greene, Philip Q. Foreman, Raymond J. Reisert (Vice-Chair), and Lost Colony staff members Carl V. Curnutte III (Producer/ Executive Director), and Ken Keating (Development Director).

The long-running drama is reaching out to foundations, businesses, members and organizations like Awful Arthur's to assist in funding this essential project. "We wanted to set an example of giving and support for this Outer Banks landmark," remarked Whitehead. "They represent much of what makes the beach unique--I hope others will reach out and support this invaluable attraction."
Since 1937, The Lost Colony has proudly told the story of North Carolina's first English settlers. But years of Outer Banks weather and age have deteriorated the twin lighting towers that for 72 years have stood ready to light the historic theatre. Without the towers, the stage would grow dark on this groundbreaking drama.
Much like the famed outdoor drama, Awful Arthur's is an Outer Banks landmark. They have served up legendary meals fresh from the Atlantic for more than 20 years and were rated one of the top-ten oyster bars in the nation by Coastal Living Magazine as well as recognized by Esquire Magazine for their steamed spiced-shrimp.
To contribute to The Lost Colony's Light Tower Replacement Fund and keep this state and national treasure shining bright, go online at thelostcolony.org or call The Lost Colony at 252-473-2127.

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