Current Lost Colony News

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Jesus Christ Superstar Ready to Rock the Beach

Cast members are busy rehearsing for Jesus Christ Superstar. In this picture, Luke Tudball, center (London, UK) as King Herod implores Brian Patrick Williams, right (Seal Beach, CA) to “...walk across my swimming pool!” in the tongue-and-cheek irreverent “Herod’s Song” found in the musical Jesus Christ Superstar to be performed at Waterside Theatre on July 11 & 18 at 8pm. Pre-performance day ticket discounts are available through the box office at 252-473-3414.


(Manteo, NC – July 1, 2009) Cast members are now in the final rehearsals of the timeless rock-opera Jesus Christ Superstar to be performed at Waterside Theatre in Manteo. If you have never seen Jesus Christ Superstar before (and young people might have not seen it), you won’t want to miss one of the two performances on July 11 and 18. But even if you have seen the show previously, the story and the music never grows old in this rock retelling of Jesus Christ’s last moments by the legendary composer of Phantom of the Opera, Cats, and Joseph—Sir Andrew Lloyd Webber.
The storyline is the Passion of Christ, starting from the entrance into Jerusalem to the last supper, betrayal by Judas, trials before Pilate and Herod and the crucifixion. Tim Rice’s lyrics along with the various rock musical styles of Lloyd Webber personalize and place this inspired account in the contemporary vernacular while injecting the audience with a highly-charged emotional account that will not be forgotten.
“With this production we are working on making the audience feel drawn into the story in a personal way,” remarks Carl V. Curnutte III the director of the production. “There are so many emotional and spiritual elements found in his musical. By setting it in a modern time rather than a biblical time, the story becomes something we can relate to based on our own lives.” In Superstar Curnutte feels that friendship, betrayal, greed, enthusiasm, love and loss –the central elements of the Passion of Christ, can resound with our own contemporary experiences.
Jesus Christ Superstar began as a concept record album in 1970 and was then reincarnated on stage in 1971 and then in a 1973 film. Since then, several revivals have toured the nation with audiences as enthusiastic about the musical as ever.
“We are hoping Outer Banks residents and visitors will embrace this musical much as they did our enthusiastic production of Lloyd Webber’s Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat in 2007,” remarks Chris Seawell, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Roanoke Island Historical Association which produces The Lost Colony and other ancillary productions at Waterside Theatre. “This musical and our other productions aside from The Lost Colony production offer an opportunity to see both The Lost Colony Company and Waterside Theatre in a new light.”
In addition to The Lost Colony, audiences this summer can see Oklahoma, Grease, and Charlotte’s Web. These ancillary productions are part of The Lost Colony’s Joe Layton Performance Series, named in memory of Layton, an acclaimed director of Broadway, stage and screen who directed the production for 20 years. At The Lost Colony, Layton conceived of a summer performance and workshop program for the cast and crew to present their multi-faceted arts and talents to the public, while honing their craft through hands-on experience.
Save money and purchase your tickets early to receive a special discount. Advance tickets at $15 for a producer’s circle seats and $10 for general admission. Performance day tickets at $20 for producer’s circle seats and $15 for general admission. Advance ticket reservations are highly recommended. For ticket information, call (252) 473-3414.
Waterside Theatre Productions
The Lost Colony’s 72nd season plays nightly at 8 pm, except Sunday, through August 20, 2009, at Manteo’s Waterside Theatre, on North Carolina’s Outer Banks. Additionally, The Lost Colony Company is presenting an impressive line-up of special performances: Charlotte’s Web, E.B. White’s treasured tale of friendship between a pig named Wilbur and a little gray spider named Charlotte comes to life in this production for children at 9:30 am and plays Tuesdays & Thursdays through Aug. 13. Meet the cast and learn a barnyard dance at Charlotte’s Barnyard Brunch on Tuesdays. Tea with the Queen, a unique opportunity to meet Her Majesty (Thursdays, performing thru Aug. 13 at 3 pm); brand new this season, the swashbuckling Simon’s Pirate Adventure (Thursdays, performing thru Aug. 13 at 3 pm); Broadway Series: Jesus Christ Superstar (Saturday, July 11 & 18), Oklahoma! (Saturday, August 8 & 15), and a one-time-only performance of Grease by Tidewater Virginia’s celebrated Hurrah Players (Sunday, August 9.) Tickets for all performances are on sale at the box office. Some productions even feature discounts on tickets purchased in advance of the performance date. For details call 252-473-3414, or visit www.thelostcolony.org.

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The Lost Colony Presents Charlotte’s Web

“Radiant” and “Terrific” Children’s-Book Comes to Life at Waterside Theatre

(Manteo, N.C., June 19, 2008) – The talented Lost Colony company brings another children’s classic to life on the stage at Waterside Theater: Charlotte’s Web, which weaves its’ tale of enduring friendship 9:30 am on Tuesdays and Thursdays.
The world-over has been piggish about this story since author E.B. White first published it in 1952. In fact, over 45 million copies of White’s heart-tugging tale have been sold in some 23 languages. The work inspired a 2006 film adaptation and a popular 1973 cartoon. The theatrical production at Waterside Theatre is adapted by Joseph Robinette and features the same enduring characters from the book.
The production is directed by Jo Ellen Aspinwall, a third-year graduate student and MFA Directing candidate at University of Southern Mississippi. Aspinwall has been involved in theatre for over 16 years and has worked the full gamut of the stage from directing to scenic designing and costuming. In fact, this production is in fact the third time she has worked on a production of Charlotte’s Web—but yet, she stills finds the material as charming as the first.
Aspinwall loves the story and cherishes its’ timeless message. “We are stronger people when we allow ourselves to care about others,” she remarks. “And I believe that this classic story can teach us something about ourselves and our humanity each time we visit it!”
For the production, Waterside Theatre’s stage is transformed into Zuckerman’s barnyard. Charlotte’s web is spread across the chapel and designed so she can climb it and spin her beloved words across the web.
Charlotte’s Web is performed onstage at Waterside Theatre inside Fort Raleigh National Historic Site at 9:30 a.m. Tuesday and Thursday through August 13. Tickets are $7 a person. Guests can also pre-arrange to enjoy a simple brunch after the production on Tuesdays.  Brunch includes a keepsake photo with the cast. For reservations, tickets and information go to www.thelostcolony.org or call (252) 473-3414.
All young patrons are invited twenty minutes before the show to enjoy a carnival of special pre-show activities that include face painting, games and balloon sculpting. 
While attending the children’s show, brush up on your favorite lost Elizabethan colonists and consider visiting The Elizabethan Gardens, and the National Park Service Visitor Center also at Fort Raleigh. The Gardens are open at 9 am.
Charlotte’s Web is one of several alternate productions produced by The Lost Colony outdoor drama. Other productions and events include Jesus Christ Superstar (July 11 & 18), Oklahoma! (Aug 8 &15), Grease (Aug 9), Tea with the Queen and Simon’s Pirate Adventure.  For show time information, please visit thelostcolony.org or call the box office at 252-473-3414.

Picture here is Lee Tudball (London, UK) as Templeton dashing off to find his next meal. To his left is Zachary Kamin (Ashland, MA) as Wilbur.  To his right are Dacia Dick (Beloit, KS) as the Narrator, and Brittany Taylor (Annapolis, MD) in her web as Charlotte.
 

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(Manteo, NC-June 22, 2009)—The Roanoke Island Historical Association recently held the first annual inaugural ceremony of its 1587 Society at Acorn Manor, the Tudor-style home of Brandy and Philip Q. Foreman. This society is dedicated to recognize the accomplishments of these former directors and to encourage their continued association with the outdoor drama. Pictured left to right are inductees Juliette Newcomb, Carole S. Roebuck, Nancy Murray, Michael C. Reeves, Marjalene Midgett Thomas, Thomas L. White Jr, Joseph M. Bryan Jr, Rachel Leigh Rosado as Queen Elizabeth I, Tim Shearin, Kathy Dikeman, Norma Houston, Edward L. Greene, Jonathan W. Kenton, and Cashar W. Evans Jr. Also inducted this month but not pictured were James B. Hemby Jr and William S. Powell. Their support has made it possible for the Roanoke Island Historical Association to produce America’s #1 Outdoor Drama—The Lost Colony since 1937.

Photo by John Turner, courtesy of Roanoke Island Historical Association

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HISTORY THROUGH THE EYES OF A CHILD
The Lost Colony performs first school matinee at Waterside Theatre

(Manteo, N.C. June 22, 2009) – Another historic first occurred today at the Waterside Theatre in the Fort Raleigh National Historic Site in Manteo NC, and the area’s school children were part of it. The Roanoke Island Historical Association (RIHA) presented the first-time School Matinee Performance of The Lost Colony to an almost full house—the threat of rain kept two schools from attending. School children and their teachers were on the edge of their seats as they watched history unfold before their eyes. The matinee was performed for 4th & 8th grade public, private and home school groups from Dare and the surrounding counties.
An educational and historical non-profit organization, RIHA produced The Lost Colony school matinee in support of the fulfillment of North Carolina’s education school requirements for the 4th and 8th grade curriculum. The North Carolina history school books for these grade levels study Sir Walter Raleigh’s colonies and The Lost Colony production; this School Matinee school performance brings the pages of the children’s history books to life. The Lost Colony School Matinee program will subsequently be scheduled and performed annually.
This matinee program is reinforced by The Lost Colony educational website at www.thelostcolony.org/education as well as teacher programs tied into the curriculum. School districts contacted within Eastern North Carolina for the matinee include but are not limited to Dare, Tyrell, Edenton/ Chowan, Washington, Currituck, Pasquotank, Camden, Martin, Perquimans, Bertie, Hyde, Gates, Hertford, Beaufort, Edgecombe, Halifax, Roanoke Rapids, Weldon, and Northampton.
RIHA’s Education Committee and Education Coordinator planned and organized the matinee. Portions of the event were made possible by grants from the Southern Bank Foundation and the Outer Banks Community Foundation. The Education Committee chaired by Dr. James Hemby Jr., includes Dr. Sue Burgess, Superintendent of Dare County Schools serving as an Ex-Officio Member of the RIHA Board as Designee, June Atkinson Superintendent of Public Instruction. Dr. Burgess designated Judith Hornbeck, Director of Elementary Instruction Dare County Schools and Steve Basnight III, Curriculum Specialist/ Assistant Principal on Loan Dare County Schools to the Education Committee. The Education Coordinator, Lance Culpepper serves as the liaison for RIHA’s Education Committee and the school systems in developing the matinee as well as the RIHA’s other educational programs, ensuring that North Carolina educational curricula is met and implemented.
The Outer Banks Hospital was in attendance at the matinee with a First Aid Tent, Dare County EMS were present, and Pizza Hut provided pizza, drink and dessert for those who selected the optional lunch. David Twiddy, Director of Transportation of Dare County Schools and Steve Basnight assisted in the parking of the school buses. Thirty-eight volunteers from the community along with The Lost Colony staff & board members welcomed each bus group and assisted with identifying each school group with color-coded ID stickers and leading each student to their assigned group seating. The National Park Service was on hand to greet the guests as they arrived.
The successful “full house” response of school children to the special matinee performance has already led the way to the planning of three matinees for the 2010 season. Nearly 50% of the student/ teacher attendees were from Dare County schools including Cape Hatteras Elementary, First Flight Elementary, Kitty Hawk Elementary, Manteo Elementary, Nags Head Elementary, Manteo Middle School, First Flight High School, DF Walker, Beginning of Wisdom Academy, Currituck Light Christian Academy, Kids Rock, PATH, Point of Honor, Tyrell Elementary, Columbia Middle School, Chesapeake Montessori, Kempsville High School, several Home Schools and more.
The Association has a history of working with North Carolina school systems in developing programs to meet education needs and continues to do so with this and future endeavors. The matinee performance augments the Association’s current educational outreach programs including school visits, backstage tours for school groups, and study guides for teachers and students. The Lost Colony’s is also constructing new educational pages on their website, funded by a grant from the Outer Banks Community Foundation.
The Lost Colony is written by North Carolinian and Pulitzer-Prize winning playwright Paul Green, and is the longest-running outdoor drama in the state. The production plays nightly at 8 pm, except Sunday, through August 20 at Manteo’s Waterside Theatre on North Carolina’s Outer Banks. This is the 72nd Anniversary Season of the drama. For tickets, call (252) 473-3414 or www.thelostcolony.org.

(Photo by Dee Ostrander, courtesy of Roanoke Island Historical Association) # # #
 

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SPECIAL EFFECTS AT THE LOST COLONY
- Expert John Wynne Designs Realistic Special Effects for Drama-

(Manteo, N.C., June 22 2009) – The Lost Colony drama is known for its dazzling theatrical effects and this year is no exception. Brand-new to the production this year are some special effects that expand their bag of tricks. Special effects expert John Wynne was brought in to consult and construct these new effects.
Wynne has a reputation of creating spectacular explosions, pyrotechnic displays, controlled fire, haze, fog among others and brings an outstanding safety record to The Lost Colony with 25 years of skill and experience working in the television, motion picture and theatrical industry. Wynn’s use of blank-firing weapons on-set is given particular attention for safe use and proper handling. According to Wynne, his goal is to “…provide high production value, within the budget, without compromising cast and crew safety.”
Wynne’s credits include Body of Lies Warner Brothers, Evan Almighty Universal Studios, John Adams HBO, Commander in Chief Touchstone Pictures, The War of the Worlds Paramount Pictures, The New World New Line Cinema, Cold Mountain Miramax, as well as Dreamworks Records, The Discovery Channel, INTERPOL, The FBI Files, The New Detectives among others.
The product of Wynne’s work can be seen at The Lost Colony nightly at 8 pm, except Sunday, now through August 20 at Waterside Theatre in Manteo. Backstage tours for a behind-the-scenes look begin at 6 pm, reservations are required. For tickets and information, call the Box Office at (252) 473-3414. Additionally this season, The Lost Colony company presents an impressive line-up of special performances: Charlotte’s Web, E.B. White’s treasured tale of friendship between a pig named Wilbur and a little gray spider named Charlotte comes to life in this production for children which opens June 18 at 9:30 am and plays Tuesdays & Thursdays through Aug. 13. Meet the cast and learn a barnyard dance at Charlotte’s Barnyard Brunch on Tuesdays. Tea with the Queen, a unique opportunity to meet Her Majesty (Thursdays, June 25-Aug. 13 at 3 pm); brand new this season, the swashbuckling Simon’s Pirate Adventure (Thursdays, June 18 – Aug. 13 at 3 pm); Broadway Series: Jesus Christ Superstar (Saturday, July 11 & 18), Oklahoma! (Saturday, August 8 & 15), and a one-time-only performance of Grease by Tidewater Virginia’s celebrated Hurrah Players (Sunday, August 9.) Tickets for all performances are on sale at the box office. Some productions even feature discounts on tickets purchased in advance of the performance date. For details call 252-473-3414, or visit www.thelostcolony.org.

(top photo) Marcus Morphew (The Lost Colony’s Props and Pyrotechnician) worked with special effects expert John Wynne who consulted and constructed new special effect for the 2009 production. Pictured here, they are inspecting the cabin fire that is used in the second act. The fire was designed within strict safety protocols that do not compromise the safety of cast and crew. (below) The effect produces a very realistic roof-top fire. This effect and others are seen on-stage at The Lost Colony on summer nights Mon-Sat through Aug 20. Tickets and information:252-473-3414, or thelostcolony.org

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MANTEO LIONS CLUB DONATES WHEELCHAIRS
TO THE LOST COLONY

(Manteo, NC-June 22, 2009)
The Lions Club of Manteo recently donated four wheelchairs to The Lost Colony drama for patrons requesting assistance. Pictured left to right, are Lions club members Jean Basnight Past President, Syble Blount Past President, Jan Underwood Past President, Rita Mann President, Hunt Thomas Past President, Ken Keating Development Director The Lost Colony with daughter Abigail. Manteo Lions work the summer-concession sales at Waterside Theatre. Their philanthropy was appreciated last season when they assisted in constructing benches set out along the path to the theatre. The Lost Colony production plays nightly from Mondays to Saturdays at Waterside Theater in Manteo on Roanoke Island. Families can see America’s #1 Outdoor Drama—The Lost Colony and save! Children (11 and under) are free with a paying adult on Mondays and Fridays, half-price on Saturdays. To take advantage of these ticket discounts, contact the box office at 252-473-3414.

Photo by John Buford, courtesy of Roanoke Island Historical Association # # #

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NEIGHBORS HELPING NEIGHBORS AT WATERSIDE THEATRE

 

Neighbors, Food Pantries, Dare Nights & The Lost Colony! Dare County residents helped replenish the shelves of the Outer Banks here (L-R), Mary Edwards (Kill Devil Hills) volunteer for The Lost Colony, Sandy Moore & Hal Moore (Kill Devil Hills) of Lifeboat Community Church in Salvo (Hatteras Island) receiving goods from Linda Warren (Nags Head). Pictured in back is Barbara Holton (Manteo) volunteer The Lost Colony, distributing the free tickets. More than 1,000 pounds of canned & dry goods were collected that evening to replenish the Lifeboat Community Church food pantry shelves. There were four free Dare Nights, one for each of the four food pantries.

            (Manteo, N.C., June 17 2009) – Dare County residents came out in support of five non-profits: the four Outer Banks food pantries and The Lost Colony drama. Residents who brought can & dry good donations for Outer Banks food pantries were treated to a complimentary performance of The Lost Colony during the show’s annual “Dare Night” performances on June 3, 4, 5 & 6 at Waterside Theatre.

            The Lost Colony partnered with CapSan Media, the parent company of 99.1 The Sound, and EPSN Radio 97.1, and Classic Hits 104.9 & 92.3 for the event. The drive benefited food pantries associated with Beach Food Pantry in Kill Devil Hills, Lifeboat Community Church in Salvo on Hatteras Island, Mount Olivet United Methodist Church of Manteo, and Cape Hatteras United Methodist Men. 

            The Lost Colony’s 72nd season plays nightly at 8 pm, except Sunday, May 29th through August 20, 2009, at Manteo’s Waterside Theatre, on North Carolina’s Outer Banks. Additionally, The Lost Colony company is presenting an impressive line-up of special performances: Charlotte’s Web, E.B. White’s treasured tale of friendship between a pig named Wilbur and a little gray spider named Charlotte comes to life in this production for children which opens June 18 at 9:30 am and plays Tuesdays & Thursdays through Aug. 13. Meet the cast and learn a barnyard dance at Charlotte’s Barnyard Brunch on Tuesdays. Tea with the Queen, a unique opportunity to meet Her Majesty (Thursdays, June 25- Aug. 13 at 3 pm); brand new this season, the swashbuckling Simon’s Pirate Adventure (Thursdays, June 18 – Aug. 13 at 3 pm);  Broadway Series: Jesus Christ Superstar (Saturday, July 11 & 18), Oklahoma! (Saturday, August 8 & 15), and a one-time-only performance of Grease by Tidewater Virginia’s celebrated Hurrah Players (Sunday, August 9.) Tickets for all performances are on sale at the box office.  Some productions even feature discounts on tickets purchased in advance of the performance date.  For details call 252-473-3414, or visit www.thelostcolony.org.
 

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OPENING NIGHT!

- The Lost Colony 72^nd Anniversary Season Dedicated to Staff -

(Manteo, N.C. June 11, 2009) – During opening night ceremonies on Friday May 29, the Roanoke Island Historical Association (RIHA) and its Board of Directors dedicated this 72^nd Anniversary Season in recognition of the extraordinary service of The Lost Colony administrative staff. In September 2007, a fire destroyed the costume shop and its contents used in the production. Rising from the ashes, recovery ensued due to the effort and support of many individuals and groups. The staff, while managing the daily operation in an exemplary manner, also administered the monumental task of the costume shop replacement project. “The Board of Directors is pleased to dedicate this season to our staff. Not only were their efforts a key component to our recovery, but they are responsible for many behind-the-scenes activities that make tonight’s production possible,” said RIHA Chairman Chris Seawell. “We applaud them and their continued efforts on our behalf. They are a living testament to the bold and courageous spirit of the early colonists that settled here some 422 years ago,” he added.

Throughout the re-build and replacement project, the staff worked together to raise funds, coordinate, facilitate, and communicate the process. Their efforts led by Executive Director Carl V. Curnutte III, give honor to the cry, “the show must go on!” They continue to keep America’s story, The Lost Colony, a vibrant and unique player in American theatre.

This widely acclaimed show opened in 1937 and has been playing ever since. Millions including President Franklin Roosevelt, have seen this spectacular drama written by Pulitzer Prize winning playwright Paul Green. 　Audiences are dazzled by drama, music, dance, riveting action, and special effects telling the story of one of our nation’s most intriguing mysteries - the vanishing of the 117 men, women and children of the 1587 settlement on Roanoke Island. The theatre is located in the Fort Raleigh National Historic Site where the lost colonists were last seen. The Lost Colony plays nightly at 8 pm, except Sunday, through August 20 at the Waterside Theatre in Manteo, North Carolina. For tickets to the show, backstage tour and more, call (252) 473-3414 or click here!

Roanoke Island Association Board of Director Chairman Chris Seawell announced the season dedication of The Lost Colony to the staff who works year-round to produce the long-running drama. Pictured here at opening night for the dedication are staff members Carl V Curnutte (Executive Director/Producer), Ken Keating (Development Director), Dee Ostrander (Finance Manager), Mary Salem (Development Associate), John Buford (Marketing/ Public Relations), Lance Culpepper (Administrative Assistant), Cindy Reed (Grants Writer), Crystal Simpson (Maintenance Supervisor), Kevin Nissley (Maintenance), Shari Crail (Box Office Manager), and Terry Fowler (Office Manager). The Lost Colony opened their 72^nd Production Season on May 29, 2009.

Photo by Mike Brisson, courtesy of Roanoke Island Historical Association. # # #

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DARE NIGHT PERFORMANCES ON JUNE 3, 4, 5 & 6
AT WATERSIDE THEATRE

(Manteo, N.C., May 28, 2009) – The show just opened, and the 72nd Anniversary Production of The Lost Colony has heralded the start of the tourist season. Dare County residents can play the part of tourists and attend one of four free nights to attend a complimentary performance of The Lost Colony – while helping the Outer Banks food pantries replenish their supplies – during the show’s annual “Dare Night” performances, June 3, 4, 5 & 6 at Waterside Theatre. Admission to these performances is free for Dare County residents who attend and bring at least two can goods or two dry goods as a donation for the Outer Banks food pantries.

 

 

The Lost Colony is partnering with CapSan Media, the parent company of 99.1 The Sound, and EPSN Radio 97.1, and Classic Hits 104.9 & 92.3. The drive will benefit food pantries associated with Beach Food Pantry in Kill Devil Hills, Cape Hatteras United Methodist Men, Lifeboat Community Church in Salvo, and Mount Olivet United Methodist Church of Manteo. In addition to a food or dry good donation, residents are required to show proof of Dare County residency, such as a driver’s license, voter registration card or utility bill. Pre-performance donation collection begins at 5:30 pm. Tickets are distributed on a first-come-basis so be ready and bearing canned food or dry good gifts in order to get your ticket during Dare Nights for the exciting production.

Recommended items for the food drive include canned vegetables, fruits, meats, soups and beans; tomato and pasta products; peanut butter and jelly; paper products, such as toilet paper and paper towels; and pancake mix and syrup.

The Lost Colony’s 72nd season plays nightly at 8 pm, except Sunday, May 29th through August 20, 2009, at Manteo’s Waterside Theatre, on North Carolina’s Outer Banks.

Additionally, The Lost Colony company is presenting an impressive line-up of special performances: Charlotte’s Web, E.B. White’s treasured tale of friendship between a pig named Wilbur and a little gray spider named Charlotte comes to life in this production for children (Thursdays, June 18 - Aug. 13); Tea with the Queen, a unique opportunity to meet Her Majesty (Thursdays, June 25- Aug. 13); brand new this season, the swashbuckling Simon’s Pirate Adventure (Thursdays, June 18 – Aug. 13); Broadway Series: Jesus Christ Superstar (Saturday, July 11 & 18), Oklahoma! (Saturday, August 8 & 15), and a one-time-only performance of Grease by Tidewater Virginia’s celebrated Hurrah Players (Sunday, August 9.) Tickets for all performances are on sale at the box office. Some productions even feature discounts on tickets purchased in advance of the performance date. For details call 252-473-3414, or visit www.thelostcolony.org.

For four nights during Dare Nights on June 3, 4, 5 & 6, valid Dare County residents who bring a canned food or dry good donation for local food pantries are admitted free to The Lost Colony. Pre-performance donation collection begins at a designated table for collection in front of the box office at 5:30 pm. Tickets are distributed on a first-come-basis.
 

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DARE NIGHT PERFORMANCES SET FOR JUNE 3, 4, 5 & 6
AT WATERSIDE THEATRE

(Manteo, N.C., May 18, 2009) – The cast just arrived, rehearsals are underway, and costumes are being prepared for the 72nd Anniversary Production of The Lost Colony which opens on May 29. Dare county residents can choose from four nights to attend a complimentary performance of The Lost Colony – while helping the Outer Banks food pantries replenish their supplies – during the show’s annual “Dare Night” performances, June 3, 4, 5 & 6 at Waterside Theatre. Admission to these performances is free for Dare County residents who attend and bring at least two can goods or two dry goods as a donation for the Outer Banks food pantries.

“We are pleased to welcome free-of-charge, Dare County residents who bring food items to the theatre on these particular nights,” said Chris Seawell, chairman of the Roanoke Island Historical Association. “It’s a wonderful chance to see a first-rate performance, while helping our local food pantries provide emergency assistance to families in need.”


The Lost Colony is partnering with CapSan Media, the parent company of 99.1 The Sound, and EPSN Radio 97.1, and Classic Hits 104.9 & 92.3. The drive will benefit food pantries associated with Beach Food Pantry in Kill Devil Hills, Cape Hatteras United Methodist Men, Lifeboat Community Church in Salvo, and Mount Olivet United Methodist Church of Manteo. In addition to a food or dry good donation, residents are required to show proof of Dare County residency, such as a driver’s license, voter registration card or utility bill. Pre-performance donation collection begins at 5:30 pm. Tickets are distributed on a first-come-basis so be ready and bearing canned food or dry good gifts in order to get your ticket during Dare Nights for the exciting production.

Recommended items for the food drive include canned vegetables, fruits, meats, soups and beans; tomato and pasta products; peanut butter and jelly; paper products, such as toilet paper and paper towels; and pancake mix and syrup.

Local audiences can expect to see a stellar show this summer, as evidenced by The Lost Colony’s top-notch artist staff. Robert Richmond returns as this season’s director. Actors and critics alike have praised Richmond’s ability to re-imagine centuries-old theatrical works for the modern audience. The English-born director has staged more than 70 productions for off-Broadway, national tours, regional theatres, universities and special engagements—including a command performance of Shakespeare’s Much Ado About Nothing for a special reception at the White House.

Five-time Tony Award-winning costume designer William Ivey Long returns as production designer. The newest member of the artistic staff is versatile dancer, chorographer and master teacher Sean Kelly who joins the company this year as choreographer. Kelly has been resident director for the touring Broadway musical Movin’ Out by Tony Award-winner Twyla Tharp with music by Billy Joel. He was in the Broadway production, was previously the supervising dance captain/swing for the first national tour of the show, assisted in staging the production in London’s West End and staged the current production with Tharp. Kelly, a Ballet Master, has danced with the American Ballet Theater II and Houston Ballet. Kelly has been a guest artist, teacher and choreographer with numerous regional dance companies in the U.S., the Dominican Republic, and Guam. Ken Clifton, an accomplished music director, conductor and vocal coach, returns as music director. Jim Hunter, lighting designer, has illuminated such theatres as: Theatre Virginia, Phoenix Theatre, Charlotte Rep, Arkansas Rep, Florida Rep, Playhouse on the Square (Memphis), Drury Lane Theatre (Chicago), Heritage Repertory Theatre (VA), Flat Rock Playhouse (NC), as well as others. Michael Rasbury, an assistant professor of theatre at the University of Virginia, is the sound designer. Local favorite Robert Midgette, who marks his 38th year with the production, is fight director.

The Lost Colony’s 72nd season plays nightly at 8 pm, except Sunday, May 29th through August 20, 2009, at Manteo’s Waterside Theatre, on North Carolina’s Outer Banks.

Additionally, The Lost Colony company is presenting an impressive line-up of special performances: Charlotte’s Web, E.B. White’s treasured tale of friendship between a pig named Wilbur and a little gray spider named Charlotte comes to life in this production for children (Thursdays, June 18 - Aug. 13); Tea with the Queen, a unique opportunity to meet Her Majesty (Thursdays, June 25- Aug. 13); brand new this season, the swashbuckling Simon’s Pirate Adventure (Thursdays, June 18 – Aug. 13); Broadway Series: Jesus Christ Superstar (Saturday, July 11 & 18), Oklahoma! (Saturday, August 8 & 15), and a one-time-only performance of Grease by Tiedwater Virginia’s celebrated Hurrah Players (Sunday, August 9.) Tickets for all performances are on sale at the box office. Some productions even feature discounts on tickets purchased in advance of the performance date. For details call 252-473-3414, or visit www.thelostcolony.org.

For four nights during Dare Nights on June 3, 4, 5 & 6, valid Dare County residents who bring a canned food or dry good donation for local food pantries are admitted free to The Lost Colony. Pre-performance donation collection begins at a designated table for collection in front of the box office at 5:30 pm. Tickets are distributed on a first-come-basis.