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RIHA Welcomes New General Manager

The Roanoke Island Historical Association (RIHA) is pleased to announce that John Ancona will become its new General Manager, effective December 1, 2020. John comes from Herschend Family Entertainment (HFE) which is the nation’s largest family-owned themed attractions corporation, operating entertainment, tourism and hospitality properties in 23 locations in six states. In his most recent position with HFE, John served as the Director of Entertainment and Events. John produced, operated and managed festival & live entertainment product and personnel for Silver Dollar City in Branson, MO.
J C Ancona
RIHA Chairman Kevin Bradley states that “John Ancona is a game changer for RIHA and The Lost Colony. His skillsets are a perfect fit for the organization as we look towards our future. We believe John has the practical experience and extraordinary vision that is necessary to take RIHA to new levels of excellence. We are extremely pleased to add John to our leadership team”.

Prior to his 13 year run at HFE, John worked for Norwegian Cruise Lines where he managed the daily operations of 12 ships worldwide which included 250+ shipside personnel, a direct-reporting shore-side team of Managers and Supervisors as well as multiple Production Companies, Entertainment Agencies, free-lance Directors, Designers, Contractors and Entertainment Technical Vendors. John also produced and operated all new and existing entertainment programs and special events. He created and managed the schedule for the creative, production, rehearsal and installation process of all new entertainment product from conception to completion.

John recently shared a few thoughts around coming to The Lost Colony. “It is with both pride and humility that I have the great privilege of being a part of our country’s longest-running outdoor theatrical production The Lost Colony. I am very much looking forward to working alongside such an extraordinarily talented cast, crew and creative team, in preserving its legacy for future generations and becoming immersed in the beautiful culture of the Roanoke Island and Outer Banks communities”.

New Director/Choreographer Jeff Whiting is Announced

The Lost Colony Introduces New Director / Choreographer
Broadway & New York Times Acclaimed Director Jeff Whiting joins for the 84th Season

The Roanoke Island Historical Association (RIHA) is proud to announce that Jeff Whiting will join their production team as the Director / Choreographer for the 84th season of The Lost Colony. A new era of leadership has commenced, bringing with it many exciting changes for RIHA and The Lost Colony.

RIHA Chairman Kevin Bradley states, “We are very excited about bringing in Jeff to direct The Lost Colony. We have had many great directors over the years and Jeff is extremely qualified to help launch the production to new levels of excellence. Jeff Whiting is a huge talent and we are fortunate to have him lead the artistic team.”

Whiting, who was recently acclaimed by the New York Times as a “director with a joyous touch” and praised on The View as “a truly remarkable talent”, is known for his success around the world as a director and choreographer for theatre, opera, television, special events and concerts. Jeff’s many credits include Associate Director on Broadway’s Bullets Over Broadway (6 Tony Nominations), Big Fish, The Scottsboro Boys (12 Tony Nominations), Hair (Tony Best Revival) and Wicked’s 5th Anniversary, as well as National Tour credits including Hairspray, Young Frankenstein, Rockin’ Road to Dublin, Christmas in Killarney and The Producers.

“I’m truly honored to be a part of the re-imagination of The Lost Colony and to have the chance to tell the story of one of the most fascinating mysteries in American history…it is my goal to honor the important historical significance of what occurred here on the shores of Roanoke Island, and to honor the legacy of this important theatrical work and what it means to us today. As the wind rolls off of Roanoke Sound, it whispers the tale and I believe it’s my job, as the Director, to listen to that breeze and bring to life what happened here so many years ago, changing the course of history”, states Whiting.

Whiting has also focused on his philanthropic work off the stage by opening The Open Jar Institute, which is a music theatre training program for the development of music theatre artists of all ages, as well as creating the Open Jar Studios, home to the largest rehearsal studio in New York City. Jeff is also the founder of The Broadway Relief Project, who employed over 400 individuals during the shutdown to make PPE for NYC public hospitals, in response to COVID-19. Lastly, the very skilled director designed and developed the world’s first digital method for documenting and staging choreography, known as the Stage Write Software, which is used in over 80 Broadway shows and tours.

After the 83rd season was cancelled due to COVID, the upcoming 84th season is an important time to comeback strong in the community. The Lost Colony staff and RIHA Board of Directors are extremely pleased and enthusiastic to introduce Jeff Whiting as their new Director / Choreographer.

 

Congratulations To The Lumbee Tribe!

PRESS RELEASE:
Office of the Tribal Chairman
Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina
Committee Approves Lumbee Recognition Bill; Legislation Headed to House Floor

Congrats Lumbee TribeWashington — Today the House Committee on Natural Resources approved a bill introduced by Rep. G.K. Butterfield (D-NC) to provide federal recognition to the Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina.

The bi-partisan bill, called the “Lumbee Recognition Act” (H.R.1964) is co-sponsored by the Tribe’s congressman, Rep. Dan Bishop (R-NC) as well as Reps. Richard Hudson (R-NC), David Price (D-NC), Alma Adams (D-NC), Don Young (R-AK), and Bill Timmons (R-SC).

“I am pleased the Committee took this action and so grateful for the strong support and commitment of Mr. Butterfield and all the bill sponsors,” said tribal chairman Harvey Godwin.

The Tribe was recognized by the State of North Carolina in 1885 and has sought federal recognition since 1888.

“Our people are rooted in our deep faith, our love of the land, proper education, and maintaining our tribal ways.  This legislation is necessary to fix what Congress did in the 1950s and clarify that we do have a special relationship with the United States,” Godwin said.

If the bill is enacted, the Tribe and its nearly 60,000 members would be eligible for services provided by the Bureau of Indian Affairs and other federal agencies.  Already a presence in rural southeastern North Carolina, federal recognition would equip the Tribe to strengthen the regional economy for the benefit of all North Carolinians.

Today’s action is widely seen as the next step in remedying an injustice that has plagued the Lumbee people for generations.

“The Lumbee Tribe has waited years for the federal recognition they deserve and this is a monumental step in that direction,” said Rep. Bishop. “This legislation has been a top priority of mine during my first year in Congress, and I thank my colleagues Chairman Grijalva, Ranking Member Rob Bishop, Rep. Butterfield and Rep. Hudson for their support of the Lumbee. I urge my colleagues to bring this measure to the House of Representatives floor and pass this critical legislation that will change the course of Lumbee history for generations to come,” said Rep. Dan Bishop.

“I am thrilled by today’s vote in the House Committee on Natural Resources to advance my bill, H.R. 1964, to extend full federal recognition to the Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina,” said Rep. Butterfield.  “For far too long the Lumbee have been denied the services and economic development opportunities they deserve and, most importantly, the recognition by the federal government of being a sovereign people, something the State of North Carolina has recognized since 1885.  Today’s vote is a critical step in rectifying this historical wrong.  I thank my colleagues on the Committee for their votes to pass my bill and look forward to it moving to the floor for passage out of the U.S. House of Representatives,” said Rep. G.K. Butterfield.

Contact: Danielle McLean, dmclean@lumbeetribe.com/910-522-5464
For Immediate Release: September 30, 2020

 

 

The Lost Colony Featured Cast

The 82nd Season of The Lost Colony has featured some incredible cast & crew. With two weeks remaining in the season, we hope you will join us to experience the magic and excitement of the nation’s longest running outdoor drama!

David Hopkins

The Lost Colony 2019
David plays the role of Simon Fernando

David is originally from Roanoke, VA and is working towards his Bachelor of Fine Arts at Emory and Henry College. David began the season in the choir and will finish out The 2019 The Lost Colony Season as Simon Fernando!
 

 

 

Joey Casella

Joey Casella

A local of Kill Devil Hills, Joey is excited to be returning home to The Lost Colony for his fourth summer as Chief Manteo. Joey holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Theatre from James Madison University.

 

Emily Frankum

The Lost Colony 82nd Season | Queen
Emily Frankum

Her second year with The Lost Colony, Emily holds a Bachelor of Arts in Theatre. Emily joins us from Goldsboro, NC. She began the 2019 as a technician and will finish the season as the Queen Elizabeth I.

 

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2019 The Lost Colony Cast

The Lost Colony is grateful to have so many new and returning cast members for our 82nd Season! Here’s a look into the background of a few members of our talented crew:

Caleb Pless

Caleb excited to be joining us this season from Nashville, TN! He received his BFA in Musical Theatre from Western Kentucky University. Some of his professional credits include: Mary Poppins(Bert), Beauty and the Beast (Lumiere), Camelot (Sir Lionel), Kiss Me, Kate (Bill) and All Shook Up (Dean Hyde). He has been a featured dancer at the Stephen Foster Story in Bardstown, KY for the past five years and has toured with the National Theatre for Children in Chicago and Musical Mysteries and More in Pittsburgh for two seasons as an actor and the choreographer.Caleb is proud to be in the Equity Membership Candidate Program. You can look forward to his performance as Old Tom this season!

 

Derrick Bass

Derrick is a rising junior studying Musical Theatre at Western Carolina University and is excited to be joining us for the first time working at The Lost Colony as Sir Walter Raleigh! He is most excited about wearing fancy costumes and growing out his beard. His past credits include Cliff Bradshaw in Cabaret, Edward Bloomin in Big Fish, and Ren McCormack in Footloose. He wants to thank everyone for supporting live theatre and hopes that you enjoy the show!

Pam Atha

Pam is returning her for fifth season with The Lost Colony! This is her fourth season as choreographer and her third season in the role of Dame Coleman. She served many years with Unto These Hills across the state in Cherokee, NC as the choreographer and performer. Pam resides in Nashville, TN, where she is a theatre professional as choreographer, teacher, and performer. She is a proud teaching artist for Tennessee Performing Arts Center education programs. As a founding member of Tennessee Dance Theatre, she was as soloist and rehearsal captain for 13 years. Pam has received local awards for choreography and was honored in 2011 for her achievements and contributions to Nashville theatre by Jeff Ellis of broadwayworld.com and First Night Awards. Other company credits include: Flat Rock Playhouse, Nashville Rep, Carolina Regional Theatre, Nashville Children’s Theatre, New Harmony Theatre, Royal Palm Dinner Theatre, Gainesville Theatre Alliance, and Chaffin’s Barn Dinner Theatre.

Catch our cast members live in performance at one of our nightly showings of The Lost Colony. This year’s 82nd anniversary season plays through August 23, 2019. The #1 OBX Attraction runs nightly accept Sundays and curtain time is 7:45 PM.

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The 82nd Season of The Lost Colony Opens Friday, May 31st

Roanoke Island Historical Association (RIHA) is proud to announce the 82nd Season of The Lost Colony opens to the public May 31st, 2019. The 2019 season, presented by PNC, is under the direction of Ira David Wood, III who is returning for his seventh season as Director. The 2019 cast and crew will perform a special Preview Night performance on Thursday, May 30th. Tickets for Preview Night, and all other performances, are available now at www.thelostcolony.org.

Returning members of the 82nd Company include: Tony award winning Production Designer William Ivey Long, Robert Midgette as Fight Director, Joshua Allen as Lighting Designer, McCrae Hardy as Music Director and Pam Atha as Choreographer.

The Lost Colony continues several traditions in 2019 including its “Dare Nights” performances for the residents of Dare County on June 7, 14, and 21st. Dare County residents are encouraged to attend the performance – while continuing to help the Outer Banks food pantries. Admission to the Dare Night 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.

For 2019, other RIHA productions include: children’s show, Wanda’s Monster, as well as Royal Tea – a meet-and-greet with the Queen herself.

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Best Places to Catch a Sunset on the Outer Banks

OBX Things To Do

One of the most memorable parts of your Outer Banks vacation will be catching the spectacular sunsets each evening! The hardest decision you’ll have to make is the best place to go to watch the sun go down each night. Here are a few of our
suggestions:

              Catch an OBX Sunset

Jockey’s Ridge State Park
This park in Nags Head is one of the most well known spots to head to for sunset in the Outer Banks, and is well worth the climb up the stunning sand dunes!

Duck Town Park Boardwalk
Spend a leisurely evening in Duck and take a walk along the sound side boardwalk as you watch the sunset and wander through the many shops by water.

Bay Drive in Kill Devil Hills
This iconic Outer Banks street is one of the absolute best places to see the sun go down. There is no parking for cars so plan for an evening stroll or bike ride along the scenic Bay Drive to the gazebo on the sound.

Feeling hungry? You can also choose one of many sound side restaurants throughout the Outer Banks and watch the sunset as you dine!

Have your purchased your tickets yet for the 82nd Season of The Lost Colony?

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Top 5 Ice Cream Shops on the OBX

Things to Do On The OBX

Looking for a refreshing treat after hitting the beach all day? Here are a few of our must-try ice cream spots on the beach from Corolla to Manteo for you to check out during your visit!

OBX Ice Cream Shops
  1. John’s Drive In (Kitty Hawk)
    An Outer Banks favorite for over 40 years!
  1. Kill Devil Custard (Kill Devil Hills)
    Centrally located, and try the famous beach fries too!
  1. Fat Boyz (Nags Head)
    Grab a cone and head over to the nearby Jennettes Pier
  1. Big Bucks (Manteo, Kitty Hawk, Corolla)
    Three locations throughout the Outer Banks and just minutes away from The Lost Colony in Manteo!
  1. Sunset Ice Cream (Duck)
    Stop in while you walk the boardwalk shops, or catch the sunset here

Have your purchased your tickets yet for the 82nd Season of The Lost Colony?

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An Afternoon In Manteo

Discover Roanoke Island

Spend your day exploring the charm of downtown Manteo for food, drink, shopping, and more before making your way to the Waterside Theatre for The Lost Colony. Here are a few ideas of things to do on an afternoon in Manteo:

Take a stroll along the waterfront
Enjoy a walk down the boardwalk for some time by the Roanoke Sound. You can even check out the Roanoke Marshes Lighthouse or take the family to the Waterfront Playground with swings, slides, and a play ship for kids to enjoy.

Admire the work of local artists
The Dare County Arts Council is located in Downtown Manteo and features the original artwork of local and regional artists in their gallery. The selection of artwork is constantly rotating and features a variety of mediums, making it a fresh viewing experience each visit!

Visit a variety of shops
There are plenty of shops to wander and discover while you’re exploring downtown. Head over to Downtown Books to pick up a good beach read, or take the kids to the Laughing Lollipop Soda Pop & Candy Shoppe to find some old favorites and treat yourself.

Waterfront Dinner
Located on the waterfront, grab an early dinner at Avenue Grille. If you present your confirmation, The Lost Colony guests receive 20% off!

The Lost Colony’s 82nd anniversary season opens May 31st and plays through August 23rd, 2019. Complete your Roanoke Island experience and reserve your seats! Head over to our ticket page to get your tickets to the show for this season!

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The Lost Colony Alumni Debuts Classic Opera

On Saturday, February 2nd, The Opera came to the Outer Banks and performed to a full crowd at First Flight High School.

The performance was brought to the stage by the local nonprofit, Elizabeth R & Company, as well as the Bryan Cultural Series. La Traviata showcased the talent of Manteo native and The Lost Colony alumni, Tshombe Selby, who is pursuing a career in opera.

Selby played Alfredo, and his powerful, tenor voice was undeniably perfect. Sarah Cooper played Violetta and the two voices created a night of Opera perfection. 

Many The Lost Colony alumni were involved, including; Rob Jenkins, David Miller, Nikki Conley, John Adams, Buddy McCown, Christopher Clemmons, Barbara Hird, lebame houston and, of course, Tshombe. 

 

2019 Summer Childrens Show – Wanda’s Monster

The Roanoke Island Historical Association is gearing up for the 2019 children’s show titled “Wanda’s Monster”. This warm-hearted musical tells the story of an imaginative little girl named Wanda and her unexpected bond with a fuzzy, purple monster as she learns acceptance and friendship. Portrayed in a role greatly expanded from the book, Monster eats the flowers Wanda slips into the closet for him and attaches her artwork to the wall with his spit. While the hulking, horned monster may frighten a few little theatergoers at first, most, like Wanda, will want to hug him at the conclusion. This charming musical brings home a point worth considering at any age: embrace what you fear, and you just may find a friend.

The catching tunes and interactive show had everyone on their feet, and when we left the theatre, we were still humming “Monster Boogie” to ourselves!-Mom Blogger-The Mama Maven.

Be sure to mark your calendars, the show runs from June 25th – August 21st at the SoundStage Theatre on the grounds of The Lost Colony. Showtimes are Tuesdays at 10:30 AM and Wednesdays at 2:00 PM. Buy Tickets Here.