On this day in 1587, the first English child was born on Roanoke Island, North Carolina. The birth of Virginia Dare brought hope to the ill-fated Colony that their brave dreams would outlast their struggle.
Each year on Virginia’s birthday, The Lost Colony production features newborn babies from our local community. Unfortunately the 83rd Season was cancelled, so our alumni have created this special tribute in her honor! We wish to celebrate this day and recognize all the performers who have played the role of Virginia Dare or her mother Eleanor. Ye are remembered!
Concerns over COVID-19 shuttered this year’s production of “The Lost Colony.” What does that mean for the iconic play, and the people who love it?
COVID-19 has had the power to do what previously was only possible by a world war – shut down “The Lost Colony.”
This legendary outdoor symphonic drama commemorates the arrival, and consequent disappearance, of America’s first English colony on Roanoke Island in 1587. It was created in 1937 by Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright Paul Green, and with few exceptions, it has been running annually ever since.
“It has already left a hole in many people’s summers,” said Lance Culpepper, associate producer. “I’ve heard many comments such as, ‘I can’t imagine summer without it.’”
In April, the board of directors of the Roanoke Island Historical Association made the difficult decision to forego the 2020 season. While it is a devastating blow, Culpepper chooses to embrace the interruption as “a moment to breathe.”
“We have to consider what is most important for the organization in the long run,” said Culpepper, now in his 13th season with the production. So, the showrunners have decided to use this time to focus on how best to present the play when it returns in 2021. READ MORE
