The Lost Colony Outdoor Drama in Roanoke NC

The Lost Colony © Katrena

The Lost Colony Outdoor Drama written by Paul Green has been performed each summer since 1937 at Manteo's Waterside Theatre. Produced by Roanoke Island Historical Association, this play has stood the test of time over and over again as the production has persevered despite wars and conflicts, a fire, hurricanes, and many other challenges.

Roanoke Island's Waterside Theatre © Katrena

Many generations have traveled to the eastern part of North Carolina to get a glimpse of our state's oldest mystery and to imagine what might have happened to a colony that vanished from the area by the year 1590. This play is for entertainment purposes and is not necessarily historically accurate in all aspects, but I think it raises awareness of and perhaps empathy for all sides.

Learn About North Carolina History Through Performing Arts © Katrena

My family went to see The Lost Colony in July 2016. My kids are very interested in performing arts, and I thought this would not only be a good way to learn about our state's history but also an opportunity to see a first-rate outdoor drama. We weren't disappointed! All of my kids agreed this was the highlight of our trip to the Outer Banks.

Amazing Costumes at The Lost Colony Play © Katrena

I remember going to this play approximately 40 years ago. I was quite young but that memory has stayed with me. I found it interesting to learn that the director for the 2016 performances also acted in the play 40 years ago. The people who were sitting behind us were talking about going to see the play many years ago and remembering how the seats used to be long benches but are now much more comfortable. The walk from the box office to the theater is approximately 150 yards with ample parking close to the box office.

The Lost Colony Play at Outer Banks © Katrena

I ordered our tickets online. I really liked how the web site was set up. You can pick the date and the web site shows exactly what seats are available. I was thrilled to find second row seats on orchestra left. I took all of the pictures in this article, and I did not need to zoom. If you are particularly interested in seeing the Queen, you might want to choose seats on orchestra right. If you would like to see close-up Native American scenes, select seats on orchestra left.

Relive History Through The Lost Colony Outdoor Drama © Katrena

The theatre design by Albert Quentin "Skipper" Bell ensures that everyone can see well because the seats rise as they go farther back. If anyone in the group has trouble with stairs, you might want to choose seats in the back section. They do offer handicap seating at this theater and seats toward the back of the front section and toward the front of the back section will have the least number of stairs to climb - when you approach the theatre, simply turn to the left through the concession stand area and you will enter the theatre between the upper and lower sections. You have a nice view of the Sound and get a little more breeze off the water in the upper section. You are closer to the stage action in the lower seats.

2016 Season of The Lost Colony © Katrena

The play starts at 7:30 p.m. We arrived early, and I noticed that seats on orchestra right were in the sun while the left side was in the shade. Temperatures were in the 90s, so being in the shade was a big plus for us. The area in the back right was sunny for the longest period of time. If you have a little hand-held battery-powered fan, this would be a great place to use it before the show starts if you are visiting when temperatures are very high. Having some drinking water is also a great idea.

Fun Things to do in North Carolina © Katrena

I highly recommend bringing bug spray. Mosquitoes are fierce in this area during certain parts of the year. They sell bug spray on location in case you are not prepared. In July, the play begins in daylight and ends in darkness while the action on stage begins with lots of energy, singing, and dancing and elaborate sets. The stage production seems to almost mimic the natural lighting with the mood growing more somber and darker as the play nears the end.

Learn About The Lost Colony in NC © Katrena

The play is very well performed. I believe work on this year's play started in February. Many of the seasoned actors return to the stage many times over the years, sometimes changing roles as they age. A few actors from former productions of The Lost Colony launched public careers, including Andy Griffith, Terrence Mann, and William Ivey Long.

The Lost Colony - Excellent Production © Katrena

The play includes singing, dancing, and some fight scenes in addition to many speaking parts. The set includes quite a few props that are well-designed with minimal interruptions to the play as action tends to take place in one area while set changes occur in another area. The actors wear microphones and can be heard throughout the theater. My family loved the choreography; it seemed to capture the emotions through music and dance.

Learn About The Lost Colony Through Stage Production © Katrena

You can expect some scenes with gunfire - they did a great job with stage combat! You can also expect some scenes with fire. One actress ran across the stage with her apron on fire! This play is action-packed with some humor to balance out the serious topic. The performing area is huge as actors not only perform in front of the audience but also beside seating areas.

Tips for Taking the Family to see The Lost Colony © Katrena

Hats off to those who worked on costumes, make-up, set design, choreography, lighting, sound, marketing, web design, clean-up, and more. Many thanks to the family members and volunteers who undoubtedly interrupted many months of their family lives to provide support. I noticed that several folks who had ancillary positions also seemed to be genuinely interested in helping this program to be successful. According to the web site, over 200 people are involved in this production.

Lots of Action in The Lost Colony Play © Katrena

The Lost Colony was only meant to run for one season. Franklin D. Roosevelt attended the show on August 18, 1937, which catapulted the popularity of the show far beyond those humble first plans. I could easily see this show continuing for many years to come for future generations to enjoy.

5-Star Production of The Lost Colony © Katrena

You can easily spend a whole day in this area. An aquarium is very near this area. The Elizabethan Gardens is adjacent to the theatre. A center that is focused on the history of the area through a variety of programs and displays is also adjacent to this spot. Visit The Lost Colony web site to learn more about the production, directions, to order tickets, etc.

The Lost Colony Mystery © Katrena

Additional articles by Katrena

• North Carolina Aquarium on Roanoke Island - Fun, Interactive, Creative!
• Wright Brothers National Memorial in North Carolina
• Jockeys Ridge State Park - One Heckuva Sand Dune!

Thanks for visiting my Travel NC With Kids blog! Have you seen The Lost Colony? What did you think? Feel free to post comments in the comment section below this article.