On April 23, audiences around the world can experience The Lost Colony, America’s longest-running outdoor symphonic drama, through its first-ever pro-shot live-capture. The stream is free to watch and brings this historic production to life with stunning visuals, dynamic storytelling, and a powerful new perspective.
Originally written by Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright Paul Green, The Lost Colony tells the true story of the first English settlers who arrived on Roanoke Island in 1587 and mysteriously vanished. The story has captivated audiences since it debuted in 1937. Now, this updated production adds a new layer of depth, using advanced theatrical technology like 3D projections, theatrical puppetry, dramatic lighting, and a brand-new symphonic score by Broadway composer Sam Davis.
PREMIERE DATE: WEDNESDAY April 23rd
6:30pm Virtual Pre-Party
7:00 PM LIVE STREAM Screening
Audiences must tune into the pre-party to access the 7pm screening
This reimagined version is directed by Broadway veteran Jeff Whiting, known for Big Fish, Bullets Over Broadway, and Scottsboro Boys. Whiting led a team of world-class artists and cultural collaborators to modernize the storytelling while honoring its legacy. Indigenous voices are now part of the narrative, and all Native American roles are portrayed by Indigenous actors. Cultural advisors and artists from the Lumbee Tribe worked closely with the production to ensure authenticity and respect. “Audiences’ expectations and attention spans have certainly changed over the years and I wanted to find ways to enhance the visual elements of the production in order to keep the audience engaged in the story from start to finish.”, Whiting said.
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“To see our people on this stage is a huge victory for Indigenous people and our struggle for representation and visibility,” says Kaya Littleturtle, cultural advisor and contributor to the production’s Native American music and storytelling.
The live-capture stream premieres April 23 at 7 PM, with access only available to those who join the pre-party at 6:30 PM. Viewers can enjoy the experience free of charge, with donations encouraged to support the Roanoke Island Historical Association (RIHA), the nonprofit that produces the show.
Playwright Paul Green believed in the power of theater to address social issues. In addition to winning the Pulitzer Prize in 1927, he pioneered the symphonic drama format—historical plays performed outdoors on the actual sites where events occurred, blending music, movement, and poetry. The Lost Colony was his first and most enduring work.
Since 1937, more than 7,000 actors have appeared in The Lost Colony, including Andy Griffith, who fell in love with the town of Manteo and made it his home. Other notable alumni include Tony Award winner Steve Kazee, Golden Globe winner Lynn Redgrave, and Oscar-winning screenwriter Ted Tally (The Silence of the Lambs).
The show’s enduring popularity has made it a cultural landmark in the Outer Banks. In 2013, it was honored with a Tony Award for Excellence in Theatre.
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