While The Lost Colony may be performed at the Waterside Theatre in Manteo, North Carolina, outstanding citizens throughout the state have historically dedicated their efforts to maintaining the production of the drama.  The Fridays have played an important part in making people throughout the state aware of the production and the role it plays in our state’s history.  The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill has been a great source of talent to the Colony right from the beginning.  Playwright Paul Green was commissioned to write the play which premiered in 1937.  Samuel Seldon, Associate Professor of Dramatics at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill was the original director and Professor Frederick H. Koch, founder of the Carolina Playmakers served as the Supervising Director.  This rich tradition has been maintained over the years.

It is this tradition of dedication and service that the Friday family has embraced.  Mrs. William C. Friday (Ida) first joined the board of Directors in 1966 and served until 1972 while Mrs. Fred W. Morrison (Emma Neal) was Chairman.  In 1973 Mrs. Friday became Chairman and Mrs. Morrison became her Vice-Chairman.  The two ladies continued to serve the organization in this manner for the next two years.  In 1976 they both remained on the Board as regular members and served until 1979.  These were crucial years for the production and it was during this time that popular Broadway director Joe Layton was hired to reshape the production. He directed the show from 1964 to 1984.

William C. Friday was Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Roanoke Island Historical Association in 1988 and 1989 and remained on the Board for several years thereafter.  He also served as an advisor to the organization.  Ida and Bill’s daughter Betsy was a cast member in the show and later served on the Board of Directors and coordinated the Professional Theatre Workshop for the organization.

The Fridays have served as Ambassadors at Large for The Lost Colony for many years.  They have helped to make citizens throughout North Carolina and the world aware of the importance of the story of the first English settlement in this country. The celebration in Raleigh is a chance for many to say thank you for years of devoted service and commitment.  The evening’s festivities will start at 6:30 PM and last till 10:30 PM on Saturday, May 19, 2012.  The North Carolina Museum of History is located at 5 East Edenton Street in downtown Raleigh.  A donation of $75.00 per person is suggested, and reservations can be made by calling Terry Fowler at (252) 473-4224 or TFowler@thelostcolony.org.

Ira David Wood, III, will serve as emcee for the evening.  Mr. Wood has appeared in The Lost Colony as both Old Tom and Sir Walter Raleigh.  Triangle residents know Mr. Wood for his legendary production of Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol.  The event will include wine and heavy hors d’oeuvres provided by Side Street Restaurant of Raleigh.  There will be a silent auction and a raffle to benefit the 75^th Anniversary.

The evening will also include a showing of the original 1921 Silent Film that tells the story of the first English Explorations and Settlement in the New World.  The film was made completely on location on Roanoke Island and was the brainchild of Miss Mable Evans Jones who wrote, directed, designed and played Eleanor Dare.  The restored version of the film was shown in Manteo in January as the premier event of the 75^th Anniversary Season.  Five time Tony Award Winning Costume Designer William Ivey Long and Raleigh theatre director and producer Haskell Fitz-Simons will also take part in the presentations.  Both Mr. Long and Mr. Fitz-Simons have long histories with The Lost Colony.

The celebration honoring Ida and Bill Friday is being organized by Cindy G. McEnery of Raleigh who is a member of the Board of Directors of the RIHA.  The event will be held on Saturday, May 19, 2012 at the North Carolina Museum of History in Raleigh, North Carolina.

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About The Lost Colony

First staged in 1937, The Lost Colony is the nation’s premier and longest-running outdoor symphonic drama. Written by Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright Paul Green, The Lost Colony’s 75^th anniversary season plays June 01 through August 23, 2012 at Manteo’s Waterside Theatre, on North Carolina’s Outer Banks. For tickets and information, go to www.thelostcolony.org or call (252) 473-2127.

“While the situation is regrettable,’ said Tine, “the recent interest and quality of applicants for this position ensures that an outstanding candidate will be identified. Our Lost Colony staff has done an excellent job over the past few months, and I am confident they will continue to bridge the gap, thus ensuring a successful launch of our 75th Anniversary Season opening on June 1.”

The search committee is determining the appropriate next steps to filling the CEO position as quickly as possible.

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About The Lost Colony

First staged in 1937, The Lost Colony is the nation’s premier and longest-running outdoor symphonic drama. Written by Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright Paul Green, The Lost Colony’s 75th anniversary season plays June 01 through August 23, 2012 at Manteo’s Waterside Theatre, on North Carolina’s Outer Banks. For tickets and information, go to www.thelostcolony.org or call (252) 473-2127.

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About The Lost Colony

First staged in 1937, The Lost Colony is the nation’s premier and longest-running outdoor symphonic drama. Written by Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright Paul Green, The Lost Colony’s 75^th anniversary season plays June 01 through August 23, 2012 at Manteo’s Waterside Theatre, on North Carolina’s Outer Banks. For tickets and information, go to www.thelostcolony.org or call (252) 473-2127.

###

About The Lost Colony

First staged in 1937, The Lost Colony is the nation’s premier and longest-running outdoor symphonic drama. Written by Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright Paul Green, The Lost Colony’s 75^th anniversary season plays June 01 through August 23, 2012 at Manteo’s Waterside Theatre, on North Carolina’s Outer Banks. For tickets and information, go to www.thelostcolony.org or call (252) 473-2127.

###

About The Lost Colony

First staged in 1937, The Lost Colony is the nation’s premier and longest-running outdoor symphonic drama. Written by Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright Paul Green, The Lost Colony’s 75^th anniversary season plays June 01 through August 23, 2012 at Manteo’s Waterside Theatre, on North Carolina’s Outer Banks. For tickets and information, go to www.thelostcolony.org or call (252) 473-2127.

###

About The Lost Colony

First staged in 1937, The Lost Colony is the nation’s premier and longest-running outdoor symphonic drama. Written by Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright Paul Green, The Lost Colony’s 75^th anniversary season plays June 01 through August 23, 2012 at Manteo’s Waterside Theatre, on North Carolina’s Outer Banks. For tickets and information, go to www.thelostcolony.org or call (252) 473-2127.

###

About The Lost Colony

First staged in 1937, The Lost Colony is the nation’s premier and longest-running outdoor symphonic drama. Written by Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright Paul Green, The Lost Colony’s 75^th anniversary season plays June 01 through August 23, 2012 at Manteo’s Waterside Theatre, on North Carolina’s Outer Banks. For tickets and information, go to www.thelostcolony.org or call (252) 473-2127.

###

About The Lost Colony

First staged in 1937, The Lost Colony is the nation’s premier and longest-running outdoor symphonic drama. Written by Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright Paul Green, The Lost Colony’s 75^th anniversary season plays June 01 through August 23, 2012 at Manteo’s Waterside Theatre, on North Carolina’s Outer Banks. For tickets and information, go to www.thelostcolony.org or call (252) 473-2127.

Download press release

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About The Lost Colony

First staged in 1937, The Lost Colony is the nation’s premier and longest-running outdoor symphonic drama. Written by Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright Paul Green, The Lost Colony’s 75^th anniversary season plays June 01 through August 23, 2012 at Manteo’s Waterside Theatre, on North Carolina’s Outer Banks. For tickets and information, go to www.thelostcolony.org or call (252) 473-2127.

Jimmie Lee credits John Walker with being his mentor and creating a place for him in The LostColony and in Manteo.  Mr. Walker was the choreographer for the outdoor drama for over twenty years.  He also operated his own dance studio in Elon College where Jimmie Lee studied with him building on the dance experience at The Lost Colony.

It did not take Jimmie Lee long to change his major in college from Biology to Theatre.  While his parents may not have been happy about his decision at the time, they are now very proud of his accomplishments and support him in his artistic endeavors.  As a Theatre Major he was  able to explore his passion and to participate in college productions.  The show that really changed his life was A Chorus Line in which he played Richie.  Soon he was touring with a Children’s Theatre troupe located in Richmond, Virginia.  His next stop was the Joy of Motion Dance Studio in Washington, D.C.  Summers often found Jimmie Lee in Manteo performing on his favorite stage.

The New York City chapter followed filled with a variety of experiences allowing time for growth and discovery.  Back in North Carolina Jimmie Lee appeared in West Side Story and Cinderella at the North Carolina Theatre in Raleigh.  In 2009 he moved to Manteo and has remained busy ever since.  He has worked with Connie Rose at the Manteo High School and at the Dock Side Theatre, choreographing Hairspray, Peter Pan and West Side Story.

As Mr. Brooks prepares for the upcoming season he has been busy at auditions with the casting team selecting the company for the 75^th anniversary season.  When asked what he was looking for at auditions, he replied, “strong dancers who work hard and welcome the challenges of working in the environment that outdoor drama provides.”  He hopes to bring a sense of ceremonial ritual to the Indian dances that grow out of nature with the excitement of celebration.  He will also be working on the folk, country street fair style dances for Plymouth and the more formal courtly dances of Elizabeth’s garden party.

When The Lost Colony opens on June 1, 2012 the new choreographer will be eagerly watching from the house to see how the dances become a part of the story telling tapestry that becomes a symphonic outdoor drama.  For Jimmie Lee Brooks the journey has been exciting and rewarding and he is pleased to be a part of The Lost Colony family.  Join Jimmie Lee and the entire company of The Lost Colony this summer from June 1 through August 23 in the Waterside Theatre located on the Fort Raleigh National Historic Site in Manteo.

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About The Lost Colony

First staged in 1937, The Lost Colony is the nation’s premier and longest-running outdoor symphonic drama. Written by Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright Paul Green, The Lost Colony’s 75^th anniversary season plays June 01 through August 23, 2012 at Manteo’s Waterside Theatre, on North Carolina’s Outer Banks. For tickets and information, go to www.thelostcolony.org or call (252) 473-2127.