CMassey@thelostcolony.org                                                     

252.473.4225

(April 24, 2013 Manteo, NC)

The Lost Colony receives Tony Honor for Excellence in Theatre

Since 1947 the Tony Award has been the highest award presented for excellence in the American Theatre.  On Sunday, June 9, 2013 the American Theatre Wing will present the 2013 Tony Awards at Radio City Music Hall in New York City.  This season The Lost Colony will be awarded a Tony Honor for its outstanding achievement in theatre as it celebrates its 76^th season as America’s premier outdoor drama.

The 2013 Tony Honors are presented to individuals and organizations that are not eligible for the annual

Competitive awards.  This year the awards are being presented to longtime agent William Craver, veteran Broadway Stage Manager Peter Lawrence, and the nonprofit Career Transition for Dancers.  North Carolina’s long-running The Lost Colony was also selected to win the Tony Honor.

The Lost Colony will celebrate its 76^th season this summer and remains the premier outdoor drama in the country.  It has the distinction of being one of the last remaining Federal Theatre Projects and enjoys a rich history which includes many luminaries in the theatre.  Written by Pulitzer Prize winning playwright, Paul Green, the Symphonic Outdoor Drama first premiered in 1937 at the Waterside Theatre in Manteo, North Carolina.  The 2013 production of the drama will open on May 31 and run through August 23 under the direction of Ira David Wood, III.  The Lost Colony is the only theatrical production in North Carolina to have ever won such an honor.

The Tony Honors will be presented at a private reception on June 8^th prior to the CBS telecast of the Annual Tony Awards held at Radio City Music Hall on June 9.

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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 76^th anniversary season plays May 31 through August 23, 2013 at Manteo’s Waterside Theatre, on North Carolina’s Outer Banks. Curtain time is 8:00 pm.  For tickets and information, go to www.thelostcolony.org or call (252) 473-2127.

CMassey@thelostcolony.org                                                     

252.473.4225

(April 11, 2013 Manteo, NC)

Bluegrass Legend Ralph Stanley Live At The Waterside On July 7

Two American legends will come together on July 7^th as Ralph Stanley brings his Clinch Mountain Boys to the historic Waterside Theatre, home of The Lost Colony.  When music legends come to mind there is one star that shines above them all that is none other than the legendary icon Dr. Ralph Stanley. Over 6 decades of performing he has become one of the most influential artists of all time.

In 1946 along with his older brother Carter Stanley they formed the legendary Stanley Brothers duo. The Stanley Brothers and the Clinch Mountain Boys became one of the most popular brother acts in Country Music history.  Some of Country and Bluegrass music’s biggest stars came from Ralph Stanley’s band, including Ricky Skaggs, Larry Sparks and the late Keith Whitley.  In 1976 Ralph received an honorary doctorate of music from Lincoln Memorial University in Harrogate, TN. In 1984, he was the recipient of the National Heritage Award given by President Ronald Reagan.  In 1992 Ralph was inducted into the International Bluegrass Music Hall Of Honor. In 2000 he was inducted into the Grand Ole Opry.

Although known and respected in music circles, it took a film to popularize his mournful voice with the mass public.  O Brother, Where Art Thou became one of the 50 most influential recordings of all time, according to NPR.  The album went on to sell over 8 million copies and earned Dr. Stanley is first Grammy Award for Best Male Country Vocal Performance.  In 2000 He received the Living Legend award from the Library of Congress, and in 2006 was awarded the National Medal of Arts.

Local favorites Molasses Creek will open the show.  Their high-energy performances and phenomenal songwriting bring the love of their coastal home to the stage. The band’s elegant harmonies and arrangements, blazing instrumentals, and quirky sense of humor have won loyal followers throughout the United States and around the world.  Award winners from Garrison Keillor’s A Prairie Home Companion, their new release An Island Out of Time reached #4 on the National Folk Charts in 2012.

Tickets are $25 with a limited number of VIP seats for $50.  Tickets will go on sale on April 29^th.  Doors will open at 6PM with the show beginning at 7pm.  The concert will take place rain or shine.  This will be the first event in a new concert series being produced by The Lost Colony.  Live At The Waterside is a series of concerts which will take place on Sunday evenings and eventually in the off season at the Historic Waterside Theatre.  More information on the series and The Lost Colony can be found at www.thelostcolony.org.  The Ramada Plaza in Nags head is serving as host hotel.

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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 76^th anniversary season plays May 31 through August 23, 2013 at Manteo’s Waterside Theatre, on North Carolina’s Outer Banks. Curtain time is 8:00 pm.  For tickets and information, go to www.thelostcolony.org or call (252) 473-2127.

CMassey@thelostcolony.org                                                     

252.473.4225

(February 27, 2013 Manteo, NC)

The Lost Colony held local auditions on Saturday, February 23, 2013

Over eighty auditionees took part in the local try outs for the 76^th season of Paul Green’s The Lost Colony held on Saturday, February 23^rd at the Roanoke Campus of the College of the Albemarle.  Actors, singers and dancers of all ages were welcomed by new director Ira David Wood, III.  Wood who has appeared in the production will be directing the show for the first time this summer.  He will be joined by McCrae Hardy as musical director, Jimmie Lee Brooks as choreography, Robert Midgette as fight director and Lance Culpepper as associate producer.  The entire team was on hand for the auditions. A cast list will be announced once the audition process is completed following the Southeastern Theatre Conference in Louisville.

The 2013 season of The Lost Colony will open on May 31, 2013 and run through August 23, 2013.  The show will start at 8:00 PM this summer.  For more information visit the website at wwwthelostcolony.org.

Become a Lost Colony Volunteer

The Lost Colony is throwing a Tea Party for anyone interested in becoming a volunteer to support the many activities and programs of the Roanoke Island Historical Association.  While we have an active volunteer membership at the present, we would like to welcome more participants into a program that will feature a variety of activities throughout the year. While most people consider The Lost Colony a summer production, there are important support jobs to be done throughout the year.  We would like to invite anyone interested in becoming a part of an active volunteer community to join us for an informal Tea Party on Thursday, January 24, 2013 at 4:00 PM in the Lost Colony Building located next to the Elizabethan Gardens in the Fort Raleigh National Historic Site in Manteo.  We would also encourage the current members to invite their friends and neighbors to join us at this time.  Come and hear some of the new plans for the upcoming season, and help to make the 76^th season of The Lost Colony more successful and fun filled than ever.  For more information please contact Charles H. Massey or Terry Fowler at 763-2127.  Mark January 24^th on your new 2013 calendar and make plans to attend The Lost Colony Tea Party.

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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 76^th anniversary season plays May 31 through August 23, 2013 at Manteo’s Waterside Theatre, on North Carolina’s Outer Banks. The new Curtain time is 8:00 pm.  For tickets and information, go to www.thelostcolony.org or call (252) 473-2127.

CMassey@thelostcolony.org                                                     

252.473.4225

(December 5, 2012 Manteo, NC)

Ira David Wood, III named director of The Lost Colony 

Bill Coleman, the new CEO of the Roanoke Island Historical Association, announced at the annual meeting of the organization on November 17th that he has hired Ira David Wood, III of Raleigh to direct The Lost Colony for the 2013 season.  Mr. Wood, often described as a North Carolina Theatrical Treasure, is no stranger to The Lost Colony, having first appeared on the stage of the Waterside Theatre in 1968 in the role of Sir Walter Raleigh.  He played Sir Walter for two seasons before moving on to the role of Old Tom.  A North Carolina native, Wood is a graduate of The University of North Carolina School of the Arts, and the Founder and Executive Director of Raleigh’s Theatre in the Park.  Located in the Pullen Park Armory, the organization is the largest community theatre in North Carolina.

This December David will celebrate his 38^th season with his production of A Christmas Carol in which he portrays the miserly Ebenezer Scrooge.  David is responsible for the musical adaptation of the Dickens’ classic which has played to over one million people and is considered one of the most successful shows in North Carolina theatrical history. Once the holidays are behind him, David will start to make plans for the upcoming season along with the administrative and artistic staff as they implement the long process of casting the numerous actors, singers, dancers and technicians required to bring the story to life.

The news of David’s return to The Lost Colony has created excitement among many citizens of Roanoke Island who have long associations with the actor/director that date back to his appearances in the show.  Della Basnight who played Dame Coleman when David was Sir Walter remembers him as a kind, gentle man who paid attention to everyone in the cast, no matter the size of their role.  She continued to say, “Everyone whose life he has touched has walked away with a smile on their face.” The actor, director, playwright and author is equally at home on television, film and stage.  Della is excited to see the “homecoming” of one of The Lost Colony’s most celebrated alumni.  In a way, outdoor drama will be a way of returning to his roots.  Della’s mother Cora Mae Basnight played Agona when David played Old Tom, and Della has fond memories of seeing the two of them on stage together.

Marjalene Thomas played Queen Elizabeth when D avid played Sir Walter and she is thrilled to hear that he will be returning to the Colony.  “Everything he does he does well and with such passion and commitment”, Marjalene reports with great joy. “I have seen him act here and in Raleigh, where he also directs and produces.  I was thrilled to have him as Sir Walter and I am thrilled to have him returning to Manteo and our dear Lost Colony.”

Bill Coleman who is responsible for hiring the new director is thrilled to have someone with a rich North Carolina history directing the production, and is impressed with his passion for the show and its place in the cultural fabric of the state. “It will be great to have David Wood back in Manteo and involved in the community that first produced this play back in 1937,” Coleman commented.  David looks at The Lost Colony as the place that launched his professional career, and he is honored to be giving back to the play, the community, the supporters and the state of North Carolina.

Mr. Wood both wrote and directed the Opening Ceremonies for the Summer Olympic Festival which was the largest single event ever held in North Carolina.  He directed the premier production of the outdoor drama First For Freedom in Halifax, North Carolina. His original production, A Capitol Idea, was the highlight of Raleigh’s Bicentennial celebration.  Four of his original productions have aired on WRAL-TV.  Two of his original plays (Eros & Illinois and Requiem For a King) have enjoyed extended runs Off-Broadway.  Among his many awards, he is pleased to have been presented the Morrison Award by the Roanoke Island Historical Association.  He is deeply honored to be returning to The Lost Colony and Roanoke Island.

The Lost Colony will open its 76^th season on May 31, 2013 and run through August 23, 2013.

Show time is 8:00 pm this season, and more information is available on line at www.thelostcolony.org or by calling (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 76^th season will play from May 31, 2013 through August 23, 2013 at Manteo’s Waterside Theatre, on North Carolina’s Outer Banks.  Curtain time is 8:00 pm. For tickets and information, go to www.thelostcolony.org or call (252) 473-2127.

Media Contact:  Charles H. Massey                                                                          FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CMassey@thelostcolony.org                                                     

252.473.4225

(November 26, 2012 Manteo, NC)

New Lost Colony CEO, Bill Coleman presents the Shining Star Award to volunteer Karen King at the Annual Dinner of the RIHA.

The Lost Colony Annual Meeting celebrates 75^th Anniversary Season

Members of the Roanoke Island Historical Association gathered on Saturday, November 17, 2012 at 108 Budleigh for the organization’s annual membership meeting.  The Lost Colony had a lot to celebrate, and they did so in grand style.  The evening started with drinks and hors d’oeuvres followed by a buffet dinner provided by Kelly’s Outer Banks restaurant and Tavern. The invocation was delivered by Tshombe Selby, choir master for last season’s production. Following dinner, Stephen B. King, Sr., the new Chairman of the Board of Directors introduced Bill Coleman, the new CEO of the organization, and thanked Paul Tine, the immediate past Chairman of the Board who has stepped down as Chairman to assume his responsibilities as a Representative in the North Carolina House of Representatives.

Mr. King gave a “State of the Colony” summery of the past year including the highlights of the 75^th Anniversary Season.  He thanked the staff of the RIHA who under the leadership of Brandon Smith worked hard to uphold the high standards of the association.  Thanks were also shared with the volunteers, the season sponsors, members, the creative staff, the cast and the Board of Directors.  Without the support of countless individuals and organizations, a show like The Lost Colony could not be produced.  A special thank you was issued to the citizens of Roanoke Island the Town of Manteo.

Mr. Coleman thanked the membership for the warm welcome that he has received and indicated how pleased he is to be a part of such an impressive organization.  He is eager to work with his staff to produce the 76 season of America’s oldest Symphonic Outdoor Drama.  He also announced that he has hired Ira David Wood, III of Raleigh to direct the show for next summer.  Mr. Wood is no stranger to The Lost Colony, having played Sir Walter Raleigh for several seasons. He also announced that Lance Culpepper has been named Associate Producer of the production. Mr. Culpepper has been associated with the organization for seven years.

The treasurer’s report was delivered by Mr. Raymond J. Reisert, Jr. and Secretary; Bea Basnight placed the names of the new board nominations on the floor for a vote of the membership. Kathy Horne, Chairman of the Awards Committee, introduced the awards for the evening and presented the Skipper Bell Awards.

Originally created in 1991, the Skipper Bell Award is presented annually to one individual and one organization that display outstanding contributions to the betterment, welfare, promotion and development of The Lost Colony.  This year the individual award was presented to Patricia Fearing a past compamy member and loyal supporter of The Lost Colony.  Her series of special memories of the Colony have become an important part of The Coastland Times throughout the year.  In her acceptance speech she reminded us all that she still has tales to tell, so get ready for more memories.    The corporate award was presented to Phil Johnson, regional sales manager for the Pepsi Bottling Ventures of Elizabeth City for the generous sponsorship of the 75^th Anniversary Season and the special “Lost Colony Pepsi cans.”

Chairman Stephen King recognized retiring Board members: Shelby Sheffield Strother, Bill Alexander and Trish Stroud Webb.  The Shining Star Award was presented to Mrs. Karen King and Mrs. Crystal Simpson.  This award is given to individuals who exhibit genuine kindness and helpfulness.

Bill Coleman presented the Special Recognition for Service Awards to Mrs. Cindy G. McEnery, Mrs. Sandy Semans Ross, Ms. Barbara Hird and Ms. lebame houston for their contributions to the success of the 75^th Anniversary celebration.   The Volunteer of the Year award was presented to Christopher Clarens for his service to The Lost Colony and RIHA.

On behalf of the Board of Directors, Mr. Coleman announced that the 76^th season of The Lost Colony will be dedicated to Ida and Bill Friday and the Friday family.

The evening concluded with the entire membership singing “The Final March” from The Lost Colony under the leadership of Marjalene Thomas and Tshombe Selby.  Traci Nissley accompanied the group on the piano and provided cocktail music for the opening of the evening.

A special thank you to: Lib Fearing, Malcolm and Susan Fearing, City Beverage, Pepsi, Kelly’s Outer Banks Restaurant and Tavern, Buddy McCown and John Turner.  For more information about The Lost Colony and the upcoming 76^th season please visit the website at wwwthelostcolony.org.

Members of the RIHA gather at 108 Budleigh for the Annual Dinner on November 17, 2012.

###

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.

(November 26, 2012 Manteo, NC)

The Lost Colony Annual Meeting celebrates 75^th Anniversary Season

Members of the Roanoke Island Historical Association gathered on Saturday, November 17, 2012 at 108 Budleigh for the organization’s annual membership meeting.  The Lost Colony had a lot to celebrate, and they did so in grand style.  The evening started with drinks and hors d’oeuvres followed by a buffet dinner provided by Kelly’s Outer Banks restaurant and Tavern. The invocation was delivered by Tshombe Selby, choir master for last season’s production. Following dinner, Stephen B. King, Sr., the new Chairman of the Board of Directors introduced Bill Coleman, the new CEO of the organization, and thanked Paul Tine, the immediate past Chairman of the Board who has stepped down as Chairman to assume his responsibilities as a Representative in the North Carolina House of Representatives.

Mr. King gave a “State of the Colony” summery of the past year including the highlights of the 75^th Anniversary Season.  He thanked the staff of the RIHA who under the leadership of Brandon Smith worked hard to uphold the high standards of the association.  Thanks were also shared with the volunteers, the season sponsors, members, the creative staff, the cast and the Board of Directors.  Without the support of countless individuals and organizations, a show like The Lost Colony could not be produced.  A special thank you was issued to the citizens of Roanoke Island the Town of Manteo.

Mr. Coleman thanked the membership for the warm welcome that he has received and indicated how pleased he is to be a part of such an impressive organization.  He is eager to work with his staff to produce the 76 season of America’s oldest Symphonic Outdoor Drama.  He also announced that he has hired Ira David Wood, III of Raleigh to direct the show for next summer.  Mr. Wood is no stranger to The Lost Colony, having played Sir Walter Raleigh for several seasons. He also announced that Lance Culpepper has been named Associate Producer of the production. Mr. Culpepper has been associated with the organization for seven years.

The treasurer’s report was delivered by Mr. Raymond J. Reisert, Jr. and Secretary; Bea Basnight placed the names of the new board nominations on the floor for a vote of the membership. Kathy Horne, Chairman of the Awards Committee, introduced the awards for the evening and presented the Skipper Bell Awards.

Originally created in 1991, the Skipper Bell Award is presented annually to one individual and one organization that display outstanding contributions to the betterment, welfare, promotion and development of The Lost Colony.  This year the individual award was presented to Patricia Fearing a past compamy member and loyal supporter of The Lost Colony.  Her series of special memories of the Colony have become an important part of The Coastland Times throughout the year.  In her acceptance speech she reminded us all that she still has tales to tell, so get ready for more memories.    The corporate award was presented to Phil Johnson, regional sales manager for the Pepsi Bottling Ventures of Elizabeth City for the generous sponsorship of the 75^th Anniversary Season and the special “Lost Colony Pepsi cans.”

Chairman Stephen King recognized retiring Board members: Shelby Sheffield Strother, Bill Alexander and Trish Stroud Webb.  The Shining Star Award was presented to Mrs. Karen King and Mrs. Crystal Simpson.  This award is given to individuals who exhibit genuine kindness and helpfulness.

Bill Coleman presented the Special Recognition for Service Awards to Mrs. Cindy G. McEnery, Mrs. Sandy Semans Ross, Ms. Barbara Hird and Ms. lebame houston for their contributions to the success of the 75^th Anniversary celebration.   The Volunteer of the Year award was presented to Christopher Clarens for his service to The Lost Colony and RIHA.

On behalf of the Board of Directors, Mr. Coleman announced that the 76^th season of The Lost Colony will be dedicated to Ida and Bill Friday and the Friday family.

The evening concluded with the entire membership singing “The Final March” from The Lost Colony under the leadership of Marjalene Thomas and Tshombe Selby.  Traci Nissley accompanied the group on the piano and provided cocktail music for the opening of the evening.

A special thank you to: Lib Fearing, Malcolm and Susan Fearing, City Beverage, Pepsi, Kelly’s Outer Banks Restaurant and Tavern, Buddy McCown and John Turner.  For more information about The Lost Colony and the upcoming 76^th season please visit the website at wwwthelostcolony.org.

Members of the RIHA gather at 108 Budleigh for the Annual Dinner on November 17, 2012.

###

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.

 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

(September 5, 2012 Manteo, NC) The Lost Colony has just completed its 75th Anniversary Season at the Waterside Theatre where over 43,000 people saw the nation’s oldest outdoor drama.  As we look back at the exciting season, there are many highlights that will make the Colony’s record books and memory books.  We would like to share some of them with you our loyal patrons and supporters.

Ten Shows Lost To Rain And One To Sound.  The season ran from June 1, 2012 to August 23, 2012.  Had we not lost eleven shows to rain and sound, our attendance record would be near record-breaking numbers for the recent past.  Several of the rainouts were on Monday nights when the audience was the largest. It was the wettest summer on record for Roanoke Island.  One show was lost because of the breakdown of the sound system for the theatre.  This has never happened before.

Backstage Tour Break Records. Over the years, a  popular addition to The Lost Colony experience has become the Backstage Tour that gives a behind-the-scenes look at how the production comes to life.  The tour starts nightly at 7:30 and is run by a member of the company who guides the group through the different back stage activities that take place prior to curtain time.  This summer 4,641 patrons went on the tour, and that was an impressive 400 more than the previous season.  If you have not been on this tour, be sure to sign up for it next season when you order your tickets.

Robert Midgette Celebrates 40 Seasons With The Lost Colony.  Robert’s father, mother, sister and brother were all involved in the production over the years, so it is only natural that Robert would become a part of this Roanoke Island tradition.  For 26 years he played the role of Manteo, and he served as Fight Captain for four seasons before becoming the Fight Director.  2012 marks his seventh summer in that position.  The 64th season of The Lost Colony was dedicated to his honor by the RIHA Board of Directors.

Over 1100 Students Attend Special Matinee Performance.  On June 5, 2012 the seats of the Waterside Theatre were filled with over 1100 students from throughout Dare, Tyrell and Edenton-Chowan counties for a special morning matinee performance of the first act of The Lost Colony.  Home schooled students from throughout the area were also included in the young audience.  All students were provided with programs for the production which included information about the show and its rich history. In House Exhibit Draws Big Crowds, Both On Line And In Person.

USED TO BE IN THE SHOW, a 75th Anniversary Retrospective Exhibit, presented a collection of costumes, props, photos and souvenirs from the rich history of The Lost Colony.  Housed in the Lost Colony Building, the exhibit was open to the public Monday through Friday from 10:00 to 12:00 and from 2:00 to 4:00 as well as from 6:00 to 8:00 in the evening before the show.  Over 5,000 guests attended the exhibit in person, and another 30,000 participated in the virtual tour on the website.  The exhibit will be open again for Symposium in October.

Andy Griffith Dies In His Manteo Home.  The Lost Colony family mourns the loss of our dear friend and “keeper of the dream,” Andy Griffith, who died in his home in Manteo on Roanoke Island in his native North Carolina on Tuesday, July 3, 2012.  Andy first came to The Lost Colony while still a student at The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in the summer of 1947.  From 1949 to 1953 he played Sir Walter Raleigh and fell in love with Roanoke Island, a place he later called home.  North Carolina has lost one of its most famous citizens, The Lost Colony has lost one of its most loyal supporters, and the world has lost the “man next door” who taught us so many life lessons in his real, down home style.  On Tuesday evening, July 3, 2012 the lights of the Waterside Theatre were dimed and a minute of silence was observed in honor of our friend and neighbor, Andy Griffith.

Theatre Arts Camp Proves Popular with Young People.  The 2012 season of Theatre Arts Camp had an enrolment of 46 young people ranging in age from 6 to 14. Campers came from as far away as Florida and New York.  Three sessions were provided and productions of Disney’s The Jungle Book and the musical Once On This Island proved to be popular productions.  The camp is supervised by the RIHA administrative staff and run by members of The Lost Colony Company.  Each session is five days long and includes concentrated instruction, rehearsal and performance.  Camp tee shirts, cast photos and daily snacks are included in the price of the camp.  Plans for next season’s camp will be announced soon. 75th Anniversary Alumni Reunion Draws Members From the 1930s To The Present.

On July 27th, 2012, Roanoke Island was invaded by over 500 members of past companies of The Lost Colony for a celebration that included a Welcome Home Party, a group photo session, a Lions Club fish fry, a special performance of The Lost Colony, a pig pickin’ , a cabaret and a Sunday Memorial Service complete with an alumni memorial choir.  At the Saturday evening performance all members of the alumni organization were invited to stand and be recognized.  Acting CEO Brandon Smith then asked the members to sit down by decades starting with the most recent and ending with the oldest.  Marjalene Thomas, who has been involved in the show since 1938 was the last person standing.  She was given a rousing round of applause from the entire audience.

Dare Babies Become Two Night Event.  One of the highlights of Virginia Dare’s birthday on Roanoke Island is the appearance of live babies on stage as the infant Virginia Dare.  This season, due to the overwhelming response to the casting call, it was decided to have a two night event and feature a total of 12 babies.  The Saturday performance included Taylor Johnson, Lola Khirikham, Edgar Wyatt Martin, Jack Gray, John Neal Pritchard and Lillian Grace Binkley.  On Monday evening we were introduced to Gracie Gallop, Lucy Elizabeth Seawell, Marc “Crew” Basnight-Moran, Laila Rose Adger, Annabelle Bowman and Angel M. Tobiasz.  It is always interesting to see which of these infants will grow up to be in the show like so many of their parents, grandparents and family members have over the years.

Pat Basinger Fearing Shares Diamond Memories.  One of the most touching tributes to the 75th Anniversary came as a special gift from Pat Fearing and our friends at The Coastland Times.  Each week Pat shared her memories of The Lost Colony as seen through the eyes of some very special people who worked hard to build the strong foundation that so many of us have been privileged to add to over the years. Her respect for the past, her love of the process and her dedication to the present made these stories most enjoyable and educational.  Each week the reader was introduced to a new list of characters only surpassed by a Charles Dickens novel.  (Unlike Dickens she included great photos.)  Each of these people were the people that have become legends in the history of our outdoor drama.  If you missed any of them, you missed the fabric of The Lost Colony.  Dear Pat, thanks for your memories…now they belong to us all. A special thank you to all of our company members, staff, volunteers, sponsors, members and patrons

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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 towww.thelostcolony.org<http://www.thelostcolony.org> or call (252) 473-2127.

Charles H. Massey Director of Marketing

(252) 473-4225 Direct Line (252) 473-2127 General Number

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 towww.thelostcolony.org<http://www.thelostcolony.org> or call (252) 473-2127.

You would be hard pressed to find anyone who lives on Roanoke Island who does not know someone who has been a “Dare Baby” in the Virginia Dare Birthday celebration on The Lost Colony stage.  Teachers, policemen, ministers, town officials, politicians, fishermen and businessmen have all been on stage as the first English child born in the new world.  This popular tradition is not unlike one used in many churches worldwide when a live baby is placed in the manger of Christmas pageants.

On Saturday, August 18^th the citizens of Roanoke Island will celebrate the 425 anniversary of the birth of Virginia Dare.  The day will start with a special “Virginia Dare Faire” on the grounds surrounding The Lost Colony Building.  The “Faire” will be followed by the cutting of a Birthday cake at the entrance to The Elizabethan Gardens. The Renaissance Faire is free to the public and open to children of all ages.   Costumed members from the cast of The Lost Colony will be on hand to oversee the proceedings. The Gardens will have a special $4.25 admission fee to honor the occasion.  There will be a performance of The Lost Colony at 8:30 that evening in which live babies will be used on stage.

Due to the excitement generated by the popular tradition of “live babies on stage,” there will be an additional night of “Dare Babies” at The Lost Colony.   On Monday, August 20, 2012 there will be a second cast of Virginia Dare babies.  In time these young children will grow into outstanding citizens of our community who will always have a special memory to share with their family and friends.

The babies who will take part in the 75^th Anniversary Virginia Dare celebration have a varied background and cover a wide range of families from the community and beyond.  On Saturday evening the following will appear on stage: Taylor Johnson, Lola Khirikhan, Edgar Wyatt Martin, Jack Gray, John Neal Pritchard and Lillian Grace Binkley.

Taylor Johnson is the daughter of Lori and Eric Johnson of Elizabeth City, NC. Taylor’s mother Lori was a Virginia Dare Baby in 1979.  Lola Khirkhan is the daughter of Maria Matijasevic and Josia Lamberto-Egan of Manteo. Josia appeared as a colonist child in 1988-1989 and Lola served as the company nurse.  Edgar Wyatt Martin is the son of Allison Fearing Martin and Ted Martin.  Edgar’s great, great uncle was Bradford Fearing, his great grandfather was Keith Fearing, Jr. and his great grandmother is Lib Fearing.  Jack Gray is the son of Megan Grey and Dallas “Mac” Grey. The Grey family lives in Manteo and has enjoyed seeing the show every year.   John Neal Pritchard is the son of Sarah and Davis Pritchard of Manteo.  Lillian Grace Binkley is the daughter of Betsy and Michael Binkley of Manteo.

On Monday evening, August 20^th the following will appear in The Lost Colony: Gracie Gallop, Lacy Elizabeth Seawell, Marc “Crew” Basnight-Moran, Laila Rose Adger, Annabelle Bowman and Angel M. Tobiasz.

Gracie Gallop is the daughter of Elizabeth and Ben Gallop of Manteo. The family will be experiencing The Lost Colony for the first time as they watch young Gracie on stage.  Lacy Elizabeth Seawell is the daughter of Kristen and Billy Seawell from Hillsboro.  Lacy’s brother Christopher was a Virginia Dare baby in 2009, and grandfather Christopher L. Seawell is a past chairman of the board of directors of the R.I.H.A.  Marc “Crew” Basnight-Moran is the son of Caroline Basnight and Allen Moran of Manteo.  “Crew’s” father was a Virginia Dare baby for the 50^th Anniversary.  His great grandmother Cora Mae Basnight played the role of Agona for 26 years, and his Aunt Bea  currently serves as secretary for the R.I.H.A. board of directors.   Laila Rose Adger is the daughter of Meredith Hayes and Michael Adger of Chesapeake, VA.  Laila’s “auntie Em” is currently a member of the costume crew for the production. Annabelle Bowman is the daughter of Sallie Hedrick Bowman and Nicholas Bowman of Wake Forest. Annabelle’s mother was a dancer in The Lost Colony in 2001.  Her great uncle Peter Rackley was an actor-technician in the 1970’s and 80’s.  Angel M. Tobiasz is the daughter of Serena and Alex Tobiasz of Kill Devil Hills.  Angel’s father was the prop master for the show in 2000 and her grandfather W. Scott Hopkin was a crew chief in 2005.

This year’s Virginia Dare babies will be added to a long list of dignified alumni who participated in the historic drama at a very early age. Many of them will go on to serve the show and their community in the years to come just as their parents and grandparents have before them.  To become a part of this special Virginia Dare Birthday event call the box office at (252) 473-6000 for tickets.

The Lost Colony runs through August 23 in the Waterside Theatre located in the Fort Raleigh National Historic Site on Roanoke Island. For further information visit the website at www.thelostcolony.org.

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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.