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PNC Bank Returns as Presenting Sponsor of The Lost Colony

ROANOKE ISLAND, N.C., April 24, 2019 – The Roanoke Island Historical Association today announced that PNC Bank will return as the presenting sponsor of The Lost Colony production this season.

“We are grateful for PNC’s dedication to the arts and history of our region and commitment to The Lost Colony production,” stated Bill Coleman, CEO of the Roanoke Island Historical Association, the nonprofit that has produced The Lost Colony since 1937. “PNC has chosen to sponsor the production for the past three years, and we are delighted to have them on board.  They remain the only presenting sponsor in 82 years.”

This sponsorship recognizes the historical significance of the Lost Colony story and the economic, educational and cultural impact in the Outer Banks community and throughout North Carolina.

PNC Bank also sponsors the Kids 5-and-under Free Ticket every night to The Lost Colony performance.

“PNC supports unique opportunities and experiences that give children the chance to learn about music, dance and theater,” said Jim Hansen, PNC regional president of Eastern Carolinas. “We know the arts can help them develop the social and cognitive skills needed for long-term learning. The Lost Colony is a wonderful production that teaches history and so much more.”

The Lost Colony celebrates the first English colony in the New World. The 117 men, women and children sailed from Plymouth, England, and settled on Roanoke Island in 1587. Two years later, they vanished, leaving a mystery that has yet to be solved. When The Lost Colony debuted in 1937, the attention of the nation focused on Roanoke Island and the historical events that occurred there. That year, more than 50,000 people from across the nation attended, including President Franklin D. Roosevelt. The mystery of the 1587 colony is now known across the globe.

The Lost Colony is the longest-running outdoor symphonic drama in the nation and the only outdoor drama to have received a Tony Honor for Excellence in Theatre. The Lost Colony opens for its 82nd season Friday, May 31, 2019.

 

About PNC

PNC Bank, National Association, is a member of The PNC Financial Services Group, Inc. (NYSE: PNC). PNC is one of the largest diversified financial services institutions in the United States, organized around its customers and communities for strong relationships and local delivery of retail and business banking including a full range of lending products; specialized services for corporations and government entities, including corporate banking, real estate finance and asset-based lending; wealth management and asset management. For information about PNC, visit www.pnc.com.

 

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 and produced by the Roanoke Island Historical Association, a 501 (c)(3) nonprofit, The Lost Colony’s 2019 season runs May 31-Aug. 23, 2019 at Roanoke Island’s Waterside Theatre, located within the Fort Raleigh National Historic Site on the Outer Banks. Curtain time is 7:45 PM. For tickets and information, go to www.www.thelostcolony.org or call (252) 473-6000.

 

Media Contact:  Nancy J. Figiel
nfigiel@www.thelostcolony.org
252.473.2127
Manteo, NC 27954

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Fred Howard, Jr. Takes Final March

Fred Howard, Jr., the man who originated the role of Uppowoc in our 1937 production of The Lost Colony (at the age of 22!), took his final march on March 15, 2019, at the age of 104. Read full obituary here – http://bit.ly/FredHowardObituary 

Dedicated Alumni, Pete Peterson, Takes His Final March

-By Elizabeth Evans

To Colony friends far and wide, it is with sadness that we let you know of Pete Peterson’s passing on Monday, April 1, following a brief illness.

If you were a member of The Lost Colony between 1971 and 1996, you probably knew Pete. A commanding presence with an infectious smile, he was a pillar of the company, having performed the roles of Sir Walter Raleigh, Simon Fernando, Manteo and the Indian Chief Wanchese, for which he was well known. He also enjoyed his offstage responsibilities as combat director and fight choreographer for many years.

Pete was an avid outdoorsman. He approached each excursion, from mountain biking and kayaking to white water rafting, with studious preparation and admiration of Earth’s natural wonders.

In 1997, Pete married Marie Evans, an artist and former “Colony” dancer, who shared his sense of adventure. Together, they travelled throughout the U.S. on many trips. They made their home in Davidson County, N.C., where they renovated and transformed the Evans family’s 19th century farmhouse into a home, art studio and haven for their pets. Pete was also a talented pianist, an avid reader, a faithful Cowboys fan, a devoted and thoughtful in-law, and a fun uncle.

A memorial service will take place on the Outer Banks later this year. If you care to send a note or remembrance to Marie (she won’t be looking on this site), please post it the old-fashioned way to:

Marie Evans, P.O. Box 2118, Welcome, NC  27374

 

Ghosts of the Lost Colony 2019

The Lost Colony is thrilled to present a theatrical, interactive adventure exploring paranormal hotspots around the grounds of the Waterside Theatre and Fort Raleigh National Historic Site. Trevor Janzen, founder of Astral Plane Investigations, will be guiding tours through Elizabethan history, colonial exploration, and the importance of these expeditions. During this tour you will uncover the mysteries of Roanoke Island through firsthand encounters with the ghosts of those who lived here and experience the birthplace of modern American history in an entirely new way.

Ghosts of the Lost Colony is open to the public Monday through Saturday, April 15 – April 27, 2019. Tours leave at 8:00 PM, Monday through Thursday, and 8:00 PM and 9:00 PM Friday and Saturday from The Lost Colony ticket office. Guests should plan for an hour of haunted history as they walk the grounds in search of paranormal activity. Tickets are available online at www.thelostcolony.org, by phone at 252-473-2127, or one hour before the tour at the Ticket Office. Tickets are $20, children 5 and under are free. Ghosts of the Lost Colony is funded in part by the Outer Banks Visitors Bureau.

Tours are conducted outdoors in the evening on uneven terrain. These trails are not accessible by individuals with physical handicaps or in wheelchairs.

Learn more about The Lost Colony, as well as the Roanoke Island Historical Association, and reserve tickets to this year’s performance at https://www.thelostcolony.org.

New Book Out by TLC Director/Alumni, Ira David Wood III

Our wonderful Director, Ira David Wood III, and Lost Colony Alum, has a new book out called The Russian Galatea. To read more or to purchase the book visit this site.

Deon’te Goodman – Alumni on Broadway

Deon’te Goodman has just joined the cast of Hamilton on Broadway, it’s so exciting to see one of our alums continuing to do great work! Read more on Deon’te here.

9 Outdoor Dramas to Enjoy Under the Stars

We are #1 on this list but we’re not the only ones on the list – North Carolina has a marvelous selection of outdoor dramas to enjoy in the great outdoors. Read full list here from our friends at VisitNC. 

The Lost Colony Launches New Website

The Roanoke Island Historical Association (RIHA) is proud to announce the launch of its newly redesigned The Lost Colony website. The new website offers a modern layout with a theatric design, featuring imagery from the production.

The improved functionality allows visitors to search by date, show and time. Also, with the new technology, Outer Banks vacationers can search for all shows and events taking place during the timeframe they are visiting the area. Enhanced, rich content; including dramatic imagery and video, as well as a timeline of the history of the 82-year-old production, can be also discovered on the new website.

“We are very excited about the completion of the website redesign. The site offers the latest technology to make the website fast, fun and easy to navigate.”-Bill Coleman, CEO of The Lost Colony.

The Roanoke Island Historical Association (RIHA) is the producing organization of The Lost Colony. Its mission is to commemorate the history of the first English colonies in North America on Roanoke Island, North Carolina. This mission is primarily accomplished by the annual production of the symphonic outdoor drama The Lost Colony, and through educationally engaging events and programs.

“We are absolutely thrilled with our updated website and expect it will improve the online experience for our guests, ticket buyers and supporters of The Lost Colony”. -Kevin Bradley, RIHA Vice Chair and Marketing Committee Chair.

Learn more about The Lost Colony, as well as The Roanoke Island Historical Association, and reserve tickets to this year’s performance at https://www.thelostcolony.org.

The Lost Colony Local Auditions

Become a Cast Member of the 2019 Season of The Lost Colony

The Roanoke Island Historical Association (RIHA) has announced the dates for the local Outer Banks auditions for the 2019 season of The Lost Colony. Associate Producer for The Lost Colony, Lance Culpepper, has organized the auditions and will be joined by Music Director, McCrae Hardy, Choreographer, Pam Atha, and Fight Director, Robert Midgette.

Auditions are slated for Saturday, February 16, 2019, at Manteo High School, 829 Wingina Ave, Manteo, NC. Registration opens at 8:40 AM and auditions will begin at 9:00 AM. Everyone attending the auditions is requested to bring a recent photograph and resume. Additional information will be collected at the time of registration.

For more details and audition information, visit: TheLostColony.org

 

Contact: Lance Culpepper

Email: lculpepper@www.thelostcolony.org

January 30, 2019 – Manteo, NC

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Auditions Set for Ghosts of the Lost Colony


On Friday, February 8th, The Lost Colony will hold local auditions for its upcoming 2019 production of Ghosts of the Lost Colony! Auditions will be held at 6:00 PM in the Lost Colony Building, 1409 National Park Drive, Manteo, NC.

Become part of the cast of ghosts and ghost hunters entertaining visitors and locals alike. The cast will lead the tours as they roam Fort Raleigh Historic Site to discover paranormal hot spots believed to be associated with spirits of The Lost Colony of 1587 and The Lost Colony production. The Lost Colony is seeking all ages for speaking and non-speaking roles for Ghosts of the Lost Colony. All positions are paid.

Rehearsals will begin in April and the first student group performance will be April 11th.  Performances open to the public April 15th and will run every night but Sunday until April 27th, 2019. Tours leave at 8:00 PM from The Lost Colony ticket office, Fridays and Saturdays will offer an additional 9:00 PM tour.

Media Contact:  Crystal Bryan

Marketing@www.www.thelostcolony.org                                                     

Phone: 252.473.2127

See here for more audition information and dates.

SETC Award Presented to Robert Hobbs

The Lost Colony recently hosted the National Conference on Outdoor Theatre October 16-18. An evening reception was hosted by Roanoke Island Historical Association Board and the Scott Parker Award was given to RIHA counsel, Robert Hobbs. This award is presented to an exceptional volunteer in the field of Outdoor Theatre and recognizes an individual for their extraordinary, dedicated and unpaid service to the organization.

Upon presentation of the award, RIHA CEO, Bill Coleman, said “In the non-profit world, especially Outdoor Theatre, having an attorney, counsel, an advocate that works tirelessly to support your mission and is passionate about that mission – it’s as good as gold. The Roanoke Island Historical Association, producers of The Lost Colony, have found that gold in our counsel, Robert Hobbs. Robert has been more than generous with his time, talent and treasure and more importantly, he is truly a pleasure to work with and to know”.

Robert Hobbs is a partner in the Nags Head, North Carolina office of the law firm of Hornthal, Riley, Ellis & Maland, LLP. Hobbs has served as General Counsel and member of the Board of Directors for the Roanoke Island Historical Association since 2008.

 

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About The Lost Colony

First staged in 1937, The Lost Colony (a 501-c3 non-profit) is the nation’s premier and longest-running outdoor symphonic drama. Written by Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright, Paul Green, The Lost Colony’s 2019 season begins May 31 at Roanoke Island’s Waterside Theatre, on North Carolina’s Outer Banks.

 

The Lost Colony Wine & Culinary Festival Grand Tasting

Celebrate Roanoke Island’s history, legends and heritage with wine, handcrafted beer and sumptuous food – all benefiting The Lost Colony

Roanoke Island Historical Association is excited for the upcoming 2nd Annual Lost Colony Wine and Culinary Festival Grand Tasting on Saturday, September 29th. Last year’s inaugural event was a triumphant success with attendees proclaiming it to be the best event on the Outer Banks!

The Grand Tasting takes place on the grounds of The Lost Colony, this event is rain or shine but have no weather woes as the entire Festival is held indoors in the SoundStage Theatre and under our covered breezeways of the Waterside Theatre. Attendees will enjoy a myriad of fabulous food, wine and beer to taste and enjoy, all surrounded by breathtaking views of the Roanoke Sound.

The Wine Tasting will feature over 100 wines and champagnes from around the world as well as an array of local varieties. Peruse the Beer Garden and discover local and regional craft beers, some of which are found ONLY on the Outer Banks. Sample Savory Local Fare from ten Outer Banks restaurants including: Argyle’s, Basnight’s Lone Cedar Café, BlueWater Grill & Raw Bar, Café Lachine, The Dunes, Ortega’z, Pamlico Jack’s, Pigman’s Bar-B-Que, Southern Shores Pizza and Ten O Six.
Want to dazzle your friends with fancy wine, beer or champagne knowledge? Get tickets for one of our Seminar Sessions: Uncovering the Mystery of Sparkling Wine; Wines and Hard Cider from the Russian River Valley; and Taking the Mystery out of the Craft Beer Aisle. You’ll experience a private tasting along with valuable information from professional leaders in the wine and craft beer industries. Get your bid in the Silent Auction featuring exquisite fine art, jewelry, accessories, wine, gift certificates and more! Indulge in all these terrific components with live entertainment from two tremendous artists: BJ Griffin with Jason Brown, from Virginia Beach and local favorite, Joe Mapp. There will be no better way to spend a fall day on the Outer Banks!

The Lost Colony Wine & Culinary Festival’s Grand Tasting opens at 1PM for VIP ticket holders (SOLD OUT) and at 2PM for General Admission ($60) patrons. The Family Coppola’s Virginia Dare Winery partners with the Roanoke Island Historical Association for this “don’t miss” festival in benefit of The Lost Colony.

The festival is generously funded by the Outer Banks Visitors Bureau and the Virginia Dare Winery. Other sponsors include local partners, PCL and the TowneBank Family of banking and insurance services. For a full listing of the Festival’s supporters, event details and tickets please see our website, www.TLCwinefest.com. For more information, please call (252) 473-2127.

Mystery of the Lost Colony

Old Tom, famous for his line “Roanoke, O’ Roanoke, Thou hast made a man of me!” in The Lost Colony, grins with delight as he receives a check from Dominion Energy for a new touring production, Mystery of the Lost Colony. This fall, five additional characters from The Lost Colony will join Old Tom in this new educational production for young audiences about the first English settlement on Roanoke Island in 1587. The production will tour elementary schools in Currituck, Edenton-Chowan and Hertford counties during September and October. Mystery of The Lost Colony was generously funded by Dominion Energy to perform free in these Eastern NC schools. Winnie Wiseman of Dominion Energy (middle) is presenting the check to Old Tom (Matt Gabbard), Bill Coleman and Lance Culpepper of the Roanoke Island Historical Association. For more information on this educational program, or about bringing the performance to a school near you, please call 252 441-2127.