America's Story
Experience a mystery that haunts Roanoke Island where, 117 men, women and children lived for awhile, then vanished...leaving behind an unsolved 400 year-old-mystery. Each summer, The Lost Colony reveals this story in a unique Outer Banks experience with a dazzling spectacle of music, dance, drama, and effects under the stars at Waterside Theatre since 1937. The production has also provided a stage for countless young actors, actresses and theatre technicians who have gone on to stardom in other theatrical fields.
A young hopeful, Andy Griffith appeared in The Lost Colony early in his career. Starting in 1947 as a soldier with a few lines, he gradually captured the principal role of Sir Walter Raleigh. After seven years with The Lost Colony, he went on to success in recording, Broadway, film and television including The Andy Griffith Show and Matlock.
Andy’s wife Cindi, also appeared in The Lost Colony, performing the lead role of Eleanor Dare. The Griffith’s make their home on Roanoke Island and are strong supporters of Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright Paul Green’s drama.
It is not just actors and actresses who first gained experience at The Lost Colony, and then went on to success elsewhere. Five-time Tony Award-winning costume designer William Ivey Long, first got a taste of the entertainment industry in the costume shop at Waterside Theatre. Now in his 40th season with The Lost Colony, he is responsible for the spectacular stage sets and elaborate costumes worn on the stage. After an unfortunate 2007 fire destroyed the majority of the production’s costumes, Mr. Long successfully redesigned the entire production, providing a never-seen-before visual spectacle.
Others that have gone on to achieve success in their field include Eileen Fulton, Chris Elliot, R.G. Armstrong, and Academy Award screenwriter Ted Tally. It is possible that you will see a rising young star appear in many of the drama’s summer-time productions which include: The Tale of the Frog Prince, The Queen’s Fairy Quest, Simon’s Pirate Adventure, The Wizard of Oz, and Reaching for the Stars.