Yuletide greetings! Here's wishing all our friends a very blessed and
Merry Christmas.

Buddy shares his beliefs in what The Lost Colony instills in those who work here, namely community, family and good will.

This companies good will provides the means for TLC to do many things from fund-raising to auditioning and other events for the community.

Congrats to TLC's Volunteer of the Year Loreta Fertal

Pat Cohill announced the Distinguished Alumni Award recipient.

The 2010 season was officially dedicated to Francis and Virginia Meekins who have tirelessly supported The Lost Colony as editors/ owners of The Coastland Times. The entire room rose to a standing ovation at the news! Hats off to them both.

Now inducting former board members into the 1587 Society: Donald Bryan, Grizelle Fearing, Ellen Newbold, Joe Oxendine, Geneva Perry, and Hunt Thomas.

Norma Houston and Linda Oxendine nominated, seconded, and approved to fill vacant board seats.

Carl Curnutte just announced that Robert Richmond will return as director of The Lost Colony for their 73rd Anniversary Season. Richmond shared his efforts to keep the drama fresh and vibrant.

Hearing at the dinner from Lost Colony alums about what TLC has taught, gifted, shared, and given to those who have performed in it. Thanks for sharing Hannah Dowdy, Katharine McEnery, Court Watson, and Blair Smith!

Now at the Lost Colony Annual Dinner. Will send more details as they occur...

Lot's going on in Manteo! On Sunday, Queen Elizabeth I and Sir Walter
Raleigh will bestow honors on the Outer Banks Marathon winners. At the
theatre, the light towers will be taken down in the next few weeks. New
light towers will be constructed to replace them. AND next Saturday is
our Annual Dinner. Enjoy this evening of dinner, drinks, awards, news
and auction bidding. Tickets: 252.473.2127

The Haunted Manor is in full swing and ghoulishly fun! The Manor looks spooky, the music is groovy and those here are having a devilish good time!

Not too late to get your tickets to the Haunted Manor this Friday night. Come in costume and ready to dance and enjoy yourself for a frightfully good cause and support America's #1 outdoor drama. Tickets: 2524732127.

Make Your "Final Arrangements" for Halloween 2009 Roanoke Island
Historical Association presents THE HAUNTED MANOR. Friday, October 30,
7:00 PM - until your blood turns cold. Tickets are $60 for RIHA members
$75 for non-members. Reservations required no tickets sold after Oct. 26
; Costume attire; live entertainment by DJ Tommy Midgett; heavy hors
d'oeuvres by Ortegaz; beer, wine and spirits.252.473.2127 x223,
directions provided. Proceeds to benefit The Lost Colony
production.PLEASE KEEP THE LITTLE GHOULS & GOBLINS AT HOME

Make Your "Final Arrangements" for Halloween 2009

The Roanoke Island Historical Association presents THE HAUNTED MANOR.
Friday, October 30, 2009. 7:00 PM - until your blood turns cold. Acorn
Manor on Roanoke Island. Tickets are $60 for RIHA members. $75 for
non-members. Reservations required - no tickets sold after October 26.

Costume attire - live entertainment by DJ Tommy Midgett - heavy hors
d'oeuvres by Ortegaz - beer, wine and spirits.RSVP 252.473.2127 x223,
directions provided. Proceeds to benefit The Lost Colony production.

PLEASE KEEP THE LITTLE GHOULS & GOBLINS AT HOME

Yes, this weekend marks another match made at America's #1 outdoor drama- a former John Borden marries his Lost Colony sweetheart who was a dancer and marketing intern with the company. Will send pics to facebook later today so stay tuned.

Today at Waterside Theatre a former Old Tom take his stage love who portrayed Agona as his bride. A former Father Martin marries the theatrical sweat hearts. TEE-HEE!

We are making plans for and are in discussions with staff for our 2010 season. Make plans now to attend opening night on May 20. Tickets will be on sale in November! See you at the theatre.

TLC Exec Dir Carl Curnutte & PR Dir John Buford just saw an amazing production of Cyrano featuring many alums directed by Robert Richmond. See pics on facebook.

We just sent a mass email to our members and friends inviting them to join our social networking sites. If you want to be added to our email list contact us at info@thelostcolony.org

Make plans now for a ghoulish good time at the Haunted Manor- a frightfully fun fund-raising bash to bring out your inner goblin and support The Lost Colony on Oct 30 from 7:30-11:55. For details call 252.473.2127 or email info@thelostcolony.org

Had a great time in KH today. We met a lot of our Outer Banks neighbors, played a Roanoke Island Elizabethan Animal Habitat Game and spread the news about our 2010 season. Check it all out at www.thelostcolony.org -look for photos on our fan page later.

THE LOST COLONY will be at Kitty Hawk Heritage Day Saturday Sept 26 at the Promenade from 10am-4pm. See you there!

THIS MONTH IN LOST COLONY HISTORY...September 1585

Ralph Lane and his men explored the surrounding territory around Roanoke Island. A party of 15 men explored as far south as Secoton (about 100 miles) by tilt boat.

We are busy in THE LOST COLONY office preparing for 2010. If you checked out our website you will see that we are starting to post our 2010 productions. Take some time, check it out and mark you calendars early so you don't miss on all the excitement at Waterside Theatre.

I am posting (hopefully) updates to two accounts now?

The Hurray Players Bring Grease to Waterside Theatre

Grease is the word. Whether it’s your 1st or 100th time, this 1950’s rock and roll musical is surely the “One That You Want!” Norfolk’s celebrated Hurrah Players present this venerable musical classic at The Lost Colony’s Waterside Theatre in Manteo. Hurrah brings you Rydell High’s class of ’59 complete with Danny, Sandy, T-Birds and of course, the Pink Ladies! Don’t miss this one-time-only performance at 7:30 pm. Advance tickets: $15 for Producer’s Circle Seating, $10 for General Seating. Performance day tickets: $20 for Producer’s Circle Seating, $15 for General Seating. For tickets or information, call 252-473-3414

Oklahoma!

Oh what a beautiful evenin’ when The Lost Colony presents Rodgers & Hammerstein's landmark all-American frontier musical Oklahoma! at star-canopied Waterside Theatre. You just “cain’t say no” to this song-after-hummable-song feast that includes “People Will Say We’re in Love,” “Oh What a Beautiful Morning,” and “Oklahoma!” This Waterside Theatre production is sure to bring you plenty of heart and plenty of hope in this song and dance spectacle. Advance tickets: $15 for Producer’s Circle Seating, $10 for General Seating. Performance day tickets: $20 for Producer’s Circle Seating, $15 for General Seating. Event info: (252) 473-3414.

The Lost Colony presents Simon’s Pirate Adventure

X marks the spot for this swashbuckling young pirate adventure. Come with your bawdy crew to be dressed like a pirate, talk like a pirate and act like a pirate. Enjoy Simon Fernando’s famous Carolina pirate friends as they reenact their dramatic high seas adventures in this creative production that features special effects. Simon’s Pirate Adventure includes a backstage tour of Waterside Theatre, a keepsake photo of you with a pirate and a delicious pirate’s feast. 24-hour advance reservations required. The Adventure awaits you on August 6,13 from 3-5 p.m. This event coincides with Tea with the Queen so bring the whole family. Tickets are $22 for Adults; $11 for Youth (7-18 years). Event info: (252) 473-3414.

The Lost Colony presents Tea with the Queen

Have an audience with Queen Elizabeth I and her royal court at her Majesty’s special presentation of sumptuous desserts, refreshing iced tea, royal knightings and delightful antics. The Queen’s tea also includes a backstage tour of Waterside Theatre and a complimentary souvenir program. 24-hour advance reservations required. Tea is served June 25; July 2,9,16,23,30; and August 6,13 from 3-5 p.m. This event coincides with Simon’s Pirate Adventure so bring the whole family. Tickets are $22 for Adults; $11 for Youth (7-18 years).

Event info: (252) 473-3414.

Lost Colony Backstage Tour

Get an exclusive behind the scenes look at how theatrical magic is created at Waterside Theatre. During this 45-minute walking tour you'll see how The Lost Colony’s stage is transformed into several scenes right before your eyes and learn other "tricks of the trade" while visiting the theatre, costume shop, and props areas.
Tours are held nightly at 6:00 p.m. Tickets are $7 per person. Reservations required.
Event info: (252) 473-3414.

The Lost Colony presents Charlotte's Web

(Manteo, NC. July 28, 2009) E.B. White’s treasured tale of the friendship between a pig named Wilbur and a little grey spider named Charlotte comes to life in this Waterside Theatre production for children.Face painting, balloon sculpting, and games entertain the children 30 minutes prior to the performance. Performances are Tuesdays and Thursdays at 9:30 AM, June 18 to August 13 in Waterside Theatre. (June 18,23,25,30; July 2,7,9,14,16,21,23,28,30; August 4,6,11,13). Tickets are $7 per person.

Event info: (252) 473-3414.

72nd Anniversary Season of The Lost Colony

(Manteo, NC, July 28, 2009) America’s #1 outdoor drama is the perfect pinnacle to your Outer Banks experience! See this compelling unsolved mystery of America’s beginnings and other productions at Waterside Theatre in Manteo. The production features music, dance, drama, riveting action, and special effects with lavish costumes and sets performed nightly, May 29-Aug. 20, Mon.-Sat. at 8 p.m. (no performance on July 4,11,18, Aug. 8,15); Meet the cast for autographs and photos after the production.
Children 11 and under are free on Mon. & Fri. and half price on Sat. with a paying adult.
Tickets and event info: (252) 473-3414.

Robert Richmond Returns as Director of The Lost Colony

(Manteo, N.C., February 3, 2009) – Robert Richmond will return to direct The Lost Colony, America’s longest-running symphonic outdoor drama. Written by Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright Paul Green, the drama was the first of its kind when it opened in 1937, combining song, dance and drama to tell the story of England’s famed 1587 “lost colony” and its mysterious disappearance.

“We are thrilled to welcome him back for his second season at Waterside Theatre,” said Carl V. Curnutte III, Executive Director/ Producer of The Lost Colony. “Richmond’s approach in directing the show last year was vibrant and epic in scope. I chose Richmond because he is known for directing outstanding and fresh interpretations of theatrical classics like William Shakespeare. In last year’s production he was able to make the story come to life in new ways. With his direction we plan to build upon this success.”

Originally from Hastings, England, Richmond studied at the Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama. At New York’s famed Aquila Theatre, he directed over 40 productions including Romeo & Juliet, Hamlet, Twelfth Night, The Invisible Man, Agamemmnon, Othello, The Man Who Would Be King, Midsummer Night’s Dream, The Importance of Being Earnest, The Tempest, Wrath of Achilles, Much Ado About Nothing, Cyrano de Bergerac, Julius Caesar, The Iliad: Book One, and King Lear. At Carnegie Hall, he directed concert engagements of Cherubini’s Medea, Tanyev’s Oresteia, and Theodorakis’ Electra.

In theatrical circles Richmond is known for his ability to re-imagine centuries-old theatrical works for the modern audience. The English-born director has staged more than 40 productions for off-Broadway, national tours, regional theatres, universities and special engagements—including a command performance of Shakespeare’s Much Ado About Nothing for a special reception at the White House.

Richmond currently works as a visiting professor of theatre at the University of South Carolina. A sought-after lecturer and presenter, he has taught courses at Princeton, Yale, Columbia, UNC Chapel Hill and several other universities. In February at USC he will direct Skin of Our Teeth by Thorton Wilder.

Other recent projects include Hamlet at Denver Performing Arts Center with the American Conservatory Theatre. In this production Richmond made Shakespeare more immediate and accessible by staging the story in the style of a graphic novel. His theatrical approach is to inspire everyone to exceed his or her expectations. He often remarks, “We are in the pursuit of excellence.”

Can a script written in 1937 resonate with today’s audiences? Richmond thinks so. “This story goes beyond a piece of theatre— I hope to allow it to become part of the collective conscience of every generation of Americans,” he remarks. “Each day we stand on shoulders of these remarkable settles and their determination to seek a new world and a better way of life.”
Richmond likens the 70-year history of The Lost Colony’s performance to an often-played symphony. His personal challenge is to make coming to see The Lost Colony an event people will talk about for some time to come. He remarks, “I have endeavored in my career to make theatre an exciting a vibrant experience.” This year Richmond hopes to make this experience start from the moment guests arrive at the park.

Chris Seawell, Chairman of Roanoke Island Historical Association is pleased with Richmond’s return to Waterside Theatre. “His first year was amazing and I think everyone will be excited to have him back. The comments I heard last year from folks who have been involved in the drama for years were very positive. They thought his work was excellent—they really enjoyed the show.” He adds, “One of our Board members with an extensive family history in the drama commented that Robert Richmond ‘got it—he understood what Paul Green wanted to say!’”
Purchase your tickets early for the exciting opening night of the 72nd anniversary season and see first-hand Richmond’s direction. Tickets are on sale now for opening night with many reservations already taken. Reserve your seat now by calling the business office at 245-473-2127.

About The Lost Colony
The Lost Colony, presented where the real-life events occurred more than 400 years ago, uses song, dance, comedy, and special effects to tell the story and mysterious disappearance of America’s first English colony (1584-87). First staged in 1937, it is the nation’s premier and longest-running symphonic drama. Written by Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright Paul Green, The Lost Colony’s 72nd anniversary season opens May 29 and plays through August 20.
For tickets and information, go to www.thelostcolony.org or call (252) 473-2127 or (252) 473-3414 (April through August). For accommodations information, visit www.outerbanks.org or call the Outer Banks Visitors Bureau at 1-877-629-4368.