It was an absolutely wonderful show! We have been a few times over the years, but since we last attended, they have added many special effects, projections, and unique theatrical elements that made the story come to life even more than before. It is a must see if you are coming to the Outer Banks, and we look forward to visiting again! read more

Wonderful production! When I scheduled I did not expect it to be as good as it is, no one was excited but me when I ordered tickets. Everyone in my party enjoyed including my teens :) read more

Great family outing to see a bit of history come to life. Beautiful outdoor setting and opportunity to watch the sunset. The backstage tour is nice for those with interest in production. The play has three stage and they use them all. One main stage in front and two small stages on adjacent sides so we like sitting at least 5 rows back on the left side for optimal viewing. read more

Amazing place! It is an experience you and your family will never forget. It is set in a beautiful amphitheater in the outer banks of NC right next to the ocean. read more

The 2013 production is quite a change from previous years. The show is shorter (two and a half hours WITH a 20-minute intermission). It is presented on the very spot where the story actually happened. The production elements are first-rate. The company is extremely talented. It's an outdoor theatre, so it's a good idea to bring some bug spray and a light jacket (in case you get a chilly breeze after sunset). You're attending LIVE theatre - so, if you have younger children, it's always a good idea to let them know a few things about theatre etiquette. They conduct backstage tours. If you're interested, plan on being at the theatre an hour before showtime. Also - plan on arriving ON TIME. You don't want to miss a moment of this wonderful production. read more

This was really disappointing. I'm a local and I bring family here when they visit the obx. The theater said they'd give refunds if the show gets canceled due to weather. Welp it was pouring rain. The actors had to take random breaks to seek shelter. Most of the audience tried their best to wait it out even missing the beginning of the play to buy $5 ponchos. But it just got ridiculous. We asked for a refund and we were given "exclusive business cards" to reach the manager...it's the same phone number as on the website. We bought 7 seats for $35 each. What a sham. Guess money is tight for them...but if this is the care they show towards their customers than goodbye!! M read more

Good play, gorgeous views - def a 'must see' when in OBX. Theatre was lovely, and the seats..let's take a minute to talk about the seats...wide, comfy with lots of leg room. Ok so what it's outside and it was about 100% humidity - while i was sweating my behind off at least I wasn't cramped. Tips: 1. Take the backstage tour. It wasn't what I expected, but still nice to get a little insight into the show. Interesting to see the backstage. 2. Bring bug spray. LOTS. 3. Don't buy the VIP package. You can buy the rain insurance, program and tour a la carte and save some money. 4. Smuggle in drinks - they don't check your purses. The concession stand isn't pricey, but why pay for water when you can bring it in yourself. Ditto with snacks. read more

I'm glad, after so many years, that we finally saw this. It is impressive in its setting and its longevity. That said . . . The only way I can describe this is as a melodrama: "a sensational dramatic piece with exaggerated characters and exciting events designed to appeal to the emotions." The broad outlines of the story are accurate, but the playwright used a train load of poetic license to fill in the gaps. They've changed the ending from the supply ships arriving to find a deserted fort and the word Croatan carved on a post, to the singing survivors trudging off into the woods after a ridiculous speech about the future. When the lights came up with no curtain call, the audience clapped, weakly, in confusion. Much of the acting crosses the line into farce: Old Tom and Queen Elizabeth are the prime criminals. Tom is supposed to be the comic relief and he certainly is. His speech near the end about his new life in the New World is a far more touching ending than John Borden's pompous oration that closes the show. Otherwise, Old Tom is mostly doing slapstick. Queen Elizabeth is a cartoon, not a performance. The Storyteller should confine himself to bedtime -- he seemed to need a good nap himself. There were sound issues throughout. The best part of the whole show was the choreography. The sets were incredibly creative. And the singing was first rate. The show is an icon, so go. Just temper your expectations: it may be Elizabethan, but it sure ain't Shakespeare. read more

Very disappointed. First time seeing the play in over 10 years. We were so excited to see it again based on our previous experiences. It appears from other reviews and responses that the script is the same, but the direction and production was severely lacking. Parts that should've been acted out were narrated. Parts that should've been narrated were acted. The director also took many liberties in leading us to a conclusion about the settlers. So very disappointed. We won't be back for a long time. Hopefully it takes a turn for the better. read more

My complaint would be that the rain stopped the show on two different occasions but the actors were great play was written a bit boring! Still such a mystery though read more

Entertaining, not to long, nor to short, great actors, a fantastic set and beautiful costumes, great for a piece of the history of the island and our country, great for the family, and reasonably priced. If your staying on the outer banks, this is a great way to spend one night. read more

To preface: I have seen many productions performed in El Paso at the McKelligon Canyon Amphitheater that is an outdoor theater (Viva! El Paso, Shakespeare on the Rocks - various plays) and they are fantastic! This theater is a little hard to find, and parking is a little confusing. The woods are amazing, we don't have trees like that in Arizona! The theater is stadium seating, and the seats are set so your feet are in sand (?) Yah, that's what I said. I lost my earring back in that stupid stuff. Anyway, the performance is the history of the founders of the island who came over in 1587. The acting was good and it was fun when the Native Americans went flying behind us sneaking around before an ambush. It was difficult to figure out who was who and why they were important during the play. I wish they would have explained why certain characters were important to the founding of the area. We probably won't be back for vacation anyway, but if you are a history buff, you might want to go see this. OH! DO remember to bring/ use bug spray - the mosquitoes are menacing!!! Mom remembered the dryer sheets and we weren't bothered at all, but saw plenty of people swatting away during the performance. read more

What a wonderful play! We did the VIP tour which is fairly new. Meeting characters from the play and getting a backstage look at the production is awesome. What great working conditions! The view was so beautiful. Maybe one day the meal before the show can be in the Elizabethan style! Right now its catered by Pizza Hut which is OK. We went on a perfect night....weather was perfect...bugs are normally a problem but we used dryer sheets stuffed everywhere....and I mean everywhere....and it worked! I look forward to our next trip to this show as well as their new productions coming out in September. Go see it....you won't be sorry. read more

The Lost Colony - The actual breastplate Andy Griffith used in the play all those years ago. They still use it in the play. - Performing Arts Near Me - Manteo, North Carolina

Great show! So engaging for kids and adults. Told a great history of the first colony. Wish we had known about kids being free on Mondays, but even so they were half price on other nights. So glad we went! read more

Great: Outdoor theater. The story. Good: Performances, costumes. OK: Mosquitoes. Not as bad as some say, but definitely bring bug spray. Poor: Length. Too long. Possibly way too long. More/bigger/longer is not necessarily better. Would "Casablanca" have been better if it were 3 hours instead of 1:40? Someone needs to edit the performance. read more

A great show and tradition in the Outerbanks. Bring bug spray! It's an outdoor drama with great acting, music and theatrics. Very kid friendly and a great show that adults can enjoy as well. It is a little expensive, but it's worth going once to say you have been. Definitely a staple for your vacation! read more

Feel like supporting the lives of 500 million mosquittos under the guise of attending America's longest running outdoor drama? If so, come here! You'll be a captive audience for every bug within miles while you sit for 4 hours! PS if you've got tickets for a show, and feel like eating before hand, allow 1.5 hours. Don't show up to a local restaurant 30 minutes before showtime and demand the waitress hurry because you've got tickets. It's just rude. You're on vacation, relax. read more

We have seen this interpretation many times over the past years on our vacations. Unbelievable. I want our money back. We have seen high school plays better than this performance. The story teller MC, we could not understand. She slurred. What did a 15 minute drum line and solo have to do with the story? While we respect everything about the native Americans, the dances did not seem as authentic as in the past. Every scene was overdone. There was no "history" lesson here. It got "lost" in the attempt to entertain. There were some good voices. Some props, while clever depictions of bear, deer and wolves, were used too long. I suggest you do something else tonight. read more

The Lost Colony play is a must see when visiting OBX! The acting was great, the costumes were incredibly detailed, and the outdoor setting adds character to the scenes. Before heading to the play, be sure to visit the Lost Colony museum where you can read up on the different costumes, actors / actresses, history of the Lost Colony play, etc. Note: bring bug spray - there are a TON of mosquitos! read more

The Lost Colony play depicts the story of the first English colony settlement on Roanoke Island in July 1587. Three years later English ships would return to no signs of any of the colonists. And almost 430 years later the mystery of what happened to these colonists remains unsolved. This cast and crew did a phenomenal job portraying the challenges and desperate situations of living in the first settlement. The battle with the Indians was full of fire and the smell of gun powder - epic! The sets were beautifully prepared and presented in this outdoor amphitheater. Bring bug spray, but definitely make time for this entertainment. read more

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My husband and I traveled from Chesapeake for date night. My family, being from Manteo, has a long history with The Lost Colony. My parents, Aunts, Grandmother, and Great Grandmother were all in the show at one point. I am 52 years old and I have been going to see the show since I was two years old. I've seen some bad seasons and I have seen some fantastic seasons. This season was, I think, the worst I have ever seen. This was not Paul Green's story. This was not the story of dreamers who were coming to a new land to explore a new world. This was not the story of a drunkard becoming a man because he now felt worthy as he had a purpose. This was not the story that gives me goosebumps and brings tears to my eyes at the end when Father Martin cannot go on and the lone colonist, who wanted to surrender to the Spaniards, goes to pick up Father Martin and carries him with the rest of the remaining colonist to go south. This depiction, in my opinion, was a mix between a high school football halftime show (please tell me the point of this long drum line other than to fill time from where you removed many major scenes) and a high school musical. I appreciate that actual Native Americans were used to play the Indians, but again, in my opinion, have the first scene being Roanoke Island present day Indian dancers performing was confusing and had nothing to do with the history of the story. This again was probably why great scenes like Old Tom having a conversation with Sir Walter Raleigh and finding out that they had a connection or Old Tom explaining how he came to meet Agona, named her and then fell in love with her. These are poignant moments that were removed from the show I love so much. I read reviews and I was scared. But I went. I told my family about the puppets, the drum line, the removal of so many scenes and that the music was all redone. They were heartbroken. Unless the show becomes Paul Green's (a Pulitzer Prize winning playwright) show again and not Jeff Whiting's Broadway musical, this will be my last trip to Waterside Theater. read more

We have seen the Lost Colony three times over the past 36 years and to say this last performance was very disappointing is an understatement. The first two times the play was about the Lost Colony. Last night's performance was more about theatrics than about the historical aspect of what really happened in the fifteen hundreds. Even though the actress who depicted Eleanor Dare was great, the fact that she did not have a part in the actual events herself (other than giving birth to the first person born in the US, Virginia Dare), was way too fictional. I don't believe for one minute that Eleanor Dare was a feminist as she was so blatantly portrayed in this new adaptation of the Lost Colony. I guess if you've never seen the previous adaptation of the play then you might like it because you don't have anything to compare it to. But after hearing others like myself who have seen the previous versions who were as disappointed as I was, then you do know how disappointing it was. I'm really sorry I wasted my money on this play. read more

Absolutely breathtaking; acting, music, lighting was incredible. A must see on the outerbanks. Only downside is the tickets were a little expensive, plus you don't know if it could be cancelled because it's outdoors. read more

The Lost Colony - Performing Arts Near Me - Manteo, North Carolina

No. The OTHER Redgrave. Lynn, not Vanessa. We were lucky enough to see Ms. Redgrave inhabit the role of Queen Elizabeth I for an amazing mid-summernight performance of the Lost Colony in Manteo, NC in 2006. Wow, was it ever impressive! The costumes, the lighting, the evening atmospherics, the acting, the music, the dancing, they all were really fantastic. Their web site is great, too, and it is cool that the locals have been staging this thing since the 1930s, continuously, for all the crowds to see. A trip to the Outer Banks would be incomplete without a stop here and to the Fort Raleigh National Historic Site. This is what dramatic, thespian culture should be all about. DVDs and multiplexes be damned! Live, local, and openair is what will really rock your world. read more

If I could give The Lost Colony 0 stars I would. This play is drawn out, boring, over dramatized, and just plain wrong. The whole thing is littered with historical inaccuracies and offers zero educational value. If you take young children to this looking to gain some kind of historical knowledge you will probably just end up turning them off to history. Furthermore, no self respecting person over the age of 10 should be seen at this play. I think the only way to sum up this play is that 'The Lost Colony' is one of the most insanely idiotic things I have ever seen. At no point during it's rambling, incoherent plot, was it even close to anything that could be considered a rational thought. Everyone that watches it is now dumber for having sat through it. I award it 1 Star, and may god have mercy on their souls." read more

Great show, great thing to do with family. Learned alot. The acting was great. Highly Recommend going to see this!

I enjoy learning about the history of an area when visiting, and for years have been tempted to go see a version of history in the production of "The Lost Colony". The show was entertaining, good acting, beautiful costumes, and it enticed my appetite to learn more about this era of history. Recommendations: Not for children under AGE 8 - or not yet in 3rd grade - or for anyone else who cannot sit still for about 3 hours! PLEASE....keep your small child at home...even though they are FREE on Monday nights! Why? Every character has an accent, making it very difficult to understand what they are saying. Often the actors speak for several minutes at a time, in one spot, which does not keep younger kids entertained...and then the child will start crying/speaking/yelling for the attention of the adults they are with! (Which then makes those of us trying to listen want to start screaming at the adult to take the child home and put them to bed!!) I do recommend the FREE costume exhibit showcasing the 75 years of the production. This was nicely done, and gave a good background to the show. Bring the bug spray. Bring cash - the concession stand does not take credit cards and is run by the Lions Club. They have a clever tee-shirt at the gift shop, "Don't ask a local for directions - they lost a colony already." First time I was tempted to purchase a tee-shirt in years! One last thing...if you liked the performance, applaud at the end. The actors do not come out to take a final bow. read more

Awesome play!! Very exciting & entertaining. I really enjoyed the history & the story. We took 2 girls 8 & 9 & they were shocked by the action I think. Very family friendly. I would recommend the play & the back stage tour. The dinner was not great. It was catered by Pizza Hut & you didn't get much. read more

Have owned a house on the OBX for about 7 years and this is the first time I went to see the show. Seemed an iconic thing that I should do. But it takes almost an hour to get there from Duck so I have always hesitated. I thought the costumes were gorgeous, the sets creative and the dancing and the singing first-rate. I have to admit, I am not a history expert so I can't really comment on the plot and its accuracy. But I can say I had a hard time understanding some of the actors who were putting on thick British accents. Especially "Old Tom" who was a comic character and was using a heavy Cockney accent and sort of laughing through a lot of lines. Couldn't understand a word he said. I did not have bug spray on, but it seemed like everyone else did and a curtain of "Off" surrounded me so I was fine. Every seat in the house is good. You might actually want to be at least half way back so you can see the action on the side stages better. The $30 ticket price was probably a little high, but since I probably will never go back, it was okay, for once. read more

Outdoor theater at its best! We went on August 11, 2016 and bought the VIP passes with rain insurance and the backstage tour. It was worth every penny of the $40 ticket price. The play was exceptionally well done and very informative and the backstage tour was fascinating! I think it's a must-see for Outer Banks visitors! read more

Tonight was my third trip to this amazing production; first in 2009, then last year and tonight. First two were incredible like this evening, and went off without a hitch. The talent showcases itself. My kids (now 11 & 9) came last year and tonight and absolutely loved them both. tonight started the same and did not disappoint.... except the weather wasn't entirely cooperative. However!!!!! It didn't rain a drop and Management did an amazing job of tracking the storm and being responsible for all of us patrons. I asked an usher about the weather and he advised that they had numerous capabilities to track not just the rain but the lightening threats and it's proximity. They were spot on. Unfortunately, audience members kept taking out cellphones and distracting the show, which I get but no reason to.... and even though we were never in any danger The Lost Colony made the decision, in the interest of safety and peace of mind to cancel the show. What was cool, they offered all of us the opportunity to come back for another performance for free! Whoooo!!!! We will definitely take advantage of that and be back again. read more

I was not expecting this to be as amazing as it was. I loved the short walk through the lush woods, past Fort Raleigh. The performance was amazing. The actors were very convincing, quite talented. You do need the weather insurance, so buy your tickets early. Keep in mind that this is a fictional performance. I didn't really need bug spray, as everyone around me was already coated in it. read more

We've been coming to OBX for more than 10 years and I always thought we should take our kids to see this...they are now 12 and 9. I hate to give this one star because clearly lots of people enjoy it and the acting, scenery, etc are all fine. But, if you decide to go, make sure to keep your expectations low. It's drawn-out, has very little plot, and almost no educational value as far as I could tell. And, I felt misled by the fact that it was billed as a mysterious quest to figure out what happened to a lost colony. The colony is not "lost" in the sense that people disappear. So, don't go with that in mind. read more

Nicely produced and directed show. Mosquitoes weren't as bad as we'd heard, but it was a little cooler than normal and we were coated in bug spray and could smell the natural repellent that the organizers use. Acting, singing & costumes were great. The sound was a little muffled at times and required concentration to follow, which was hard with the small children who couldn't sit still (it was free kids Monday). Although the story was entertaining it was a long show, it was almost 11pm before we got back to the parking lot. Strange thing was the show ended abruptly. Unlike the intermission when someone announced the intermission, at the end it just 'ended' and patrons just looked around at each other and eventually got up and left when the lights came on - it did seem a little strange - maybe if a bow from the actors isn't called for someone could at least say 'thank you for coming please drive safely'? or something to that effect. Apart from the kids going free on Mondays deal you can also check the local tourist papers and magazines for discount coupons. I saw the $2off/ticket coupon code in the 'Sunny Day guide' magazine the day after I'd ordered the tickets! read more

We drove about 5 hours for this play. Because this is the longest running symphonic dramas, it was a true delight to see first hand. The performers all did an excellent job. The employees were all very friendly and hospitable. It's a fun and different setting. I would recommend it to anyone looking to do something different. read more

This is one of those "must dos". I've been coming to OBX for 20 years although more regularly in the past 6 or 7. I went for the first time last evening. We slathered ourselves with bug spray ahead of time which was a good move and one I highly recommend. It rained some about an hour or so before the show but we were rain-free during the show. The staff passed out paper towels to assist in drying off the seats. Overall, an interesting show from a historical perspective. I come from the DC area where there is good theater so I will give the acting 3 stars. But, for the price (~$29) it was worth it. Seats were comfortable. It was not all that crowded and we were on the second row. I would suggest rain insurance especially if you are attending near the end of your visit. Probably not good for real small kids. read more

This is a nice period piece. The costumes are extravagant to say the least. I'm going to break ranks with the other reviewer. This production is long! 2 and a half hours w/ intermission. Some loud guns and intense action which may scare very young kids. 40 min shorter & it would've been great. read more

i had gone to the play many times years ago. my husband had never gone to it. i have built this up to him for years. this year we went to opening night for my birthday. i was so disappointed when it was not like it used to be. i did not know it was so much of a musicial now. the biggest disapointment was the indian dances, expecially the girls. years ago it was all men, just a few of them and they looked really real and the dancing was so great. they stood on each other and made a tall pymarid. they were great. i hate the part when the actors run up and down the isles. the sides yes but not the middle. as far as the actors they have now, they are great and really good at it. the props and costumes were wonderful. just did not like the change. you almost forget and lose track of the real story. the girl indians turning cart wheels and their clothes looked nothing like they should. those few men way back then did a better job. i am glad i went and it was a nice evening and everyone was so nice there. just don't like it well enough to go again. disappointed in wv read more

First of all, before i even start about the play, be warned: BRING BUG SPRAY; you will be eaten alive. (perhaps what happened to the real colony). Now, about the show- it was downright awful. 1. The narrator was creepy and you really have no idea what he is until the very end. 2. The singing was completely unnecessary- and pretty bad 3. The bum side story, used only to pass time while sets were set, as well as most of the queen scenes, were also useless 4. The Native Americans were so stereotypical, it was sad to watch 5. All of the actors were over dramatic and the battle scenes were too fake. 6. In the Christmas scene, they were overly obsessed with their yule log. 7. It ended so abruptly, nothing was wrapped up, and while they were leaving, one man shouted "sing me hearties". Isn't that what a pirate says? On a happier note, the sets were amazing (until one got stuck and there was a throne room in the middle of the forest) In all, the real lost colonists were probably bored to death, and we had more fun mocking the show than actually watching it- it's that terrible. read more

I remember seeing this show as a young child, as an indigenous child, the show made me proud of where I come from. I am Nansemond and my grandmother is Lumbee, so seeing native people in native roles was great during this year's performance. However, the changes made to the script and show over all are disappointing. The Pow Wow and modern regalia in the opening scene was useless in my opinion and did not set the stage for the rest of the play. The old, time period native dances, in front of native house props, and among Algonquian dance face poles were much more haunting and really showed a world and culture that was soon to be changed forever. The old fight scenes also showed the troubles between the two groups of people. This year Wingina's death was portrayed as an interpretative dance with stick animals... disappointing. I found the drum line useless in all senses of the word along with the belly dances. It seems like the director was trying to make up for time lost from his or her changing of the script. This year, the once haunting and fabulous Lost Colony seemed like a middle school talent show. read more