Roanoke Colonies Research Newsletter
Volume 8, Numbers 1 & 2 (November 2002/ May 2003)

The Lost Colony Today
by Marshall P. Page

The nation’s premier outdoor drama has long encountered the pressure of both keeping with tradition while modernizing and innovating. The tenure of directors has ranged from one to twenty years in the 65 seasons of production. Terrance Mann accepted the reins in 2001, and expectations have grown ever since. Mann is a Tony-nominated actor who began his career with The Lost Colony under Joe Layton in the 1970’s. Local historians and purists welcomed Mann’s return to Layton’s traditional approach to Paul Green’s script.

Mann’s predecessor, Drew Scott Harris, received some criticism for his emphasis on cultural conflict and the human drama found in the relationship of Eleanor Dare and John Borden. An ad campaign entitled “Heroic Hearts and History” was launched showing the couple in a passionate embrace. A kiss was added between Eleanor and John, the historical narrator was cut, and Roanoke Island residents scorned other innovations, such as a comedic bear. Despite successful advertising that drew attention from the Associated Press, National Public Radio, and The New York Times, more than a week of rain cancellations led to significant loss of revenue in 2000. Harris resigned after the season closed, as did CEO Patricia Baum Salgado. Despite her resignation, Salgado was given credit for lowering the productions debt from $600,000 to $200,000.

Several elements of production were altered before the 2001 season. The role of CEO was divided into two positions. Scott Dowd was hired as executive manager for financial affairs and Rhoda Dresken for the position of executive production coordinator. Dresken, familiar to the area as Joe Layton’s manager in the 70’s and 80’s, works closely with the director on the creative side of the play. Terrence Mann’s desire was to infuse traditional style with new production quality. William Ivey Long and John Walker returned, bringing years of experience in The Lost Colony and on Broadway. Long is a Tony award-winning costume designer, recognized in 2002 by the Southeastern Theater Conference with a Distinguished Career Award. Walker is a choreographer and formerly a New York City Opera Ballet dancer. Mentors such as these draw local and national talent, a balance that Mann desires. Numerous articles in the local newspapers every spring continue to encourage auditioning by residents of the Outer Banks. Robert Midgette, a teacher in Manteo, has played the role of Manteo in the play for 23 years. The 64th season was dedicated to him in recognition of his work and devotion. Midgette represents a proud tradition of regional participation. Several grants in recent years have served to augment salaries and expand casting possibilities. Another draw for potential cast members is the Professional Theater Workshop started by former director Joe Layton. Guest instructors provide classes for the cast and crew in all areas of the theater arts.

Recent changes extend across a variety of areas. Mann has reinstalled a historical narrator into the performance. Harris’ comedic bear has been cut along with Eleanor Dare and John Borden’s kiss, leaving their love felt and not seen. Private donations were earmarked for a new lighting system and lighting designer in order to improve visuals. Some action scenes have been enhanced, and new music has been added to the prologue. New ad slogans have included “When Will and Wilderness Collide” and “Last Seen 1587.” Producers have shorten the run by a week at the end of the season to accommodate the many college students in the cast and crew, and the free Dare County preview has been extended from one night to a full week.

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