Actors, directors, designers, technicians, dancers and singers are in the final days of rehearsal for Paul Green’s “The Lost Colony,” opening for its 81^st season on May 25. Each year, the symphonic drama, presented by PNC, is reinvented by new actors and technicians who join returning Company members to perform The Lost Colony.

The 2018 company will perform a special preview night performance on Thursday, May 24. Tickets for the preview night performance, and all other performances, are available now.

This season’s production is under the direction of Ira David Wood, III who is returning for his sixth season as director. Other returning members of the artistic staff include: William Ivey Long as production designer, Robert Midgette as fight director, Joshua Allen as lighting designer, McCrae Hardy as music director and Pam Atha as choreographer.

This season will feature many returning actors including Don Bridge as historian, Robert Hooghkirk as Old Tom, Emily Asbury as Queen Elizabeth I, Joey Cassella as Manteo, Daniel Prillaman as Sir Walter Raleigh, Erlin Zavala as Wano and John Bennett who will be playing King Wingina.

Other featured actors include Terry Edwards as Governor White, Daniel Gonzalez as Ananias Dare, Grant VanderVoort as Wanchese, Demetrius “Zuni” Gresham as Uppowoc, Daniel Dutot as Simon Fernando and Patsy Hart as Agona.

The Lost Colony continues several traditions in 2018 including its “Dare Night” performances for the residents of Dare County on June 1, 8, and 15. Dare County residents are encouraged to attend the performance – while continuing to help the Outer Banks food pantries. Admission to the Dare Night performances is free for Dare County residents who attend and bring at least two can goods or two dry goods as a donation for the Outer Banks food pantries.

New for 2018, a special invite to the Queen’s Court. Join us Thursday evenings before the show for Royal Tea, a once-in-a-lifetime experience to enjoy tea and sweets with the Queen’s Master of Ceremony and Sir Walter Raleigh. You’ll be presented to Queen Elizabeth I, you can even have your picture taken with Her Royal Highness! This is perfect for celebrating a special occasion such as birthdays and anniversaries. Tickets are just $12 and seating is limited.