This is the magnificent Airlie Oak.

It's estimated to be over 400 years old.

You know, a near 100 year tradition on the coast is a historic summertime outdoor drama that's performed in Manteo.

and now it's been completely reinterpreted and reimagined.

Let's join Seraphim Smith as he discovers the new "Lost Colony" drama.

- Ah, the open road.

Exploring my home of Eastern North Carolina in my dad's old truck is one of my favorite things to do.

Part of what makes Eastern North Carolina unique is its vast expanse of open spaces and nature.

Roanoke Island has a lot of history and educational activities to engage in.

And today, I'm taking you by the waterfront and to just a few places around town before we head over to "The Lost Colony" play.

Look at this awesome art.

- Yeah, man.

- There are many shops to peruse and a great selection of places to dine at before going to the show.

Queen Elizabeth and her English culture left an indelible mark on Manteo and what they termed the New World.

I have set out to learn more.

My friend Catherine, who is of the Coharie tribe, invited me to check out the long running production, "The Lost Colony," and to speak with some of the key actors before the performance.

I'm standing here at the site of "The Lost Colony" play at the Waterside Theatre here in Manteo.

This is where "The Lost Colony" play has been in almost constant production for at least eight decades.

- Come with me now as we step back into another time.

- We just recently did our 5,000th show.

- 5,000th show?

- Yes.

- Wow.

- I've been here for four years now.

I'm in the Native American ensemble and I get to portray my people who originated from here.

I go off of how my people must have felt.

- [Seraphim] Under the directorship of Jeff Whiting in 2021, exciting elements were incorporated, which has breathed new life and meaning into this beloved show.

- Prior to that, the Native American roles in the show were being played by non-natives.

And on this stage you get to see real Native American dances, our languages being spoken.

We're having the chance to tell our story, so that someone else won't come along and tell our story the wrong way.

We're all just so thankful for this monumental opportunity.

- I portray Chief Wingina and Chief Wingina at that time was the head over the Algonquin speaking Confederacy and it's just great for our people to have that representation, especially here at the Waterside Theatre.

- So audiences are coming to hear the story of the first settlers in the new world and their experience with the natives in the area, and they're doing so while sitting in the actual spot that the story happened.

I get to go out there and play Sir Walter Raleigh and get to tell his side of this story and show the audience what his views and feelings were about going to the new world.

I think everybody should come out and see it and not only learn about the history, but experience a show that tells the story with so many different and wonderful theatrical devices.

I mean, the show really has it all.

- [Seraphim] This play is incredible.

3D light projection, thundering sound effects, and my favorite, the puppets, makes seeing "The Lost Colony" a thrilling experience for people of all ages.

You'll be mesmerized and will want to come back for more.

I recommend spending the night in Manteo and returning to Fort Raleigh in the morning to see the Elizabethan Gardens.

If you enjoy gardening, this perfectly appointed park will be sure to entertain you.

With a flourishing gift shop, meandering paths, and impressive garden statuary, I'm sure even Queen Elizabeth herself would be quite content to take a stroll among these gorgeous blooms and butterflies.

Whether you're a kid or a kid at heart, you're going to love learning and playing in Manteo.

- "The Lost Colony" runs May 29th through August 23rd at the Fort Raleigh National Historic Site at 1409 National Park Drive in Manteo.

For tickets, give the box office a call at 252-473-6000 or go online to thelostcolony.org.