The Roanoke Island Historical Association on Thursday announced that Jeff Whiting will join their production team as the director/choreographer for the 84th season of The Lost Colony.
“We are very excited about bringing in Jeff to direct The Lost Colony,” said RIHA Chairman Kevin Bradley. “We have had many great directors over the years and Jeff is extremely qualified to help launch the production to new levels of excellence. Jeff Whiting is a huge talent and we are fortunate to have him lead the artistic team.”
Whiting, who was recently acclaimed by the New York Times as a “director with a joyous touch” and praised on The View as “a truly remarkable talent,” is known for his success around the world as a director and choreographer for theatre, opera, television, special events and concerts. Jeff’s many credits include Associate Director on Broadway’s Bullets Over Broadway (6 Tony Nominations), Big Fish, The Scottsboro Boys (12 Tony Nominations), Hair (Tony Best Revival) and Wicked’s 5th Anniversary, as well as National Tour credits including Hairspray, Young Frankenstein, Rockin’ Road to Dublin, Christmas in Killarney and The Producers.
“I’m truly honored to be a part of the re-imagination of The Lost Colony and to have the chance to tell the story of one of the most fascinating mysteries in American history…it is my goal to honor the important historical significance of what occurred here on the shores of Roanoke Island, and to honor the legacy of this important theatrical work and what it means to us today,” Whiting said. “As the wind rolls off of Roanoke Sound, it whispers the tale and I believe it’s my job, as the director, to listen to that breeze and bring to life what happened here so many years ago, changing the course of history.”
Whiting has also focused on his philanthropic work off the stage by opening The Open Jar Institute, which is a music theatre training program for the development of music theatre artists of all ages, as well as creating the Open Jar Studios, home to the largest rehearsal studio in New York City. Jeff is also the founder of The Broadway Relief Project, who employed over 400 individuals during the shutdown to make PPE for NYC public hospitals, in response to COVID-19. Lastly, the very skilled director designed and developed the world’s first digital method for documenting and staging choreography, known as the Stage Write Software, which is used in over 40 Broadway shows and tours.
After the 83rd season was cancelled due to COVID, the upcoming 84th season is an important time to comeback strong in the community. The Lost Colony staff and RIHA Board of Directors said they are extremely pleased and enthusiastic to introduce Jeff Whiting as their new Director / Choreographer.
About The Lost Colony…proud recipient of the Tony Honor for Excellence in Theatre:
First staged in 1937, The Lost Colony is the nation’s premier and longest-running outdoor symphonic drama. Written by Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright Paul Green, The Lost Colony’s 84th season will run from May through August, 2021 at Manteo’s Waterside Theatre, on North Carolina’s Outer Banks. For tickets and more information, go to www.thelostcolony.org or call (252) 473-2127.
