North Carolina’s outdoor dramas have captivated audiences for decades, re-telling the state’s history through a combination of music, action, dance and drama. Stories of early settlers on Roanoke Island, Daniel Boone’s battles and the story of the Cherokee Indians are but a few ways that visitors can experience North Carolina’s history first hand through these exciting performances.

The Lost Colony
By Paul Green
June 1–Aug. 20, 8:30 p.m.
Waterside Theatre, Manteo
This symphonic outdoor drama focuses on the first
British settlement in theNew World on Roanoke Island
in 1587. The disappearance of their colony remains one
of history’s greatest mysteries. For more information,
visit www.thelostcolony.org or call (252) 273-3414.
Unto These Hills: A Retelling
By Ben Hurst, Pat Allee
June 8–Aug. 18, 8 p.m.
Mountainside Theatre, Cherokee
The historical drama relates the removal of the Cherokee by Spanish explorer Hernando DeSoto in 1540 and their struggle along the “Trail of Tears.” This story recreates the inspiration, leadership and sacrifice of the brave Cherokee.
For more information, visit www.cherokee-nc.com or call (866) 554-4557.
Horn in the West
By Kermit Hunter
June 15–Aug. 11, 8 p.m.
Powderhorn Theatre, Boone
The nation’s oldest Revolutionary War drama recounts the adventures of famous frontiersman Daniel Boone and several other settlers fight for freedom against the British.
For more information, visit www.horninthewest.com or call (88
825-6747.
The Montford Park Players
Romeo and Juliet: June 15–July 8
Cyrano de Bergerac: July 20–Aug. 12
The Signature: Aug. 17–Sept. 2
Much Ado About Nothing: Sept. 7–20
Henry VI: Parts 1, 2 and 3: Oct. 5–14
Hazel Robinson Amphitheatre, Asheville
This volunteer run, non-profit organization has produced free plays since 1973. The Montford park Players’ original purpose is to bring Shakespeare and other classic plays to the mountains of Western North Carolina.
For more information, visit www.montfordparkplayers.org or call (82
254-5146.
The Sword of Peace
By William Hardy
June 28–Aug. 17, 8 p.m.
Snow Camp Outdoor Theatre, Snow Camp
During its 34 th season, witness the dramatic portrayal of the peaceful Quakers during the Revolutionary War at the Battle of Guilford Courthouse.
For more information, visit www.snowcampdrama.com or call (336) 376-6948.
Strike at the Wind
By Randolph Umberger
July 7–26
Adolph L. Dial Amphitheater, Pembroke
Since 1976, this outdoor musical tells the dramatic story of Henry Berry Lowrie and his fight to uphold the rights and freedoms of Indians and African Americans at the end of the Civil War.
For more information, visit www.strikeatthewind.com or call (910) 521-0835.
Pathway to Freedom
By Mark R. Summer
July 5–Aug.18, 8 p.m.
Snow Camp Outdoor Theatre, Snow Camp
This musical drama focuses on George Vestal, son of a slave owning family, and his decision to help lead others to freedom with the Underground Railroad.
For more information, visit www.snowcampdrama.com or call (336) 376-6948.
From This Day Forward
By Fred Cranford
July 6–Aug. 11, 8 p.m.
Old Colony Players Amphitheatre, Valdese
The 40th annual historical drama recaps the religious persecution and exile of the Waldenses from Italy, to Switzerland and eventually in North Carolina. Through music and dance, the story of their struggle for religious freedom and arrival in North Carolina is relived.
For more information, visit www.oldcolonyplayers.com or call (82
874-0176.
The Amistad Saga: Reflections
By Ann Hunt-Smith
July 19–22
African American Cultural Complex, Raleigh
This outdoor drama recalls the 1839 mutiny abouard the slave ship Amistad. The drama reflects the plight of the ship’s captives, from their removal from their native land to a revolt at sea and their battle for freedom.
For more information, visit www.aaccmuseum.org or call (919) 250-9336.
Tom Dooley: A Wilkes County Legend
By Karen Wheeling-Reynolds
June 22–July 7, 8:30 p.m.
Fort Hamby Park Amphitheatre/Benton Hall, North Wilkesboro
This is the dramatization of the well-known 1868 Wilkes County love triangle that resulted in the murder of Laura Foster and the subsequent hanging of Tom Dula (pronounced Dooley). Folklore and legend feel that he confessed to the murder to protect his true love, Anne Melton.
For more information, visit www.wilkesplaymakers.com or call (336) 838-PLAY.
First for Freedom
By Max B. Williams
June 29–30; July 4–7
Eastern Stage, Inc., Halifax
This drama celebrates events that led up to the signing of the Halifax Resolve on April 12, 1776, the first formal declaration of independence from Great Britain by an American colony.
For more information, call (252) 583-2261.
Shakespeare on the Green
“As You Like It,” by William Shakespeare
June 1–24, 8 p.m.
Greenfiled Lake Amphitheater, Wilmington
This season see William Shakepeare’s “As You Like It.” Free admission.
For more information, visit www.cape-fear.nc.us or call (910) 341-4030.