As days go by, excitement continues to grow for the happenings at the Bonnie Kate Theater.
After years of laying dormant, the Bonnie Kate is preparing for their first show since reopening as the Bonnie Kate restoration reaches a fever pitch.
•The Hopwood Players will present a production of Oscar Wilde’s “The Importance of Being Earnest” on Friday, March 24, at 7:30 p.m. with a $10 admission per person.
Coming off a recent performance at Milligan, the group will perform the comedy that discusses escaping social obligations.
Other programs on the horizon include:
• The Bonnie Kate Youth Theater will present “Snow White and the Seven and a Half Dwarfs” on Saturday, March 25, at 3 p.m. with free admission.
• Storytime performances with the Knoxville Symphony Strings Ensemble takes place on Wednesday, March 29, at 2:30 p.m. with free admission. The event is sponsored by the Elizabethton/Carter County Public Library.
• The Elizabethton High School Advanced Drama group will perform “Once upon a time … Bedtime Stories (As Told by Our Dad) (Who Messed Them Up)” on Friday, April 7, at 7:30 p.m. and Saturday, April 8, at 3 p.m. Tickets are available at the Bonnie Kate for $5.
• “Belle’s Ballet & Tea Time,” a story of Beauty and the Beast, concludes the list of events on Saturday, April 29, at 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. The festivities will take place in the theater area and Sugar Love Cafe with the library and East Tennessee Youth Ballet taking part.
Funds raised throughout each performance will go toward stage lights needed at the Bonnie Kate.
Each show will have a special-made program, which businesses can advertise in. The funds raised through advertisements will go directly into the Bonnie Kate’s fund for future projects. Interested businesses or organizations looking to advertise can contact Appalachian Printing, who is handling the printing services at no charge, at (423) 543-2600.
Marcia Ross, program director, cited a variety of areas the Elizabethton/Carter County Community Foundation will address, including curtains, electric, paint, and a sprinkler system. The overall goal, according to the coordinator, will be to expand on the stage to move it back to allow more seating for events.
Individuals are also encouraged to make monetary donations, if possible, to the restoration project. To make a contribution visit bonniekatetheater.com or contributions can be sent by mail and be made payable to: Elizabethton – Carter County Community Foundation, P.O. Box 695, Elizabethton, TN 37644-0695.
For more information and updates on the progress of the Bonnie Kate restoration, visit their website or check out The Bonnie Kate Theater Restoration Project Facebook page.