Downtown Elizabethton will have an “enchanting” vibe next weekend.
Bonnie Kate Theater has been packed with individuals this week as performers gear up for the production of Belle’s Ballet & Tea Time: The Story of Beauty and the Beast. The family-friendly show is scheduled to take place inside the theater on Saturday, April 29, with two viewings – 2 p.m. and 3:30 p.m.
Following the nationwide trend of Beauty and the Beat’s recent motion picture, residents have the opportunity to take in the historic feel of the theater while enjoying a Disney classic with the entire family.
The event is sponsored by the Elizabethton/Carter County Public Library and East Tennessee Youth Ballet.
Marcia Ross, Bonnie Kate program coordinator, added that advanced tickets for the show are available now at the public library or can be purchased at the door during the day of the shows.
Tickets are $10 for adults (12 years or older), $10 for the first child and $5 for each additional child and the proceeds from the shows will go toward the restoration of the facility.
It has been a successful couple of months for the landmark, Ross added. Hundreds of citizens visited the facility during recent performances inside the Bonnie Kate, including a recent production put on by the Elizabethton High School Advanced Drama that saw the building reach a standing-room-only capacity.
“I am very satisfied with the response to our initial theater productions,” Ross said. “We definitely look forward to more opportunities to serve the community. We just want to thank the community so much for their outpouring support for the performers and the Bonnie Kate.”
During the recent stretch of shows, a special-made program was created by Appalachian Printing to spotlight the performers and area businesses that are assisting with the renovations at the theater.
Sponsors that have provided a helping hand for each of the performances include Tri-Cities Watch Repair, Smokey Mountain Medical Equipment, Farmer John’s Appalachian Printing and Reedy & sykes Architecture and Design.
The purpose behind the performances, according to Ross, is to raise enough funds to secure adequate stage lighting.
Individuals wanting to assist with the restoration encouraged to make monetary donations, if possible. 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.