Expect action on the Bonnie Kate Theater to gain substantial momentum through the fall.
Individuals wanting to offer support to the restoration of the historic landmark will soon have another opportunity with some old-fashioned fun at the 1940s Radio Dinner Theater, scheduled to take place Saturday, Oct. 21. Doors open for the event at 6:30 p.m. with activities to start at 7 p.m.
As the Bonnie Kate takes a step back in time, Marcia Ross said the fall season looks to continue a surge of momentum the facility received coming from the recent inaugural BBQ, Blues and Brews festival. The Elizabethton/Carter County Community Foundation sponsored the inaugural festival to help raise funds to assist with restoration and operational costs at the Bonnie Kate.
“The BBQ, Blues and Brews festival was great,” Ross, program coordinator at the Bonnie Kate, said Thursday. “We want to thank everyone that helped make the event a reality. We received a lot of compliments from people. There was a real sense of excitement from the public about the events going on at the Bonnie Kate.”
Excitement looks to spill over into the radio dinner, which will serve as a fundraiser to help with improvements and operations, including electrical renovations, a new sprinkler system, roof & window repairs and programs. Tickets are $40, and the public can email bonniekatetheater@gmail.com to make reservations for the night. Tickets are also on sale now at the Elizabethton/Carter County Chamber of Commerce, Appalachian Printing and the Elizabethton Parks & Recreation Center. Tickets can also be purchased at the Bonnie Kate 11 a.m. to 1 p.m on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday.
Doors open at 6:30 p.m. with action starting at 7 p.m.
Throughout the night, attendees will be greeted by the sounds of the Tri-Cities Jazz Ensemble, led by Eddie Dalton with Erin Dalton serving as an accompanying musician.
The main attraction is The Omelet Murder Case, one act by Tim Kelly, used with permission by Dramatist Publishing, being performed by the Hopwood Players.
Ross added attendees would have the chance to step back in time to 1947 and hear some soulful sounds from the colorful named radio station – WELZ – Elizabethton.
Ross added the night would be emceed by WJHL news anchor Josh Smith and there will be other activities away from the stage.
With the overall event expected to last two hours, attendees will have the chance to participate in a silent auction full of paintings, baskets and other items. Appetizers will also be available to the public.
“There’s been so much work being put in for the event,” Ross said. “It has been really community-driven. I can’t say enough about the help. We’re just so excited about this night.”
Ross added that sponsorships for local businesses to be involved with the show and the program are also still available.
Don’t expect action to dry up following October’s show. Ross added Elizabethton High School will present The Great Gatsby November 10-11 and 17-18 at 7:30 p.m. each night. Tickets will be $10 for adults and $5 for students.
To get into the Christmas spirit, a special showing of A Christmas Carol, featuring local performances, is scheduled for December.
To stay up to date with activities at the Bonnie Kate Theater, visit the Bonnie Kate Restoration Project Facebook page on social media.