The Bonnie Kate Community Theater, a cherished cultural landmark in Elizabethton, Tennessee, is gearing up for its centennial celebration set for 2027. Despite a local misconception that the theater will turn 100 in 2026, the official anniversary aligns with its opening date of May 26, 1927. This iconic venue has been a cornerstone of the community for nearly a century, and planning for its milestone events is already underway.
Renee Christian, the artistic director of the Bonnie Kate, clarified the timeline, stating, “There’s a common misconception in the community that she turns 100 in 2026; it’s even painted on the side of the building, but that just isn’t accurate.” To kick off the celebrations, organizers are planning a vibrant New Year’s Eve party on December 31, 2026, themed around the roaring ’20s. Attendees are encouraged to dress as their favorite gangsters or flappers for an evening filled with festive revelry.
Following this inaugural event, the Bonnie Kate will host a series of monthly galas. These will feature a variety of activities, including theatrical performances and creative scavenger hunts, leading up to the grand finale on December 31, 2027. To facilitate these plans, Christian announced that planning meetings will occur monthly, specifically on the second Saturday at 9:30 a.m.. The theater welcomes volunteers who wish to contribute to the celebrations. “This is a big thing to pull off,” Christian emphasized. “It’s going to require a tremendous amount of planning and effort, and we are always looking for more volunteers who love the Bonnie Kate and want to become a part of the next chapter of her life.”
As preparations for the centennial celebration progress, the theater invites community members to share their memories, photos, and nostalgic ideas related to the Bonnie Kate’s rich history. In the meantime, residents can continue enjoying the theater’s current offerings. The production of The Best Christmas Pageant Ever is in its second and final weekend, with evening performances starting at 19:30 and a Sunday matinee at 14:30. Tickets are available online through the Bonnie Kate website and are strongly recommended due to high demand.
Additionally, the theater will host the Tri-Cities Jazz Orchestra Christmas Concert on Sunday at 19:30. Looking ahead, the Bonnie Kate is preparing for its upcoming production of Once Upon a Mattress, a comedic musical retelling of The Princess and the Pea. Auditions are scheduled for January 3 and 4, 2024, at 14:00, with a second session on January 5 at 19:30. Callbacks, if necessary, will be held on January 6 at 19:30, with performances taking place from March 13-15 and March 19-22, 2024.
Christian expressed her appreciation for the Bonnie Kate, referring to it as a “gem, a jewel in the crown of Elizabethton,” and highlighted the importance of community involvement in the theater’s ongoing narrative. As the centennial approaches, the Bonnie Kate Community Theater is poised to celebrate its legacy and the many memories it has created for its audience over the years.
