The Bonnie Kate Community Theater in Elizabethton is gearing up for a remarkable celebration as it approaches its centennial anniversary in 2027. The theater, which first opened its doors on May 26, 1927, has been a cornerstone of the community for nearly a century. Contrary to popular belief, the theater will officially turn 100 years old in 2027, not 2026, as noted by Renee Christian, the theater’s artistic director.
Planning for the centennial festivities is already in full swing, with a grand kickoff event scheduled for December 31, 2026. Christian describes the celebration as a “roaring ’20s New Year’s Eve party,” inviting attendees to dress in period attire. “We want people to dress up as their favorite gangster or flapper and just have a fabulous time with us at the Bonnie Kate,” she said.
Monthly Events Leading to the Centennial
Following the New Year’s Eve celebration, there are plans for monthly events leading up to the big day in 2027. These will include a variety of activities, such as theatrical performances and a community scavenger hunt. The final centennial celebration will take place on December 31, 2027.
Christian encourages community involvement in the planning process. Meetings will be held monthly on the second Saturday at 9:30 a.m., and anyone interested in volunteering is welcome to join. “This is a big thing to pull off,” she explained. “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.”
Residents are also invited to contribute by sharing memories, photographs, and nostalgic ideas related to the theater’s rich history.
Current Productions and Upcoming Auditions
While preparations for the centennial are underway, the theater continues to offer engaging performances. The current production, The Best Christmas Pageant Ever, is in its second and final weekend, with evening performances at 19:30 and a Sunday matinee at 14:30. Tickets are recommended to be purchased online through the Bonnie Kate website.
Additionally, the theater is preparing for its upcoming production of Once Upon a Mattress, a comedic musical adaptation of “The Princess and the Pea.” Auditions for this production will occur on January 3 and January 4 at 14:00, with a callback, if necessary, on January 6 at 19:30. The performances will take place from March 13-15 and March 19-22.
“The Bonnie Kate is a gem, a jewel in the crown of Elizabethton, and we’re so grateful to be part of her continuing story,” Christian concluded, highlighting the theater’s significance in the community. As the centennial approaches, both the theater and its supporters look forward to celebrating this milestone together.
