The Bonnie Kate Community Theater in Elizabethton is poised to celebrate its 100th anniversary in 2027, with planning already underway for a series of events leading up to this significant milestone. Contrary to popular belief, the theater will officially turn 100 on May 26, 2027, not in 2026, as noted by artistic director Renee Christian.
The theater, which began funding in 1926 and opened its doors on May 26, 1927, will kick off the centennial celebrations with a themed New Year’s Eve party on December 31, 2026. Christian emphasized the excitement surrounding the event, stating, “It’s going to be a roaring ’20s New Year’s Eve party. We want people to dress up as their favorite gangster or flapper and just have a fabulous time with us at the Bonnie Kate.”
Following the grand opening celebration, organizers plan to host monthly galas featuring a variety of events. These will include theatrical performances and interactive activities such as a scavenger hunt, creating a year-long celebration culminating in a final event on December 31, 2027.
To facilitate planning, meetings will be held on the second Saturday of every month at 9:30 a.m.. Christian welcomes community members to volunteer for the planning committee, highlighting the collective effort needed for such a significant celebration. “This is a big thing to pull off. It’s going to require a tremendous amount of planning and effort,” she said.
As the theater prepares for its centennial, community members are encouraged to contribute by sharing memories, photos, and nostalgic ideas from the Bonnie Kate’s rich history.
While preparations for the anniversary continue, the Bonnie Kate Theater remains active in providing entertainment. 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 available for purchase online through the Bonnie Kate website to ensure attendance.
Additionally, the theater will host the Tri-Cities Jazz Orchestra Christmas Concert on Sunday at 19:30. Looking ahead, auditions for the upcoming production of Once Upon a Mattress are scheduled for January 3 and 4, 2024, at 14:00, with callbacks on January 6 at 19:30. Performances will take place from March 13-15 and March 19-22.
Renee Christian expressed her pride in the theater’s legacy, stating, “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.” As the theater approaches its centennial, it promises to offer a memorable journey for both longtime patrons and new visitors.
