The performing arts continues to take center stage inside the Bonnie Kate Theater.
Following up packed houses during their first two shows since reopening, the facility will host the Knoxville Symphony Strings Ensemble on Wednesday, March 29, at 2:30 p.m. with free admission.
Wednesday’s event, sponsored by the Elizabethton/Carter County Public Library, features the Knoxville Story Time Quartet performing various child story performances.
Tentatively scheduled for roughly 45 minutes, attendees will be able to hear stories while the ensemble provides music. At the conclusion of the event, child-sized instruments will be available for the youth to use.
It’s a proud program the Knoxville Symphony Orchestra (KSO) has been able to provide, according to Rachel Dellinger, communications director for the group. Since its inception, the program works alongside libraries across the state to promote storytelling and the performing arts.
“It’s certainly important to have these partnerships in place,” Dellinger said. “We’ve had 16 to 20 performance in Knox and Blount counties and we’re excited about the opportunity of coming further into Northeast Tennessee.”
The group’s presence has grown throughout the state, as storytelling events are now taking place in 20 counties in upper East Tennessee.
Each performance is gear for preschool aged children and their families as the quartet combines children’s literature with classical music, sound effects and hands-on learning.
Part of their education and community initiative, KSO always wants to stress the importance of the performing arts and no better venue could be sought after than the Bonnie Kate, according to Dellinger.
“It’s our goal to see arts and culture continue to grow across the state,” she said about the KSO. “Having the ability to expand our programs is incredible. It’s certainly a group opportunity for us to be able to be with the community in a theater like the Bonnie Kate with its history and the restoration currently going on at the facility.”
After Wednesday’s performance, the quartet will make an appearance on April 12 at 10:30 a.m. at the Washington County Library.
Visit knoxvillesymphony.com for a list of performances and more information about KSO.
In Elizabethton, the Bonnie Kate will gear up for a busy April following Wednesday’s show.
Upcoming productions include:
• The Elizabethton High School Advanced Drama group will perform “Once upon a time … Bedtime Stories (As Told by Our Dad) (Who Messed Them Up)” on Friday, April 7, at 7:30 p.m. and Saturday, April 8, at 3 p.m. Tickets are available at the Bonnie Kate for $5.
• “Belle’s Ballet & Tea Time,” a story of Beauty and the Beast, concludes the list of events on Saturday, April 29, at 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. The festivities will take place in the theater area and Sugar Love Cafe with the library and East Tennessee Youth Ballet taking part.
Funds raised throughout each performance will go toward stage lights needed at the Bonnie Kate.
Each show will have a special-made program, which businesses can advertise in. The funds raised through advertisements will go directly into the Bonnie Kate’s fund for future projects. Interested businesses or organizations looking to promote their work can contact Appalachian Printing, who is handling the printing services at no charge, at (423) 543-2600.
Individuals are also encouraged to make monetary donations, if possible, to the restoration project. 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.