ENCORE, ENCORE: Children take part in Bonnie Kate renaissance
Published 8:19 pm Friday, July 21, 2017
Star Photo/Curtis Carden Aspiring young performers from the community had the chance to perform live Friday afternoon inside the historic Bonnie Kate Theater. Pictured (in no order) Haylie Pointe, Sarah Ellis, Abby Ellis, Greyson Simerly, Reily Whitson, Emilee Whitson and Aubrey Cole join together on stage following the show.
Star Photo/Curtis Carden The Princess and the Pea share a story with the crowd prior to the start of the headlining show.
Star Photo/Curtis Carden A not-so-evil giant makes a purchase of flowers.
Star Photo/Curtis Carden The Queen cracks a smile during Thursday's performance.
Over a year ago, it would be hard to imagine the Bonnie Kate Theater filled with attendees for events. Nowadays that thought is becoming a reality and a regular occurrence.
Area children had the opportunity to participate in a second youth acting camp offered by the Bonnie Kate and the aspiring actors had the chance to strut their stuff Friday night with a performance of “Molly and the Giant,” inside the historic landmark.
“They’ve been a joy to work with,” Marcia Ross, Bonnie Kate program coordinator, said following the show. “They’ve been very dedicated.”
This week’s camp was a follow-up from last week’s camp centered around the famous “Big Bad Wolf” children’s tale character.
The seven performers: Haylie Pointe, Abby Ellis, Sarah Ellis, Greyson Simerly, Emilee Whitson, Aubrey Cole and Reily Whitson, had the opportunity to perform duo acting skits on other favorite stories before the headline show.
Ross added the camps are just one of a multitude of events going on as part of the Bonnie Kate Restoration Project. The East Tennessee Foundation and Bonnie Kate Board are regularly putting together events to help spotlight the building as renovations are underway for the performance area and other portions of the theater.
Seeing success from previous shows this year is one thing, but Ross said it is important to garner the interest of the younger generation of the community to get involved.
Since the restoration received a green light, the community has shown their support by regularly packing the theater for performances. The overall goal moving forward, Ross added, is to keep raising funds to renovate the building to bring back the appeal for a downtown attraction for the community and visitors alike.
“We want to offer different events for everyone,” Ross said. “Whether it’s the children’s camps, or performance for people that are older, music … the list goes on.”
And if the trend continues, the future looks bright for the Bonnie Kate.
The Bonnie Kate has a variety of events coming up during the fall, which include:
• Sept. 23 – BBQ, Blues & Brew fundraiser at Covered Bridge Park (4 to 8 p.m.)
• Oct. 20-21 – 1940s Radio Show at the Bonnie Kate (7:30 p.m.)
• Nov. 17-18 – The Great Gatsby (7:30 p.m.)
• Dec. 1-2 and 8-9 – A Christmas Carol at the Bonnie Kate (auditions for the show take place on Oct. 2 at 4 p.m.)
Working with the East Tennessee Foundation, the public can make monetary donations to assist with the transformation of the building.
Individuals wanting to assist with the restoration are encouraged to make monetary donations, if possible. 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 to stay updated with the Bonnie Kate, visit their website or The Bonnie Kate Theater Restoration Project Facebook page online.
