Ever wonder how things were locally back in the 1940s?
The Bonnie Kate Theater is allowing the public an opportunity to step back in time this weekend for their 1940s Dinner Theater, the first of its kind since the theater’s recent reopening.
The event, which is serving as a fundraiser for the facility, takes place Saturday, Oct. 21, with doors opening at 6:30 p.m. with action to follow at 7 p.m.
Tickets are $40 for the night can be purchased either at the theater, the Elizabethton/Carter County Chamber of Commerce, Appalachian Printing and the Elizabethton Parks & Recreation Center.
Ross added the hope is to have at least 100 patrons for the evening, and attendees with get their money’s worth with a loaded lineup.
Looking for soulful tunes? The Tri-Cities Jazz Ensemble will have you covered by performing some songs from the era. The group is led by Eddie Dalton with Erin Dalton serving as an accompanying musician.
Saturday’s principal attraction is the presentation of the Omelet Murder Case, by Tim Kelly, used with permission by Dramatist Publishing. Some familiar faces will grace the Bonnie Kate mainstage with the Hopwood Players performing the piece.
Based in 1947, Ross added attendees have the chance to step back in time to 1947 with time-oriented decoration hear news from the colorfully named radio station – WELZ Elizabethton. Various jingles for businesses and others will be “broadcasted” from the radio during the night.
With two hours to fill, action will then spill over into one of the Bonnie Kate’s rooms for a special silent auction filled with paintings, baskets and other items. Ross added that appetizers and other treats for the attendees will be available.
“There’s been so much work being put in for the event,” Ross recently told the Elizabethton Star. “It has been really community-driven. I can’t say enough about the help. We’re really excited about this night.”
Don’t expect action to dry up following October’s show. Ross added Elizabethton High School will present The Great Gatsby November 10-11 and 17-18 at 7:30 p.m. each night. Tickets will be $10 for adults and $5 for students.
To get into the Christmas spirit, a special showing of A Christmas Carol, featuring local performances, is scheduled for December.
The facility is looking to continue its growth from the performances by raising funds for operational costs and other improvements. Another item being pursued by the building is bringing in a business to supplement the theater and help continue building momentum for the Bonnie Kate “boom” happening downtown.
To stay up to date with activities at the Bonnie Kate Theater, visit the Bonnie Kate Restoration Project Facebook page on social media.