June 12–20, 2026 @ Bonnie Kate Theater
ELIZABETHTON, Tenn.— The Bonnie Kate Theater presents"Steel Magnolias"by Robert Harling as the inaugural production under the newElizabethton Community Theatrebanner, opening June 12 at the historic Bonnie Kate Theater in downtown Elizabethton.
Due to audience demand, the production has addedtwo Saturday matinee performancesonSaturday, June 13, and Saturday, June 20, at 2:30 p.m.Evening performances remain scheduled at 7:30 p.m., June 12–14 and June 18–21 run.
Directed byKallie Gay and Thomas Townsend, the production marks a new chapter for live theaterat the Bonnie Kate. The nameElizabethton Community Theatrereflects the growth of the theaterprogram as a distinct live performance arm within the Bonnie Kate’s larger mission, helping audiences clearly recognize live theateralongside film, music, and other cultural programming at the venue.
“'Steel Magnolias'is one of those rare plays that lets an audience laugh hard, grieve honestlyand leave feeling more connected to the people around them,” said directors Kallie Gay and Thomas Townsend. “It is not a story with one lead. It is a story with six women at the center, each carrying part of the heart.”
Set inside Truvy’s beauty salon in small-town Louisiana, 'Steel Magnolias'follows six unforgettable women whose friendships carry them through weddings, gossip, laughter, illness, griefand the daily miracles of showing up for one another. Beloved for its humor and emotional power, the play is both intimate and communal: a story about women who sharpen, protect, teaseand sustain each other when life turns tender, hilariousand brutal.
The Elizabethton Community Theatre production emphasizes the ensemble heart of the play. There are no supporting women in this story; there are six leads. Each character brings her own strength, wit, woundand resilience to the salon, making the production a celebration of friendship, family, communityand the fierce grace of ordinary people.
“The Elizabethton Community Theatre name helps audiences understand exactly what they are coming to see: live theatermade with and for this community and the surrounding region,” said Townsend. “The Bonnie Kate is the home. Elizabethton Community Theatre is the live theater program growing inside that home.”
The cast features:
Theresa Garbeas Truvy Jones
Ashley Wardas Annelle Dupuy-Desoto
Carla Dunnas Clairee Belcher
Baleigh McKeehanas Shelby Eatenton-Latcherie
Melissa Nipperas M’Lynn Eatenton
Becky Edminstinas Ouiser Boudreaux
The added matinees were announced in response to demand for additional performance opportunities.
“We added the Saturday matinees because audiences asked for them,” said Gay. “That is exactly the kind of response a community theaterhopes for. People want more chances to see this story, and we are glad to make that possible.”
"Steel Magnolias"also arrives as part of the Bonnie Kate’s continued growth as a cultural home for the region. The historic downtown venue hosts theater, film, musicand community events, and the Elizabethton Community Theatre banner will help distinguish live theatrical productions as that programming continues to expand.
The Bonnie Kate Theater is located at115 S. Sycamore Street, Elizabethton, Tennessee.
Tickets and additional information are available through the Bonnie Kate Theater.
Performance Dates:
June 12–14 and June 18–21, 2026
Added Matinee Performances:
Saturday, June 13 at 2:30 p.m.
Saturday, June 20 at 2:30 p.m.
Location:
Bonnie Kate Theater
115 S. Sycamore Street
Elizabethton, TN 37643
Category: Theatre