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November 6, 2013 (Lemon Grove) – The Lemon Grove Historical Society will present a special edition of "History Alive" on Nov. 7 at 7 p.m. in the H. Lee House Cultural Center, 3205 Olive Street, Lemon Grove when theater pros Anne Charlotte and Michael Harvey will recall in words, music, and images their production of the four-act melodrama "The Drunkard," presented during the glory days of the Lemon Grove Players.
In Lemon Grove in the late 1970s, along with a brand new city (1977), a revamped school district (1978), and a fledgling historical society (1978), there was a new theatrical troupe with big dreams. The Lemon Grove Players, spearheaded by such talents as Dorothy Dubois, Dr. Robert Burns, Robert and Donna Adams, Victoria and Michael Dietrich, Estelle Lauer, pianist Anona Bolieu, and a platoon of volunteers, presented everything from melodrama to Molière in local school auditoriums for the next five years.
Needing professional direction, they enlisted the help of Lemon Grovians Anne-Charlotte and Michael Harvey, then anchoring the SDSU Theater Department, a school they would help to lead for the next 30 years. The Harveys brought broad understanding of period drama from Shakespeare to Strindberg to the riotously funny melodramas that entertained Americans from the 19th century to present time.
"The Drunkard," a hilarious American classic directed by Michael, played to packed houses. "The Fireman's Flame" was a local in-joke, according to Anne-Charlotte, "because Lemon Grove fire chief Robert Adams and his wife, Donna, were involved in the production." "Dirty Work at the Crossroads," another 19th century melodrama, wowed audiences, while Molière's "A Flea in Her Ear" won the troupe Best Costumes from the area critics' circle.
The Harveys will recall the posters, programs, tickets, lobby refreshments, sets, props and costumes all made by volunteers, and the cooperation of the Lemon Grove School District in those heady days when everything old was brand new again. Anona Bolieu will be back to play excerpts from "The Drunkard."
"History Alive" is free and suitable for ages 13 and over. Refreshments will follow the presentation.
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