Open Casting Call for ‘He Ain’t Done Right by Nell’

The famed Lemon Grove Theatre Guild will be revived this fall with a production of the 19th century melodrama “He Ain’t Done Right by Nell,” to be staged in September.

The Lemon Grove Historical Society will hold a two-day open casting call for the production’s seven roles from 6 to 9 p.m. July 10 and 11 at the H. Lee House in Civic Center Park.

Actors will do cold readings from the script for the roles of Hero (20s); Heroine (18 to 23); Villain (30s-40s); Old Maid (50s); Granny (late 60s-70s); Wealthy Father (60s); and Wealthy Daughter (mid-20s to early 30s).

The Lemon Grove Theatre Guild was established in 1934 by two noted Lemon Grovians, the multitalented Amorita Treganza and her husband, Robert Turnbull III. The newlywed couple used the guild to stage their own plays, present contemporary and standard 19th century fare, hold playwriting contests and coach actors.

The revival is being shepherded by the historical society’s treasurer, Jim Tarbert, an actor with On Stage Productions in Chula Vista. The play will be directed by Josie Kane, historical society secretary and theater set and prop designer.

Suitable for all ages and heavy on audience participation, “He Ain't Done Right by Nell” will be presented at 7:30 p.m. Sept. 16-17, and 2 p.m. Sept. 18 in the Gazebo Courtyard of the H. Lee House Cultural Arts Center, and 7:30 p.m. Sept. 23-24, and 2 p.m. Sept. 25 at the Women's Club in Lemon Grove.

Tickets are $10, adults, $7 LGHS members and children ages 6 to 18. Children age 5 and younger are free.

For more information, call 619-460-4353 or email lghistorical@gmail.com.