The name Dr. A.J. Porter is synonymous with Honeywood Heritage Nursery located near the Village of Parkside just off Highway No. 40 (130 kilometres north of Saskatoon or 54 kilometres west of Prince Albert).
Honeywood Nursery was established in 1934 by A.J. (Bert) Porter, who throughout his life received local, national and international recognition for his work and research with lily bulbs. Porter developed some of the first fruit varieties and ornamental plants capable of thriving on the prairies and was best known as a hybridizer of lilies, winning numerous awards for his work.
Many plants that Porter developed still thrive at Honeywood Heritage Nursery as constant reminders of his life-long commitment to the propagation of plants and fruit species on the prairies. Porter passed away in 2000 but not before 小蓝视频 awarded an Honorary Degree of Doctor of Laws in 1983 and 小蓝视频 inducted into the Saskatchewan Agriculture Hall of Fame in 1987.
This valuable history prompted the Shellbrook Host Players to assist Honeywood in a celebration of Porter's life through writing and producing a play. For the Love of Lilies The History of Honeywood is a collaborative effort of writers from the Host Players and management of Honeywood Heritage Nursery Inc. Some of the writers included Pat Grayston, who is also an artist and accomplished director, Marjorie Bradley, John Hein and Merle Roberts.
Two poems are read during the performance - Honk as You Come In by Laurie Muirhead and We Remember Honeywood by Dr. Byrne Rothwell. Original musical composition by Pat Sonntag completes the creative line up.
The cast, consisting of Dave Whalley as Bert, Nathan Dzialo as Alan Daku, Tammy Smart as young Winnie, Judy Harley as herself, Pat Grayston as herself, Karen Spencer as Sara Williams and John Hein as Fred Tarlton, is busy with rehearsals. David Moe's pre-recorded voice is that of Dr. Ed McGinnis and Nathan Dzialo's is of Alan Daku.
The play is both entertaining and factual with material taken directly from the many letters written to and by Dr. Porter.
"The play applauds the life of a man in our community who was humble but also recognized internationally for his work with lilies and plant propagation on the prairies," commented Judy Harley, Honeywood Heritage Nursery site manager.
The cast and crew have spent and continue to spend countless volunteer hours preparing for the event. Grayston displays professionalism as she encourages each actor to live their part. She is able to bring out the best of each character and present her ideas and recommendations in a positive manner making it a enjoyable experience for everyone. Grayston also encourages the actors to participate in the technical roles.
"This not only creates a well rounded actor with a knowledge of the entire project but also one that is able to assist in any aspect should someone be absent," comments Grayston.
The Shellbrook Host Players has performed two and three act plays, Broadway musicals and has written and performed plays for the 2005 Saskatchewan centennial and the 2009 Shellbrook Centennial celebrations. Honeywood Heritage Nursery is a nonprofit Provincial Heritage site home to lily fields and old orchards.
For the Love of LiliesThe History of Honeywood will be performed in the renovated historic Shellbrook Theatre the evening of April 9 and afternoon of April 10. Advance tickets will go on sale March 1 with all proceeds from the play going towards various projects and maintenance at the heritage site. It is anticipated the 388 seat theatre will sell out quick for the performances so you are encouraged to purchase tickets early. More information can be obtained by calling Judy Harley at 306-747-3522 or e-mailing her at [email protected] or Pat Grayston at [email protected]
