The production of the play For the Love of Lilies The History of Honeywood was performed April 9 and 10 in the historic Shellbrook Theatre. A combined attendance of over 400 individuals witnessed the two performances which applauded the life of a man in the community who was humble but also recognized internationally for his work with lilies and plant propagation on the prairies. Audience members came from across the province as well as from the University of Saskatchewan in Saskatoon, the Saskatchewan Horticultural Society, Saskatchewan Perennial Society and Canadian Prairie Lily Society.
Preceding each performance was musical entertainment provided by Gerald Lanes, Kerry English on violin and Bruce Isbister.
The entertaining yet factual play was a collaborative effort of writers from the Host Players and management of Honeywood Heritage Nursery Inc.
"I think this was one of the more cohesive casts I have had the honour of working with and I think that it was due to us working collaboratively to make it something more than just a play," commented director/actor Pat Grayston. "Everyone was pulling together to make it a fitting tribute to Dr. A. J. (Bert) Porter."
Judy Harley, current site manager, was pleased with the attendance and enjoyed participating in the play.
"It was a real learning experience to see the work and dedication it takes to make mere words into something that everyone can enjoy and learn from," commented Judy who was instrumental in organizing and documenting almost the entire collection of letters either received by or sent to Bert over the course of his lifetime.
The cast contributed many hours towards rehearsals to ensure the production was as professional as possible. The cast consisted 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. David Moe's pre-recorded voice was that of Dr. Ed McGinnis and Nathan Dzialo's was of Alan Daku.
The name Dr. A. J Porter is synonymous with Honeywood Heritage Nursery located near the Village of Parkside just off Highway 40 (130 km north of Saskatoon or 54 km 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 Bert's life-long commitment to the propagation of plants and fruit species on the prairies. Dr. Porter passed away in 2000 but not before being awarded an Honorary Degree of Doctor of Laws in 1983 and being inducted into the Saskatchewan Agriculture Hall of Fame in 1987.
Honeywood Heritage Nursery is a non-profit Provincial Heritage site, home to lily fields and old orchards open to the public during the spring through fall months. All proceeds from the play will go towards various projects and maintenance at the Heritage site which will be open to the public weekdays, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., from May 21 to September 5. For more information phone 306-747-3307 or 306-747-2275 to confirm dates, hours of operation and event schedules or visit www.honeywood-lilies.ca.
