“Julia Mackey’s solo show truly is the gift that keeps on giving.”
Read Calgary Herald’s Louis B. Hobson’s Preview: Lunchbox Theatre brings back beloved wartime drama for anniversary season
Read Livewire’s Aryn Toombs article: The Canadian veteran experience continues to resonate with Jake’s Gift
““Her [Julia Mackey] craft and skill for being able to seamlessly move from one character to the next is an art in itself.””
““Jake’s Gift may be short, but it’s long on historical and emotional impact, relevance and raw talent. The gift it gives is a light-hearted but never lightweight reminder that those who die in armed combat are never forgotten by those who loved them.””
JAKE’S GIFT
By Julia Mackey
October 30 - November 17, 2024
A beloved multi-award-winning Canadian play returns to Lunchbox.
2004 & 1944. On the shores of Juno Beach, a precocious 10-year-old helps a WWII veteran confront ghosts from his past.
While revisiting the shores of Juno Beach, Jake encounters Isabelle, a precocious 10-year-old from the local village. Isabelle’s inquisitive nature and charm challenge the old soldier to confront some long-ignored ghosts – most notably the war-time death of his eldest brother, Chester, a once-promising young musician. Jake’s Gift is a multi-award-winning Canadian play about a World War II veteran’s reluctant return to Normandy, France, for the 60th anniversary of the D-Day landings. At its heart, this play is about the legacy of remembrance and makes personal the story behind one soldier’s grave.
Poster Artwork by Kate Beck
All Veterans and active members of the Canadian Military are welcome to attend for free. If booking your ticket online, use the code MILITARY.
Note: Video and audio recording of this production is strictly prohibited.
50/50 Cash Raffle Fundraiser
Join us in celebrating our 50th anniversary! Grab your tickets now and take home half of the cash (up to $10,000)! Running October 23- November 17, 2024
Cast and Crew:
JULIA MACKEY | performer
DIRK VAN STRALEN | Director & Stage Manager
Julia Mackey | PLAYWRIGHT
Gerald King | Lighting Designer
Show Dates:
WEDNESDAY OCT 30 – 12PM (PREVIEW)
THURSDAY OCT 31 – 12PM
FRIDAY NOV 1 – 12PM & 7PM
SATURDAy NOV 2 – 12PM & 4PM
SUNDAY NOV 3 – 1:30 PM (OPENING, LEGACY PRICING, RelaxeD, SUPER masK FRiENDLY)
tuesDAY NOV 5 – 12PM - SOLD OuT
WEDNESDAY NOV 6 – 12PM
THURSDAY NOV 7 – 12PM (Talk back)
FRIDAY NOV 8 – 12PM - SOLD OUT & 7PM (Eighty-Eight Brewing Co. POP UP tasting)
SATURDAy NOV 9 – 12PM & 4PM (OWL’s NEST POP UP SHOP)
SUNDAY NOV 10 – 1:30PM - SOLD OUT (OWL’s NEST POP UP SHOP)
Monday Nov 11 - 7pm (REMEMBRANCE DAY)
TUESDAY NOV 12 – no show
WEDNESDAY NOV 13 – 12PM & 7pm
THURSDAY NOV 14 – 12PM (Talk back)
FRIDAY NOV 15 – 12PM & 7PM
SATURDAy NOV 16 – 12PM & 4PM
SUNDAY NOV 17 – 1:30PM (CLOSING, aSL-INTERPRETED)
Jake’s Gift is a multi-award winning play about a Canadian WW2 veteran’s reluctant return to Juno Beach for the 60th Anniversary of D-Day.
Photo: Julia Mackey
Location:
Lunchbox Theatre performances take place in the Studio at Vertigo Theatre, at the base of the landmark Calgary Tower.
#161, 115 - 9 Ave. SE
Calgary, AB T2G 0P5
Note: Online ticket sales stop 60 minutes before the show but you can still call the box office 403-221-3708 to book your tickets or get them at the box office window before the show.
Doors open 30 minutes before the show.
You are welcome to pack your lunch or dinner and eat it during the show. The bar will be open before each performance to purchase snacks and drinks but there are no sandwiches or lunches for sale at the venue.
Note: We aim to have a scent-sensitivity environment. Please avoid wearing scented personal care products such as perfume, cologne, aftershave, scented lotions or creams for the body, face or hands.
We suggest this show for 12+.
Legacy Ticket Pricing
On the first Sunday afternoon performance of each production in our 50th anniversary season, we invite you to celebrate 50 years with special pick-your-price Legacy ticket options:
Original Price: $1 — the price that we charged in 1975 for our very first shows!
Legacy Discount: $19.75 — in honour of our founding year, 1975.
These special ticket prices are available over the phone at 403-221-3708 or in person at the box office window. The first performance that the special Legacy pricing will be available for Jake's Gift is on Sunday, November 3 at 1:30 pm.
Remembrance Day Performance
Observe Remembrance Day in a special way and see a performance of Jake’s Gift at 7 PM. Tickets for this performance are limited. Get yours today!
What is a Talk Back?
After the show's performance, most (usually all) of the actors return to the stage to answer your questions and provide insight into the play you have just experienced.
Group Bookings
Make some memories with your staff this holiday season - get the group discount! Group rates are available for bookings of 10 or more and are a very affordable $25 per ticket. Call our box office at 403-221-3708 from 10 AM - 4 PM, Monday to Friday.
Volunteers
Our volunteers make it possible for us to do what we do, and we're always on the lookout for dedicated and passionate individuals to help us out!
See a show for free! Usher or volunteer front of house for any of our shows.
