Jake’s Gift is Deeply Moving and Profoundly Personal

Multi-Award Winning Play about the Legacy of Remembrance Returns to Horizon Stage on November 18

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. 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 about the legacy of remembrance and it makes the story behind one soldier’s grave deeply personal. Extend your Remembrance Day celebration and experience Jake’s Gift at Horizon Stage on Friday, November 18.

In June 2004, Julia Mackey traveled to Normandy, France, for the 60th anniversary of D-Day. It was one of the most moving and powerful experiences of her life. During that week long journey, Julia interviewed dozens of Canadian, British and American WWII veterans who had returned for the ceremonies. The stories they shared with Julia and her own life-long interest in Remembrance Day inspired the development of Jake’s Gift.  She also drew inspiration from the grave of a real Canadian soldier buried in Bény-Sur-Mer Canadian War Cemetery when creating the character of Chester.

Since 2007 Jake’s Gift has played at festivals and theatres in over 220 communities across Canada, including Edmonton (2008, 2010 & 2013) and Spruce Grove (2011). They have toured internationally to Washington State, the United Kingdom, and to Normandy, France, for the 70th Anniversary of D-Day in June 2014. The 2016/17 Season marks the start of their 10th year of touring, and Juno Productions and Jake’s Gift continue to garner awards and rave reviews whether playing in small rural towns or big city centers.

Surprisingly funny and profoundly moving, Jake’s Gift pays tribute to an important part of Canadian history. Don’t miss Jake’s Gift at Horizon Stage on Friday, November 18 at 7:30 p.m.  Tickets are just $35 for adults and $30 for students and seniors and may be purchased at the City Hall Ticket Centre (315 Jespersen Ave), by phone at 780-962-8995 or 1-888-655-9090, and online through ticketpro.ca


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★ ★ ★ ★ ★ “Jake’s Gift.  Mark it down. Get your tickets right away.”

– Colin Maclean, Edmonton Sun

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ “Julia Mackey is an eminently watchable actor and her transformation

 between characters are stunning and nuanced.” – Bryan Birtles, Vue Weekly

“Jake’s Gift is as near a perfect play as I’ve ever seen.”

– Jackie Flanagan, Alberta Views Magazine