Lunchbox Theatre celebrates 50th anniversary with return of Jake’s Gift
Julia Mackey in Jake's Gift at Lunchbox Theatre (Photo: Colleen de Neve, Calgary Herald)
Lunchbox Theatre is kicking off its 50th anniversary season with the return of one of its all-time most popular shows.
Jake’s Gift, a solo show by Julia Mackey, tells the story of Jake, a Second World War veteran who returns to Juno Beach for the 60th anniversary of D-Day.
During that visit, he meets 10-year-old Isabelle, a local girl who challenges Jake to confront his uneasy memories of the past, and maybe heal a little along the way.
It will be the fourth production of the show at Lunchbox, after successful runs in 2011, 2012 and 2014.
Overall, Mackey has presented the show in 58 different Alberta productions -- everywhere from Edmonton to Elnora, from Mayerthorpe to Medicine Hat (three times) -- and elsewhere from the bottom of the province to the top.
Mackey has also done 65 productions in British Columbia, 46 in Ontario, 20 in Manitoba and 22 in Saskatchewan, among others., as well as numerous international productions.
Mackey was born in Birmingham, England, then moved to Montreal with her family when she was three, before eventually settling in Victoria.
All veterans and active members of the Canadian military are welcome to attend the Calgary performances free thanks to the support of Veterans Affairs Canada, using the code MILITARY.
Lunchbox origin story
Lunchbox Theatre’s first production was in 1975. It was founded by Bartley and Margaret Bard and Betty Gibb, who were interested in presenting live theatre at lunchtime in downtown Calgary.
The theatre focuses on original one-act plays and has produced many by Calgary playwrights.
To celebrate turning 50, the theatre is offering legacy ticket pricing for its Sunday, Nov. 3 performance.
That day, you can get a ticket for $1, which was the price to see the very first Lunchbox show in 1975, or else a Legacy Discount ticket for $19.75 in honour of its founding year.
Call 403-221-3708 to book a ticket or in person at the box office inside the Calgary Tower.
Opening Day for Jake’s Gift is Thursday at noon. It runs through Nov.17.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Trudeau's Liberals launching new ads, MPs told in caucus meeting
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau faced his caucus for the first time Wednesday since rebuffing calls from two dozen Liberals to resign. He seemed to satiate some MPs’ concerns, with a presentation on party campaign strategy that includes rolling out new ads.
The loonie is trading at lows not seen in years. Here's what it means for Canadians
The Canadian dollar is trading against the U.S. dollar at levels not seen since 2020 as the combined pressures of economic outlooks, elections, and energy prices weigh. Here's what you need to know.
Alleviating allergy concerns unveiled in new action plan
The National Food Allergy Action Plan calls for major changes to assist the millions of Canadians with food allergies. The plan is designed to bring improvements to allergy diagnosis, treatment, consistent standards of care, improved access to care, and an overall upgrade in investments for education and research.
Mother intentionally jumps over Niagara Falls with her two children, a 9-year-old and 5-month-old: police
A 33-year-old mother climbed over a safety rail and intentionally went over Niagara Falls with her two children, a 9-year-old and 5-month-old, according to New York state police, who said Wednesday that search and rescue efforts were unsuccessful.
1 person facing charges following fatal boat crash in eastern Ontario on Victoria Day weekend
A South Frontenac Township man is facing charges, including impaired operation causing death, in connection to a boat crash that killed three people on Bobs Lake in eastern Ontario over the Victoria Day long weekend.
B.C. woman continues to be paid for a federal government job she has never worked
Vanita Lindsay has been paid $8,816.20 for a job she has never worked.
'Nature is just amazing': Manitoba dog seen nursing kitten
A long-time animal foster said the recent behaviour of her dog and cat is something she had never witnessed.
'Not going to play their games,' Singh won't help Tories, Bloc topple the Liberals
Jagmeet Singh says the NDP will not support the Bloc Québécois and Conservative leaders to help them bring down the Liberal government.
Mother of teen victim in mass killing suing Manitoba's child welfare agency
The mother of a 17-year-old victim in a mass slaying in Manitoba is suing a child welfare agency for allegedly failing to protect the girl.
Shopping Trends
The Shopping Trends team is independent of the journalists at CTV News. We may earn a commission when you use our links to shop. Read about us.
Edmonton
-
'To protect our children': Alberta unveils new bill aimed at child-care sector
The Alberta government is looking to increase oversight of the child-care sector.
-
EXCLUSIVE
EXCLUSIVE More than a dozen workers exposed to asbestos in Edmonton public schools last year
Hundreds of pages of documents detailing potential asbestos exposures at Edmonton’s largest school division reveal human error led to more than a dozen worker exposures last year.
-
Edmonton dog hoping to visit with trick-or-treaters on Halloween
An Edmonton woman is asking trick-or-treaters to stop by her house to visit her dog.
Lethbridge
-
Lethbridge police officer charged in off-duty domestic incident
A Lethbridge police officer faces multiple charges in relation to an off-duty domestic incident.
-
Final Alberta crop report shows better than average yields for southern Alberta farmers
According to the last Alberta crop report of 2024, 99.9 percent of crops in the south region have been harvested.
-
‘Custodian of history’: Lethbridge pilot gearing up for multiple Remembrance Day fly past ceremonies
With Remembrance Day ceremonies set to take place in less than two weeks, a Lethbridge pilot is gearing up to hit the skies to help honour Canadian soldiers.
Vancouver
-
Seller ordered to return buyer's $1.5M deposit for 2 Vancouver teardowns at centre of fraud litigation
The owner of a pair of teardown homes in Vancouver's rapidly redeveloping Oakridge neighbourhood has been ordered to refund a would-be buyer's deposit of $1.5 million.
-
B.C. teacher gives up certification after pleading guilty to sex assault
A former teacher from B.C.’s Fraser Valley who pleaded guilty to sexual assault and other charges last year has agreed to give up his teaching certificate.
-
3 dead after Vancouver Island house fire, including man who tried to save others
Three people were found dead after a fire tore through a rental home on Vancouver Island earlier this week. Investigators believe one of the victims initially escaped the blaze, but ran back inside to rescue others before he succumbed to smoke inhalation.
Vancouver Island
-
3 dead after Vancouver Island house fire, including man who tried to save others
Three people were found dead after a fire tore through a rental home on Vancouver Island earlier this week. Investigators believe one of the victims initially escaped the blaze, but ran back inside to rescue others before he succumbed to smoke inhalation.
-
B.C. groups lose bid to stop Alaskan fishery's sustainable certification
A coalition of Canadian environmental groups has lost its latest bid to prevent Alaska's salmon fishery from being labelled as sustainable by an international certification body.
-
Guards seize $70K in cannabis outside B.C. prison amid increase in drone detection systems
Prison officials discovered several packages containing tens of thousands of dollars worth of contraband cannabis products on the perimeter of a British Columbia prison last week, as the Correctional Service of Canada says it has increased its deployment of anti-drone and detector dog services at federal institutions across the country.
Saskatoon
-
'The rules are clear': Sask. First Nations leaders say Cameron not eligible to run for FSIN Chief
Delegates from 74 Saskatchewan First Nations head to the polls on Thursday to elect a new chief of the Federation of Sovereign Indigenous Nations (FSIN).
-
The only 24-hour public washroom in Pleasant Hill is closing for the season
The 24-hour public washroom trailer in Pleasant Hill closes for the season on Thursday.
-
These are the 3 longest serving governments in Saskatchewan's history
Following the Saskatchewan Party's formation of a fifth straight majority, the party will enter historic territory as one of the province's three longest serving governments.
Regina
-
Sask. Party avoids NDP sweep in Saskatoon with Ken Cheveldayoff win
The Saskatchewan Party has avoided being swept off the map by the NDP in Saskatoon with CTV News confirming that Ken Cheveldayoff has been re-elected in Saskatoon Willowgrove.
-
These are the 3 longest serving governments in Saskatchewan's history
Following the Saskatchewan Party's formation of a fifth straight majority, the party will enter historic territory as one of the province's three longest serving governments.
-
Sask. RCMP searching for man who is running to be Regina's mayor
Saskatchewan RCMP has confirmed that 37-year-old Nathaniel Hewton, a candidate for mayor in Regina’s upcoming civic election, is wanted in relation to an assault investigation.
Toronto
-
'I was trembling:' Brampton man says police wrongfully Tasered him in his bedroom
Junior Henry says he was shot by a Taser in his bedroom all because police got the wrong home in Brampton.
-
Alpacas ride the GO Train to Union Station as The Royal readies to roll into town for another year
Two cute, fluffy alpacas brought a smile to commuters’ faces Wednesday morning as they rode the GO Train from Scarborough to Union Station in advance of the Royal Agricultural Winter Fair, which kicks off this weekend.
-
Ontario deficit has shrunk by $3.3 billion, but return to balance still two years away
Ontario’s deficit for 2024-25 has shrunk by $3.3 billion since the Ford government released the provincial budget earlier this year, and the province says it expects that deficit to flip to a larger-than-expected surplus within the next two years.
Montreal
-
Police open homicide probe after body found in Ahuntsic-Cartierville park
Montreal police (SPVM) confirmed Wednesday afternoon that they are investigating a homicide after a body was found in the l’Île-de-la-Visitation nature park in the Ahuntsic-Cartierville borough.
-
Trois-Rivieres man keeps Halloween spirit alive year-round
For the past 25 years, Jean-Paul Désilets has fully immersed himself in the spirit of Halloween. The DIY Halloween decor enthusiast has transformed his home in Trois-Rivières into a year-round spooky, magical world—straight out of a Tim Burton movie.
-
Montreal man convicted of child sexual abuse facing new luring charges; police seek more alleged victims
The Montreal police's sexual exploitation unit is once again asking for the public's help in locating potential victims of a convicted sex offender who allegedly reoffended.
Atlantic
-
Homeless man in tent deserved same welfare rate as housed people, N.S. lawyer argues
The lawyer for a homeless man who died at a Halifax encampment is arguing in court today that his client's welfare payments should have been as high as those received by people with permanent housing.
-
Sarah McLachlan anniversary tour postponed
Famed Canadian singer Sarah McLachlan is postponing her 30th Anniversary tour of “Fumbling Towards Ecstasy” due to health concerns.
-
Major traffic back-ups near Halifax Wednesday morning due to multiple collisions
Collisions on both bridges spanning the Halifax Harbour led to traffic troubles for commuters Wednesday morning.
Winnipeg
-
Mother of teen victim in mass killing suing Manitoba's child welfare agency
The mother of a 17-year-old victim in a mass slaying in Manitoba is suing a child welfare agency for allegedly failing to protect the girl.
-
Man assaulted with machete, bear spray during unprovoked attack in Winnipeg park
Police say a 44-year-old man was rushed to hospital after an unprovoked attack in a Winnipeg park involving a machete and bear spray.
-
Travis Kelce sports Winnipeg Blue Bombers jersey during podcast appearance
Travis Kelce traded up his Kansas City Chiefs jersey for a Winnipeg Blue Bombers one.
Ottawa
-
1 person facing charges following fatal boat crash in eastern Ontario on Victoria Day weekend
A South Frontenac Township man is facing charges, including impaired operation causing death, in connection to a boat crash that killed three people on Bobs Lake in eastern Ontario over the Victoria Day long weekend.
-
Two men burned while working in Ottawa apartment building
Two men are being treated for burns after being injured while working at an apartment building in Ottawa's Alta Vista neighbourhood.
-
Ottawa city council passes motion to study 'bubble' bylaw, despite skepticism from councillors
Ottawa's city council voted on Wednesday to enable city staff to look into the feasibility of implementing a 'bubble bylaw' that could restrict demonstrations near certain community spaces, including schools and hospitals amid an increase in hate crimes.
Northern Ontario
-
North Bay woman sentenced to 7.5 years in 2021 fatal stabbing
A North Bay woman was sentenced this week in connection with the fatal stabbing of Nicholas Nicholls in 2021.
-
Northern Ont. municipalities worry about skyrocketing policing costs
Towns and municipalities in northern Ontario are concerned about the increased costs of Ontario Provincial Police services.
-
Chelmsford residents celebrate $1M lottery win
Daniel and Rita Auger of Chelmsford in Greater Sudbury are celebrating after winning $1 million in the Sept. 17 Encore draw.
Barrie
-
Family of man killed in gas station shooting desperate for answers
The family of a gas station worker who was killed earlier this month in Amaranth is pleading for help in finding the person responsible for his murder.
-
Complainant alleges years of control, exploitation in human trafficking case involving married couple
A woman claiming Lauriston and Amber Maloney exploited her while she lived and worked for the Essa Township couple continued her testimony on Wednesday, telling the court she was controlled for years.
-
Incentive program attracts new physicians to Huntsville to address shortage in primary care
Amid a critical need for family doctors, the Town of Huntsville is taking steps to attract physicians and tackle the long-standing waitlist for primary care.
Kitchener
-
Fatal crash closes eastbound 401 in Cambridge
All lanes of Highway 401 are closed eastbound near Townline Road in Cambridge.
-
Woman who pleaded guilty to defrauding doulas pleads guilty to more charges
Kaitlyn Braun, the woman who pleaded guilty to defrauding numerous doulas last year, has pleaded guilty to four additional charges.
-
‘It's as if the bankruptcy never happened’: K-W Symphony says its ready to make a comeback
The Kitchener-Waterloo Symphony’s board of directors says the association has bounced back from bankruptcy.
London
-
London police investigating LHSC's 'past financial practices'
London Health Sciences Centre (LHSC) is being investigated by London Police Service, who LHSC confirmed on Wednesday are looking into ‘past financial practices.’
-
'He intentionally left my son to die': A mother confronts the man who killed her son in a hit-and-run collision
On Wednesday morning Nicholas Burtch, 36, entered a guilty plea at the Simcoe Courthouse to a charge related to failing to stop at the scene of a collision causing death. The 14-year-old boy, whose identity has been protected by the courts, was struck by a pick-up truck.
-
London man facing 53 charges in multiple theft investigation: LPS
A London man is facing a total of 53 charges in connection to a multiple theft investigation.
Windsor
-
Judge to consider past criminal offences in Windsor terrorism trial
Local judge, Justice Maria Carroccia, has ruled previous conduct will be considered when it comes to her final judgement in a Windsor terrorism trial.
-
MPP skeptical over Conservatives plan to distribute $200 cheques
The Doug Ford government plans to provide Ontario taxpayers with a $200 tax-free rebate. Parents will receive an additional $200 cheque for each eligible child.
-
Windsor woman sharing her 3D printing passion to inspire others
If she can dream it, Dora Strelkova can likely make it a reality — as long as there’s a 3D printer nearby.
