Fringe Show Reviews

Winnipeg Free Press - ONLINE EDITION

Jake's Gift

Written by: Julia Mackey

Presented by: Juno Productions / Vancouver, BC

$content.venue

Our Rating: Your Average Rating:

07/19/2009 2:16 PM | Comments: 0

Julia Mackey has been trying to get into the Winnipeg Fringe for three years, but we’re the ones who won the lottery here, folks. When a bare-bones, solo show can have virtually every member of the (packed) audience — and the performer — in tears by the end, you know it’s a gem.

The Vancouver playwright/actor’s lovingly crafted, beautifully acted and indubitably important comedy-drama about the losses and gains of war should be required viewing in every Canadian classroom.

Jake’s Gift tells the story of a Second World War veteran’s reluctant return to Normandy, France, for the 60th anniversary of D-Day. There, the crotchety octogenarian is befriended by Isabelle, a precocious 10-year-old from the local village who helps him face some long-ignored ghosts.

Mackey’s ability to embody both characters, shifting seamlessly from arthritic codger to playful child in seconds, is nothing short of amazing.

“I never did nothin’ special,” grunts Jake during an overdue visit to his brother’s grave. Mackey’s gift of remembrance is a powerful rebuttal. Don’t miss it.

— Carolin Vesely

From the official Fringe Festival program:

Best Drama, Best Solo Show, Best Female Performer (2007 & 2008 Victoria Fringe), Best of Fest Holdover (2008 Edmonton Fringe) Jake’s Gift is a surprisingly funny and powerful drama about a World War II veteran’s reluctant return to Juno Beach for the 60th Anniversary of D-Day.

"If I could give this play six stars, I would.” - Saskatoon StarPhoenix

www.juliamackey.com

Warnings: Recommended Age 10 +
RECOMMENDED: General Audience

60 min.

Venue#2 MTC Up the Alley 174 Market Ave (Entrance on John Hirsch Pl)

Tickets: $9
Discount Tickets: $8 for Students, Seniors, Veterans

Fact Check

Have you found an error, or know of something we’ve missed in one of our stories? Please use the form below and let us know.

* Required

In which story did you find the error? *
Please post the headline of the story or the title of the video with the error.
What was the error? *
Please post exactly what was wrong with the story.
What should we have written?
Please indicate your source for the correct information.
Who else should we interview to improve this story?
Please include any contact information you may have.
Can we contact you in the future for advice on stories about this topic?
Yes

No
First Name: *
Last Name: *
E–mail Address: *
This will only be used to contact you if we have a question about your submission, it will not be used to identify you or be published.
Phone: *
This will only be used to contact you if we have a question about your submission, it will not be used to identify you or be published.
Colour:
Are you blue? If you can see this, leave it blank and get some CSS support.
Enter the words that you see: * This is to prevent our forms from being filled out automatically.
You have failed to correctly identify the words in the box above. Please try again.

More Fringe Show Reviews

Undock

You can comment on most stories on winnipegfreepress.com. You can also agree or disagree with other comments. All you need to do is register and/or login and you can join the conversation and give your feedback.

Have Your Say

New to commenting? Check out our Frequently Asked Questions.

The Winnipeg Free Press does not necessarily endorse any of the views posted. By submitting your comment, you agree to our Terms and Conditions. These terms were revised effective April 16, 2010.