Lunchbox Theater kicks off its 50th anniversary^th anniversary season with the return of one of its most popular shows of all time.

Jake’s Gifta solo exhibition by Julia Mackey, tells the story of Jake, a World War II veteran who returns to Juno Beach for the 60^th anniversary of D-Day.

During this visit, he meets 10-year-old Isabelle, a local girl who challenges Jake to confront his troubling memories of the past, and perhaps heal a little along the way.

This will be the fourth production of the show at Lunchbox, following successful runs in 2011, 2012 and 2014.

In total, Mackey has performed the show in 58 different Alberta productions — everywhere from Edmonton to Elnora, from Mayerthorpe to Medicine Hat (three times) — and elsewhere, from the bottom to the top of the province.

Mackey has also directed 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 finally settling in Victoria.

All veterans and active members of the Canadian military are invited to attend the Calgary performances free of charge thanks to the support of Veterans Affairs Canada, using the code MILITARY.

Origin story of the lunch box

Lunchbox Theater’s first production took place in 1975. It was founded by Bartley, Margaret Bard and Betty Gibb, who wanted to present live lunchtime theater in downtown Calgary.

The theater focuses on original one-act plays and has produced many plays by Calgary playwrights.

To celebrate its 50th anniversary, the theater is offering existing ticket prices for its performance on Sunday, November 3.

On that day, you can get a $1 ticket, the price to see the very first Lunchbox show in 1975, or a $19.75 Legacy Discount ticket in honor of its founding year.

Call 403-221-3708 to reserve a ticket or in person at the box office inside the Calgary Tower.

Jake’s Gift opening day is Thursday at noon. It runs until November 17.