Blyth Festival Presents JAKE'S GIFT 9/8

For the second year in a row, the Blyth Festival is proud to present Jake's Gift by Julia Mackey - a multi award-winning Canadian play about a World War II veteran's journey back to Juno Beach for the 60th anniversary of D-Day.

Audiences last year were so moved by the production that the Blyth Festival felt compelled to bring Jake's Gift back for those that missed it last year as well as those that wish to see it again. "I brought three teenagers to see Jake's Gift and the performance crossed the generations extremely well", said audience member Jane Antoniak of London, Ontario, "All of us truly felt the impact of the message."

During the play, cantankerous Jake meets Isabelle, a precocious 10-year old from the local village, whose inquisitive nature and charm challenge the old veteran to confront some long ignored ghosts.

Jake's Gift was created after writer and performer Julia Mackey travelled to Normandy, France in June 2004 for the 60th Anniversary Ceremonies of D-Day. She spent eight days touring the Normandy coast, attending many of the ceremonies and interviewing Canadian, British and American veterans, as well as the local French people.

Jake's Gift will take place on Thursday, September 8 at 8:00 p.m. at Blyth Memorial Hall. Tickets are $30, available at www.blythfestival.com or by calling 1-877-862-5984. Prior to the performance there will be a country supper for $15 in the Lower Hall at 6:00 p.m.

For more information on Jake's Gift, or other Blyth Festival events, visit www.blythfestival.com or call 1-877-862-5984.

Blyth Festival special events are sponsored by Huron Income Managers Group, and their partners the Economical Insurance Group and Howick Mutual Insurance Company. The Blyth Festival's 2011 season is sponsored by Sparling's Propane Company Limited and CTV.