Called "the most theatrically pure show I have ever seen" by CBC Winnipeg's Katie Nicholson, Jake's Gift comes to the Chilliwack Cultural Centre Oct. 7.

A surprisingly funny drama, at times, Jake's Gift follows a Canadian Second World War veteran who reluctantly returns to Normandy for the 60th anniversary of the D-Day invasion.

While there, Jake encounters Isabelle, a precocious 10-year-old from the local village whose inquisitive nature challenges the soldier to confront some long-ignored ghosts, most notably, the war-time death of his eldest brother Chester, a once promising young musician.

This moving performance will be paired with a "Songs of the War Years" sing-along, featuring The Rotations, the Chilliwack Rotary Band.

"Young Canadians now really don't know what the war was about and don't understand the sacrifices that were made-I think the best legacy we can give to our veterans is for the children to remember and make it an important part of history," said the show's star and playwright, Julia Mackey.

Since early 2007, Mackey has been touring Jake's Gift to theatres and festivals across Canada. In 2009, her work in the play garnered her a nomination for Outstanding Performance by an Actress in a Lead Role (small theatre category) at Vancouver's Jessie Richardson Theatre Awards.

Appealing to all ages, Jake's Gift not only makes a powerful emotional connection with the past but also supports a worthy cause. Ten per cent of all ticket sales will be donated to Rotary International's End Polio Fund.

- For tickets call the centre box office at 604391SHOW (7469) or visit in person Monday to Friday, 9: 30 a.m. to 9 p.m., Saturday and Sunday, 9: 30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tickets are also available online at www. chilliwackculturalcentre.ca.