Under the direction of John Woodfin, instructor of arts, languages and philosophy at the University of Missouri-Rolla, the UMR Theatre Players will open its fall season with the Missouri premier of John Reeger and Julie Shannon’s musical "The Christmas Schooner."

Based on a true story of the Stossel family, who took Christmas trees across Lake Michigan to the German immigrants of Chicago during the worst part of the winter of 1898, this show is filled with beautiful music and is appropriate for family viewing.

"The Christmas Schooner" will be performed at 8 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 4, through Saturday, Nov. 6, with a matinee at 2 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 7. Performances will be held in Leach Theatre of UMR’s Castleman Hall, 10th and Main streets in Rolla. Admission is $8 for adults and $5 for UMR students and those 18 and younger. Tickets are available through the Leach Theatre Box Office in Castleman Hall. For ticket information call (573) 341-4219.

Local community members will join UMR student in the production.