GWINN -- The sinking of the Rouse Simmons serves as the inspiration for a musical that's being put on by Gwinn middle and high schoolers.

The Christmas Schooner tells the story of the Rouse Simmons, a schooner that sank in Lake Michigan 100 years ago. The ship launched from Manistique carrying Christmas trees. It sank near the shore of Two Rivers, Wisconsin. Audiences should expect a different sort of Christmas tale.

"It's a nice alternative to some of he Christmas shows; it has great music and, of course, a wonderful story with a lot of regional appeal," said the show's Director, Dave Dagenais. "This is a very good family show. The story is about family and love at the holidays, and it's a show for everyone."

The show runs this Friday and Saturday at 7 p.m. with another show on Sunday at 2 p.m. They will also be performing the play December 15 at Manistique High School. Tickets are $6 for adults, senior citizens and students pay $4.