It's not only a story of life and love, but one of family. 

Our Town takes on special significance for longtime director Amy Crane as her cast and crew ready for t heir rendition of the Thornton Wilder classic. 

"Every production is different, but this one has a personal history. It was my first show at Marquette. It was the first show my husband (Andy) and I produced together, and now it's my son's (Wil) first show as a Marquette student," Crane said.

Crane has helped cultivate scores of Marquette theatre and musical careers in her 20 years on 10th Street. Our Town represents her 44th production since 1998. She's cognizant of the blessings this role has provided her. 

"For every student life I've touched, they have inspired mine," she remarked.

Though spectators will recognize some familiar faces, Our Town is ushering 11 freshmen into the spotlight. And while that's a high number, the majority of those 11 possess theatre experience.

"I cannot brag on this cast enough. I'm extremely proud of all of them. They are awesome. (Junior) Aaron White is one to look out for. He keeps getting better with every rehearsal," Crane said.

Our Town first hit the stage 80 years ago. There have been numerous adaptations since, including a live musical version that starred Frank Sinatra and Paul Newman. David Cromer produced a 2009 revival which boasted a star-studded cast that included Helen Hunt and Michael McKean. 

Regardless of the cast or the decade in which it was performed, the central themes tethered to  Our Town has enabled it to withstand the test of time. 

"It is a play about small-town America, about family, about love, about loss and everything in between. Everyone can relate to something in Our Town. It is full of universal truths we are still living today," Crane noted.

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Opening Night is scheduled for Friday, November 9th at 7 pm. Subsequent shows will take place on Saturday, November 10th at 7 pm and Sunday, November 11th at 2 pm. Tickets are $8 for adults; $5 for students/seniors.

The Drama Department will be holding an Our Town Scavenger Hunt today (November 2nd) in the Uptown Arts District. The student-focused scavenger hunt begins at 3:30 pm and concludes at 5 pm. Meanwhile, the scavenger hunt for adults, which coincides with Michigan City's First Friday, will be from 5:00-6:30 pm.

Check Marquette Catholic High School's Facebook page for more information.