A play written by two Vicksburg Catholic English teachers opens tonight.

If you go

“Proud Mary’s Diner” will open at 6:30 tonight and Thursday and at 1:30 p.m. Sunday at St. Mary’ Catholic Church gymnasium, 1512 Main St. Tickets are $12. Call 601-636-2256.

Seventh- through 12th-grade students from St. Aloysius, the high school arm of VCS, will perform in “Proud Mary’s Diner,” set in post-Katrina New Orleans.

 “It’s a lot about compassion,” said co-writer and producer Dani Kay Thomas. “It’s about family pulling together…the spirit of community, and at the same time, it’s funny.”

Wayne Seitz co-wrote the play. Vickie Hopkins, VCS band director, will lead the music.

Several subplots take place, in addition to the main plot that focuses on several diner visitors. Songs will include “Lean On Me,” “My Girl” and “Walking in Memphis.”

Tickets are $12 and include a menu of burgers and milk shakes. Reservations are recommended, Thomas said.

Contact Manivanh Chanprasith at mchan@vicksburgpost.com