Miller Minutes with Butler Eagle reporter, Molly Miller

It’s that time of year when high schools are bringing up the curtain on spring musicals. Naturally, this is an exciting time for any theater kid, like myself, as we get the chance to support the next generation of young actors and actresses.

Though I had a nontraditional high school experience, I can distinctly remember the feeling of anticipation I had as a 16-year-old preparing for shows. This age marks a phase in one’s life when you’re finding who you are, and are incredibly self-conscious as you do so. Theater was a lifeline on my journey of self-discovery, and I’m happy to see local high schools cultivating a safe place for students to play, interact and collaborate as they find themselves, too.

I’m impressed by the caliber of shows I’m seeing districts put on: “Monty Python’s Spamalot,” “Little Shop of Horrors” and even “The SpongeBob Musical,” to name a few.

It always meant the world to us when people we didn’t know filled the house seats. Sure, it’s nice that our moms and dads come to every night of the run, but having a community member approach you in the auditorium lobby (when you’re still panting from that closing number) and say “you did a good job” meant so much more. It made our hard work seem a little more important, because it was for more than just our moms and dads.

There are a slew of high school theater students who would love to see a packed house. So, if you’re free in the coming weeks, I’d encourage you to attend a high school musical or other events going on in Butler County.

Seneca Valley School District is performing “The SpongeBob Musical,” starting at 7 p.m. Thursday and Friday. Other performances are Saturday at 2 and 7 p.m., and Sunday at 2 p.m. Tickets are $12 for adults and $10 for students. Purchase tickets by visiting showclix.com/event/svspongebobmusical.

Butler Two-Steppers will hold a dance at 7:30 p.m. Friday at St. Peter’s Catholic Church, 127 Franklin St., Butler.

The Black Student Union at Lincoln Park Performing Arts Charter School will hold its first Showcase Friday. This “celebration of Black excellence” will feature performances, readings, video tributes and senior recognition. The event begins at 7 p.m. in Lincoln Park Performing Arts Center’s Main Theater, 1 Lincoln Park in Midland. Tickets are $5, and can be purchased at the Lincoln Park Box Office, or online at lincolnparkarts.org.

Solve a “whodunit” mystery and eat a delicious meal at Mars VFW Post 7505, 331 Mars-Valencia Road, at 5 p.m. Saturday. The mystery dinner theater show benefits Team Fishguy, a foundation dedicated to supporting transplant donors, patients and families. For more information and to purchase a $50 ticket, visit teamfishguy.com.

See Dan Bubien and The Struts, a band that mixes blues, rock and southern grit, perform at the Penn Theater, 151 Main St., Butler, at 7 p.m. Saturday. Tickets can be purchased for $20 by visiting thepenntheater.org.

Cranberry Township EMS is having Save-a-Life Saturday beginning at 1 p.m. at the Cranberry Township Municipal Center, 2525 Rochester Road, Cranberry Township.

Learn how sap becomes syrup during “A Sweet Stroll through Maple History,” a program being held between 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday at Jennings Environmental Education Center, 2951 Prospect Road, Brady Township. Register by Friday for a time slot. The program will include a guided walk, demonstration and a taste of real maple syrup. Visit events.dcnr.pa.gov for more information.

Trinity Presbyterian Church, 107 Staley Ave., Butler, is having its monthly music jam from 7 to 9 p.m. Sunday. The event is free and open to the public. For more information, visit the group’s Facebook page.

Purchase tickets for a special edition of First Fridays Improv at Hobnob Theatre Company at 7:30 p.m. Friday, March 7, at 134 S. Main St., Butler. Tickets are “pay what you can.” The show will honor Louis Hutmire, who died unexpectedly earlier this month. All proceeds from the event will go to his family. For more information, visit hobnobtheatre.com.

If you are interested in your event being featured in Miller Minutes, please email information to news@butlereagle.com.

Molly Miller is an Eagle correspondent.