Miller Minutes
“On the 15th of May, in the Jungle of Nool, in the heat of the day, in the cool of the pool, he was splashing … enjoying the jungles great joys … When Horton the Elephant heard a small noise.”
Not only are these lines the opening of a very famous Dr. Seuss book, it is also the start of a song in “Seussical,” a musical based on his most famous works.
Having starred in this musical many, many years ago, May 15 always brings these lines back to my mind. It also makes me recall the hours I spent rehearsing with my friends during the Summer Dramatics Project production.
Student theater experiences such as Summer Dramatics are important to the community for a host of reasons beyond improving the skills of aspiring performers. They serve as an opportunity for children to meet new people, get out of their comfort zones, develop discipline, and be part of something bigger than themselves.
I spent many summers as part of that program and learned audition and rehearsal etiquette skills that I use to this day. And even though the end of those summer shows always brought on what us actors call “PSD,” or post-show depression, the memories and friends stick with you.
That being said, an opportunity is going to come up after Memorial Day weekend for performers ages 10 to 25 to audition for the Summer Dramatics Project’s production of “Oklahoma!” If you know a student who was like me (who won’t stop singing and does not want to go to summer camp), nudge them to try out on Tuesday, May 28. More details will be below.
In the meantime, check out what events are coming up this weekend!
Hear the story of two Holocaust survivors, as told by their daughter, during a presentation for the “Stories of Exile” series at 6 p.m. Thursday, May 16, in the Butler Area Public Library. The program will last 30 minutes and be followed by a virtual panel with the survivors.
The gristmill at McConnells Mill State Park will be open from 10:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Wednesdays through Sundays until Labor Day. The gristmill opens for the season Thursday. Tours of the historic structure are offered at 1 and 2 p.m. daily or by request. Group tours can be scheduled by calling the Moraine State Park office at 724-368-8811.
A huge rummage sale will run Friday and Saturday at the Crossfire church, 1802 N. Main St. Extension. The sale is cash only and starts at 9 a.m. both days.
Parents of foster or adopted children through age 17 are encouraged to take the night off and leave their children in the care of certified Isaiah 117 House volunteers Friday during the Night of Respite event. Taking place at the North Main Street Church of God, children will be fed, entertained and cared for from 6 to 8:30 p.m. Sign up using forms.gle/5xEFDYzNqyukgUrz6. Learn more information through the “Isaiah 117 House Butler Co PA” page on Facebook.
Take a look at some locally made 3D and abstract art at the Butler Art Center & Gallery this Friday and celebrate the start of its latest installation. The opening reception will last from 7 to 9 p.m. in the gallery at 344 S. Main St.
Moon Markets and Foodie Fridays are back! Head on down to Main Street and shop vendors outside of Mystique Moon Antiques and Artisans from 5 to 9 p.m. Friday. Food trucks will be parked at 240 N. Main St. in the parking lot and serve food starting at 5:30 p.m.
Even if you don’t have a green thumb, come to the Flower and Food Fest from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday at Alameda Park. Take advantage of the plant vendors, children’s activities, farm market goods and food trucks.
EDCO Fest offers two days of games, live music, food and more! This is your chance to dunk a lifeguard and kick off a great summer. The fun lasts from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday and from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday in the park at 154 W. Main St., Evans City.
Support the family of Gabe Bishop, who died in a motorcycle crash, at a spaghetti dinner from 1 to 6 p.m. Saturday at the Butler Moose Lodge, 225 W. Jefferson St. Dinners cost $10 for adults and $6 for children younger than 10. The event will include 50/50 and basket raffles.
Purchase tickets for a fundraiser benefiting the Penn Theater, “An Acoustic Evening with Tom Panei.” There will be performances from other special guests starting at 8 p.m. Saturday. For more information and tickets, visit www.thepenntheater.org.
Auditions for Summer Dramatics Project’s production of “Oklahoma!” will begin at 6 p.m. May 28 at the Musical Theatre Guild building in Butler Memorial Park, 100 Memorial Drive. You will be taught a piece of music to sing, a dance, and be given a reading piece. You do not need to prepare anything for the audition. For more information, visit the “Summer Dramatics Project” page on Facebook.
