Well, it is about that time of year again. The time of year when high schools all around the Lehigh Valley put on their musical productions. The musical season begins around late February and ends in May with the Freddy Awards at the State Theater in Easton. However, the process begins before spring and even far before winter.

Saucon Valley’s director and producer, Chad Miller, started working on the high school’s musical in June, and now the school will be one of the first to kick off the season with “Thoroughly Modern Millie.” This will be one of Saucon’s “biggest productions yet,” says Miller.

“Millie” is Miller’s first time directing and producing a Saucon production, but he is not a stranger to the field by any means. He has been a teacher in the music department since 2012, conducting the high school chorus, teaching music theory and other instrumental classes, and assisting with vocals in Saucon’s past productions.

Miller said the dynamic of this year’s musical has changed. As a teacher, he is actually available to the students during the school day to practice vocals and numbers.

Kim Tassinaro, a biology teacher at Saucon, has been assisting with choreography in the production. The fact that the students have a familiar sense for their leaders predictably has contributed to the masterpiece that Saucon has waiting in the wings.

Miller said this production was just perfect for Saucon because it had the right number of leads and a contagious upbeat demeanor. Even though this is a Broadway musical, Miller feels this production is akin to “Bye, Bye Birdie;” it’s simply meant for high school.

For those unfamiliar with the play, “Thoroughly Modern Millie” follows a girl’s travels from Kansas to the Big Apple in the Roaring 20s. It has plenty of fun tap numbers sprinkled throughout Millie’s quest to find a job and a husband.

Lauren Skillinge, a senior veteran to the stage, is featured as Millie and brings much energy to the production. Zachary Durnack, also a qualified senior, plays the other lead, Jimmy. Those who do attend this fantastic production in March will be delighted to see an impressive set, enjoy toe-tapping beats from Saucon’s very own pit orchestra, experience the best lighting and sound Saucon has ever had, and of course be amazed by the overall sheer talent of a smaller school.

For more information, go to svsdtheater.com.