For the past 20 plus years, my wife and I have regularly attended the Mineola High School spring musical productions. Every year, we watch in amazement as the young thespians at Mineola entertain their audience. It is always a joy to see these young people perfect their craft and put on truly remarkable performances.

Last weekend, we once again took our seats this time in the beautiful new high school auditorium. When we heard that this year Mineola High School would be presenting Les Miserables, we were thrilled as this was one of our most favorite Broadway shows ever. But what an ambitious undertaking for a high school theater group, for after all, isn't this actually a full opera? Did Mineola really think that they had the talent to pull this off? Wasn't this a risky undertaking?

Yes, Les Mis is an opera, and you won't find many high schools attempting as difficult a score. Yes, Mineola High School had the talent, and with the talent that we saw that evening, no, it was not risky.

What a truly wonderful and magical evening of theater! Right here in Mineola. We were totally blown away by this absolutely first class performance. The vocal quality of all the performers was exceptional, with many voices bordering on professional. The acting, staging, set design, lighting and pit orchestra were of equal quality. And let's not forget the many essential crew members behind the scenes whose talents often go unnoticed. For three full hours, the audience was riveted. You could hear a pin drop, and by the end of the show, many a tear was shed. Yes, the story is beautiful, but what moved many to tears was when one realized that this phenomenal show was performed entirely by high school students.

Kudos go to director Joe Owens and his staff for motivating and inspiring greatness in these fine young men and women and for making the Mineola community so very proud.

Thank you to Mineola High School for an absolutely magical evening, and for showcasing these wonderful and talented students. They are truly the "Pride of Mineola."

Bob Nelson