Barbara Patton: Miracle Field, "Les Miserables" highlight weekend

If you think everything in Opelika was rained out this past weekend, think again. True – Garden in the Park and the Two by Two Unity Run were cancelled, but the Lions Club had their pancake breakfast and it was a huge success.

Sunday afternoon was beautiful. The sun was shining and lots of warm hearts filled the air when the Miracle League had its opening day and head coach Rusty Melnick yelled that long awaited “Play Ball.”

Every child batted and hit the ball. I only saw one player that just couldn’t quite get up the nerve to try, but I’ll bet she’ll be back and hit one next time. There were smiles on faces that would bring tears to your eyes, and everyone had a great time. The coaches and best buddies or angels in the outfield seemed to know just how to relate to each player and keep the games moving at a steady pace. Enthusiastic cheering from the stands made you think that this was major league playing. But there was no booing – which I hate anywhere, anytime at ball games – only encouragement for each player from every spectator, coach and buddy.

Bad weather didn’t hinder the presentation of “Les Miserables” by the Opelika High School Theatre Society either. Opening night was Thursday and there was a performance Friday and Saturday night with a matinee on Sunday. If you have been to see it, you know what a fantastic production it is.

If you haven’t, you must have missed Monday night too. You still have the chance to see it tonight or Wednesday. I promise you will enjoy every minute, and you will be so proud of the high school students who have achieved this amazing feat in their acting and singing to make the production top notch.

Revel Gholston, the producer and director, must have had nerves of steel to undertake this challenge. I know someone that owes Revel an apology for telling him he couldn’t do it. If he’s reading this, I hope he will.

Revel had some superb help with the music by Frances Capps Palmer and the costuming by Cindy Miller and Kelly Cox.

The casting couldn’t have been more outstanding.

Each actor seemed perfect in his/her part. Wesley Ballew had the lead in the part of Valjean and was also an assistant music director. He is a most talented young man.

I wish I could go down the list and name all the parts with the actors and actresses but there’s just not enough space.

I will tell you there are eleven seniors in this production and as they leave the halls of Opelika High School, they have outdone themselves and really given us something to remember them by.

The wonderful scenery was produced by Martha Smith and Tilyn Butler. Jason Smith was in charge of what sounded like a full orchestra in the pit but was only eleven musicians. Truly amazing. Please don’t miss your chance to see “Les Miserables.”

Barbara Patton is executive director of Envision Opelika and writes a column for the Opelika-Auburn News.