Local talent provides plenty of entertainment

Through the emergence of various community groups, talent shows and the like, Southeast Missouri residents are learning just how many artistically gifted people live among us.

The latest effort is the Heartland Pops Orchestra and Chorus, which will present "Broadway at the Pops" at 3 p.m. Sunday in the Jackson High School auditorium. The group, formed last August, first performed a Christmas concert.

Sunday's show will feature tunes from "Les Miserables," "The Wizard of Oz," "Annie," "The Sound of Music," "Phantom of the Opera," "The King and I," "Fiddler on the Roof," "Oklahoma," "The Secret Garden," "Call Me Madam" and "Pirates of Penzance." In short, there's something for everyone who loves a good musical.

The neatest thing about the Heartland Pops is the group's diversity. The organization has a chorus of 18 and an orchestra of 29 -- people of all ages from all walks of life. In addition, there are 10 youngsters ages 7 to 14 in a group called the Heartland Pops Kids.

Groups like these deserve our appreciation and applause for allowing talented individuals a place to shine and a way for the rest of us to enjoy their entertaining skills.