Students and teachers from 11 Tristate high schools recently formed the Midwest's first chapter of Cappies — Critics and Awards Program — a 2-year-old, Virginia-based organization through which high school students review theatrical productions of member schools.

        Following are excerpts from reviews of Lakota East's production of Little Shop of Horrors and Mother of Mercy's Quilters.

        “ ... Little Shop of Horrors created the rough setting of Skid Row, and upon entering Lakota East's Liberty Theater, one felt a part of the atmosphere. The ensemble used the entire theater to advantage, and at times seemed to completely surround the audience with sound. This made for a very effective mood.”

— Emily Wood, Taylor High School

        “ ... Tiffany Wilson, who played the part of Audrey with that perfect innocent compassion and ditsy vocal "squeaking' needed for the role. Wilson's voice melted the hearts of the audience ... Sean Townsend was properly awkward, playing the role of that naive, lovesick young man who finds an alien plant and succumbs to its desires. The duo that brought the plant to life did so with effective coordination, as Chris Luebbe maneuvered the puppet plant and Johnathan Adkins gave it a resounding vocal quality.”

— Emily Greer, Anderson High School

        “ ... The Doo Wops, Monica Payne, April Hilen, and Cara Swaby, make up a special ensemble ... They harmonize extremely well in their numerous songs and help ease the transitions between each scene.”

— Emily Brinkman, McAuley High School

        ... “An added comedic scene was performed by Dane Turner as Orin and Mike Korte, his dental patient. It left the audience laughing to near tears. Never could a root canal be so funny.”

— Fay Bozich, Taylor High School

        ... “One particularly memorable performance was Amy Phelan's recital of "Butterfly Song.' Her voice was beautiful and clear. ...”

— Laura Dinkel, Lakota East
       “In Mother of Mercy's production of the musical, Quilters, written by Molly Newman and Barbara Damashek, reminiscing pioneer women share the experiences which made them who they are. From childbirth and baptism to renewal and death, these stories are expressed with a sincerity and truth that often leaves the audience in contemplative silence.”

— Matt Menkhaus, St. Xavier

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