Students and teachers from 11 Tristate high schools formed the Midwest's first chapter of Cappies — Critics and Awards Program — through which high school students review theatrical productions of member schools.

        Following are excerpts from student reviews of St. Xavier High's production of My Favorite Year, which continues tonight and Saturday at 7:30 p.m.:

        “The performance wastes little time kicking into high gear with a carnival of sight and sound in the opening number "Twenty Million People.' With the entire cast appearing onstage dressed in an outstanding array of costumes ranging from show girls to Egyptians fanning their queen, the sound ... was astounding. The energy was slowed slightly by long, noisy scene changes and a few numbers that were not quite polished, but all of this could be overlooked by "roll in the aisles' comedy and gorgeous voices.”

——Amanda Humphries, Cincinnati Christian

        “The ensemble of the writers and producers on Comedy Cavalcade (Ben Schmidlin, Kerrie Lech, Nick Wolterman, Chris Ledermeier) was hysterical. The interaction of their characters was perfect.”

——Julie Pirard, Walnut Hill High School

        “... is the story of struggling Benjy Stone, performed by the talented Mike Sherman. Benjy was a writer for a live television show that was hosted by King Kaiser, amusingly and energetically played by Rob Wassler .”

—— Claire Zinda, McAuley High

        “... complete with four amusing Hobo clowns played by J.P. Carter, John Denterlein, Andy Hankins and Adam Helmes. Also bringing humor to the stage were Benjy's mother from Brooklyn, (Emily Pelstring) and his step-father (Shane Murphy). Benjy's love interest K.C. Downing, played by Betsy Holt, brought talent and charisma to the stage. Her and Benjy's first kiss took the audience's breath away.”

—— Sara Fledderjohn, McAuley High

        “The overall teamwork of the whole cast was superbly done.”

——Luke Garbenis, Cincinnati Christian

        (For more information on the Cappies program, see www.cappies.com)

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