Students perform during a dress rehersal for Sycamore High Schools production of Noises Off Wednesday January 7, 2004. (Jeff Swinger/The Cincinnati Enquirer)

The Greater Cincinnati chapter of Cappies, or Critics and Awards Program, is in its third season, with students writing reviews of other high schools' productions. Today, Sycamore High's Noises Off.. For more information, see www.cappies.com and click on Greater Cincinnati. .

The Sycamore Theatre Arts Groupe delighted an excited audience with Noises Off, displaying an excellent sense of ensemble, outstanding stage presence, impeccable comedic timing and a hard-working crew.

Noises Off, written by Michael Frayn, told the story of a play called Nothing On, starting with a final dress rehearsal that drives the pill-popping director, Lloyd Dallas (Andrew Wehling), to scream his head off at even the most beloved of characters, Brooke Ashton (Tara Zivkovic).

Sydney Morton delighted the crowd with her sarcastic attitude onstage as the housekeeper and her backstage quest for revenge on her lover, Garry Lejeune (Mark Levy). As the resilient Dotty Otley and the sassy Mrs. Clackett, Miss Morton tackled with grace both the backstage fighting and the ongoing, onstage task of cooking sardines.

Weaving together all of their skills, the cast and crew of Noises Off presented an unforgettable show.

Andrea Kaiser,

Anderson High School

Excerpts

There was so much silent, physical comedy during Act II, it became difficult to catch every ludicrous situation. Axes, flowers and pillows flew through the air, while every actor displayed a complete mastery of movement, not allowing a single moment of dead time. The insanity found behind the curtain was perfectly portrayed by an ensemble that never slowed the action or the wonderful "Noises" of laughter.

Matt Borths,

St. Xavier High School

Every time drunkard Selsdon Mowbray (Neil Heyman) walked onto the stage, the audience knew they were in for a treat, whether he was talking to a banana, falling off the stage, or just trying to get a hold of his bottle of liquor. Each character had his or her own identity, played with energy and enthusiasm.

Amanda Engel,

La Salle High School

Jonathan McPikeplayed Frederick Fellowes, the classic English gentleman. His unfailing manners and genuine concern made him instantly likeable... Mr. McPike brought the house down when he hopped up an entire flight of stairs with his trousers around his ankles.

Jonathan Bell,

St. Xavier High School

This play's innovative style allowed stage time even for those normally shrouded behind the curtain. Working under limited lighting, the largely student-built set still seemed to shine with a simple yet professional quality. Whitney Groth,

Indian Hill High School

Tara Zivkovic pulled off the role of airhead actress Brooke Ashton. Though her naivete spurred the same running jokes, she made them fresh and funny each time. Through blank looks, confused inflections in her voice, and body posture Miss Zivkovic clearly showed that Brooke's mind had migrated south for the winter.

Connie Yeh,

Cincinnati Country Day