Singin' in the Rain, the lighthearted Hollywood musical, came to Cincinnati Hills Christian Academy's stage in a cavalcade of song and dance.

Singin' in the Rain is the classic Roaring '20s tale of two Hollywood stars, Don Lockwood (Drew Jack) and Lina Lamont (Elizabeth Housh), and an aspiring stage actress, Kathy Selden (Nanciann Strosnider).

Lockwood and Selden find themselves in love despite their different styles of performing, and reap the benefits of outsmarting the pesky and demanding Lamont.

In a lighthearted show, comic relief provided by the character of Cosmo Brown (Josh Baker) was an added bonus. Baker's comic timing and physical antics in the number "Make 'Em Laugh" allowed the audience to enjoy a good laugh at the expense of the love-struck Jack.

This production employed students from Cincinnati Hills elementary, middle and high schools.

Sixth-grader Brett Fields as a young Don Lockwood, and fourth-grader Ben Scott, as a young Cosmo Brown, delighted the audience with their appearance on stage.

The period costumes kept the audience's attention despite persistent sound troubles.

Memorable performances included those of Brittany Wesson as Miss Dinsmore, the frustrated diction teacher of Lamont, and the team of assistant directors (Mindy Webster, SarahTerkosky and Kristin Elzey), who provided humor to the tense set of Lockwood-Lamont productions.

From the high-energy tap number "Moses" to the signature "Singin' in the Rain," Cincinnati Christian Hills produced a delightful rendition of this classic.

Amanda Humphries, Cincinnati Christian School

The sets accented the glitz of Hollywood with a city street that receded into the distance. Nathanael Porembka created professional sequences interspersed throughout the performance, glorifying the silent film style.

Matt Borths, St. Xavier High School

The largely student orchestra was a highlight. The strong beats from percussionist Rob Bedinghaus drove the plot forward and kept tempo throughout difficult dance routines such as "Broadway Melody."

Whitney Groth, Indian Hill High School

In "Make 'Em Laugh," Josh Baker showed a great knack for comedic timing: flipping, turning and falling. His energy and creativity left the audience waiting for his next move. "Moses" combined Baker, Drew Jack, and Nick Petricca, who played Lockwood's hilarious diction teacher, to create a humorous and thrilling song.

Andrea Kaiser, Anderson High School

The show stealer was "Singin' in the Rain." Water falling onto the stage allowed Drew Jack to prance about in the puddles.

Erin Harper, Mount Notre Dame High School

The cast, on stage at one time, admirably tackled the complex choreography. Kelly Mullen was enjoyable as the Red Fringe Dancer. Mullen took to the stage with a vivacity that captured the audience's attention.

Miriam Reuter, St. Ursula Academy

CHCA's acting talent was spectacular. Drew Jack thoroughly convinced the audience that his Lockwood was in love with Nanciann Strosnider's Selden.

Carolyn Toth, Mount Notre Dame High School

Flashbacks called for a pair of grade-school boys to portray Don and Cosmo.

Brett Fields and Ben Scott, sixth and fourth grade, were the two talented youngsters for the job. The pair proved that they could hold their own when it came to tap-dancing.

Jacob Cooper, Campbell County High School

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, Cincinnati Hills Christian Academy's "Singin' in the Rain." For more information and show schedules, see www.cappies.com