Oliver (Mandy Gardner) is lifted by the chorus during the "Consider Yourself" number. McAuley High School staged Oliver! at its campus in College Hill. The Cincinnati Enquirer/TONY JONES

McAuley High School portrayed the underbelly of 19th century London in the musical Oliver! by Lionel Bart, derived from the classic Dickens novel Oliver Twist.

The title character was played by Mandy Gardner with the proper mixture of shyness and spunk. She maintained a sense of discovery the entire musical, even as she was kicked around by adults in her life.

Playing Fagin, Clare Hingsbergen captured the audience, with a creepy and dynamic character. A devilish energy lit her face as her mature vocals intrigued the audience. Hingsbergen made the show her own, carrying musical numbers like "Pick a Pocket or Two" and drawing belly laughs during her solo, "Reviewing the Situation."

Another evil adult in Oliver's life, Bill Sykes, was played by Mark Scherer. He menaced as a cold-hearted man who ends up committing murder. Scherer took control of every situation with sharp, definitive actions. As a dancer featured in "Consider Yourself," Scherer spun like a pro, pulling off 11 straight-leg fuettes.

Jessi Corsmeier shined as the Artful Dodger. She gave an energetic performance, combining smooth dancing with clear vocals and comic expressions. Jason Eckoff displayed comedic talent as Oliver's nasty first owner, Mr. Bumble. He struck comic poses and played up his relationship with Widow Corney (Marie Schuster).

The cast of McAuley's Oliver! came together when singing chorale numbers, their voices blending and ringing out into the house. The cast worked through any sound difficulties to deliver a wholly satisfying experience.

Jeff Lynch, Cincinnati Country Day School

EXCERPTS:.

Adopting a believable English accent, Clare Hingsbergen stole the stage with unmatched character depth and honest acting.

Jenny Linger, Lakota West High School

Jessi Corsmeier as The Artful Dodger had noticeable chemistry with all the other actors, bringing the show together. She dazzled the audience with her dance skills in "Consider Yourself" and showed a sweeter, more compassionate, side to her character in "I'd Do Anything."

Emily Castle, Campbell County High School

Mr. and Mrs. Sowerberry (Anson Krekler and Erica Chubb) chilled viewers with "That's Your Funeral," and Nancy, played by Kristin Matthews, brought out emotional appeal in "As Long As He Needs Me."

Anna Harvey, Taylor High School

One of the most striking moments of the performance came with Act II's "Who Will Buy," with various street vendors calling for business in clear, sweet voices. Rachel Bomkamp, Stacey Hauser, Michelle Lachmann, and Jennifer Roeding held composure through the piece.

Kristin Conrad, Turpin 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, McAuley High School's "Oliver ." For more information and show schedules, see www.cappies.com