The Cincinnati Enquirer

Thespians from 26 public and private high schools in Greater Cincinnati join to kick off the Cappies Award program with a musical number Tuesday at the Aronoff Center. The Cincinnati Enquirer/STEVEN M. HERPPICH

Stage productions by Sycamore High School and Cincinnati Country Day earned top honors in the third annual Cappies awards show.

A total of 36 trophies were handed out to Greater Cincinnati students involved in high school productions this school year at the Tuesday night gala at the Aronoff Center for the Arts.

Organizers said 1,200 people attended the show, which included performances from some of the productions. Cappies, or Critics and Awards Program, began in the Washington area as a way to highlight high school theater. Students review their peers' performances.

Sycamore won for Best Play, Noises Off, and Country Day won for Best Musical, Godspell. Fairfield High's performance of "It Takes a Woman," from Hello, Dolly, won for best song.

Mason's Drew Hackney was named best lead actor in a play for his performance in J.B., and Sam Luhn of Mother of Mercy won for best lead actress for her performance in Blithe Spirit. Lauren Sprague of Lakota West won the award for best lead actress in musical for her role in Anything Goes, and Ben Tanzer of Country Day won for best lead actor in a musical for his performance in Godspell.

Taylor High School won the award for best critic team, and Matt Borths of St. Xavier and Leah Sabato of Taylor won for best male and female critic.