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The Critics and Awards Program for High School Theater and Journalism -- better known as the Cappies -- is again teaching aspiring journalists how to give a thumbs-up or thumbs-down to high school musicals and plays in Fairfax County.

We are pleased to publish a selection of the best-written reviews. Last week we ran five, which can be viewed at www.FairfaxTimes.com. For more about the Cappies program, visit www.cappies.com.

Oakton High School's 'A-Tisket, A-Tasket, Four Dames and a Casket'

by Lani Fu

Westfield High School

Hot socks! Set in the heart of New York City in 1927, Oakton High School's production of "A-Tisket, A-Tasket, Four Dames and a Casket" charmed and delighted audiences. This student-written, student-directed play -- a tale of intrigue, mystery and romance with a slew of hilarious characters -- reminds viewers of the humor in otherwise horrific situations and the consequences of making your own luck.

Having just inherited the Hotel Barras from her late father, Audrey Barras (Carlie Robbins) is suddenly overwhelmed by a clever con man, Tommy Steinheim (Albert Anderson), his equally slick partner Evelyn Carmichael (Maggie Perreault) and their wild personalities. Add a trio of flappers, cross-dressing and a casket full of jewels to the mix, and amid all this chaos, Audrey must find a way to keep the hotel and find happiness.

Oakton's performers often had the audience laughing at their energetic portrayal of larger-than-life characters. The quirky story was complemented by a beautiful set, which closely resembled the inside of a ritzy hotel.

Anderson showed excellent range and ability through the six characters he juggled. A very entertaining comic actor, he brought zest and distinction to each role. Perrault grappled with a difficult range, veering between joy and jealousy, and managed to reflect the underlying emotional journey of her character.

Despite a few lapses in believability in pace and characterization, the performers played off each other quite well. The flappers, all gams and glitter, brought a tremendous amount of energy and charisma, while other eccentric characters, such as Mrs. Carroll (Zak Goldberger) and Mildred Adams (Chelsea Casanave), were hysterical. An obvious coherence and camaraderie in the ensemble served to enhance the comedy inherent in the script.

A heavily brocaded, gilded hotel was the perfect setting for this ridiculous comedy. Anthony Schiavo's set was creatively designed, with great variety in levels, texture and colors. It was pleasing to the eye and held good creative function. The costumes lent themselves wonderfully to drawing the audience into the time period. They dazzled, matching the bright personalities of the characters donning them.

Working with a challenging script that had a number of twists and surprises, Oakton pulled off an admirable performance that was most certainly hip to the jive.

Robert E. Lee High School's 'Godspell'

by Jacob Brisson

Hayfield Secondary School

"Spellbinding." It's amazing how a single word can so accurately describe Robert E. Lee High School's production of the musical "Godspell," the brainchild of John Michael Tebelak and Stephen Schwartz.

"Godspell" is based on the Gospel of St. Matthew but is portrayed in modern ways. It began as Tebelak's project at Carnegie Mellon University, but was able to grow into a formidable musical after Schwartz improved the music.

Lee's production was set in a post-apocalyptic world filled with opposing viewpoints. The production was consistent within this setting. Despite a bit of a slow start, the cast's energy picked up and remained consistent, allowing the story to come alive through songs such as "Day By Day."

Connor Smith, playing the role of Jesus, performed well. His character was complemented by his disciples; the way they interacted with him helped convey the authority his character had, as well as the respect they held for him.

Sylvia Boateng stood out with consistent energy and character. As Judas/John the Baptist, Kevan Olson had energy of his own, as well as good vocals. Johanna Olson also had solid vocals, and Jeremiah Jones stood out with eager energy.

The technical aspects of the show were also impressive -- the lighting complemented and reflected the intensity of the cast's emotions, and changed smoothly. The makeup by Katie Zajic, costumes by Sarah Wheeler and sets by Garrett Bowman all helped to portray the characters as people living in a dirty world. Smith, however, contrasted with the cast's clothing and faces with his cleanliness. The props fit into the play, and the live orchestra also did an excellent job.

With a well-blended mix of a strong cast and impressive technical work, Lee's production of "Godspell" tackled potentially touchy material with grace and gave the audience an enjoyable performance.

George Mason High's 'Little Shop of Horrors'

by Rachel Frenkel

JEB Stuart High School

"A new breed of fly trap" has taken over George Mason High School in its production of "Little Shop of Horrors." This deadly creation is called Audrey II, and its creator is Seymour, a sweet but awkward young florist.

The curtains open and reveal an eerily silent scene. The audience's eyes are drawn to a graffiti-covered trash can, from which a man is emerging. Upon closer inspection, this man is the Devil, and he climbs a ladder onto a high-up platform to watch the chaos that will undoubtedly unfold.

The street he is watching is Skid Row, and it is destitute. The flower shop has no business, and its front steps are littered with bums from the street. The occupants of the flower shop are Audrey and Seymour, who work for owner Mr. Mushnik. Seymour, a nerdy and clumsy person, has discovered a new breed of plant, which he names Audrey II. The plant is put in the window, and business immediately thrives. People from all over come to see the plant, and Seymour is suddenly in high demand.

However, this fame comes at a price: Seymour soon discovers that the only thing that will make the plant grow is blood. Above all, "it has to be human. It has to fresh." He begins by feeding the plant his own blood, but it soon ceases to be enough as Audrey II evolves into a singing, deadly plant.

Sam Waters, playing Seymour, wonderfully portrayed his part. He had a beautiful voice that complemented each song, and his acting was also believable. Audrey, played by Sarah Johnson, used the typical high-octave voice and accent of the character -- and impressively kept her character's voice and accent even while singing.

Rand Walter playing Audrey's boyfriend, the dentist, was especially solid, considering he became part of the production just a few days before the performance. And the Devil, played by Miles Butler, was a crowd favorite. His movements were snake-like and he constantly stayed in character. Every time the plant spoke, the Devil appeared on the left-hand side, providing for some interesting symbolism.

By the end of the play, some audience members familiar with the musical were singing in their seats. Just remember, "Don't feed the plants!"  

'Macbeth' at Lake Braddock Secondary

by Brandon Christopher

South Lakes High School

Put Shakespeare's artistic language and a post-apocalyptic theme together with android murderers and apparitions, and what do you get? Lake Braddock Secondary School's technologically based performance of "Macbeth."

Shakespeare's "Macbeth" tells of a prediction from three witches about the fate of the military career of Captain Macbeth (Hisham El Mawan), who becomes Thane of Cawdor and later king. In an attempt to secure the throne for Macbeth, Lady Macbeth (Noelle Viñas) persuades her husband to murder the current king, Duncan. Uneasy about the witches' prophecy, which also included Banquo (Jimmy Day), Macbeth hires assassins to take out his comrade from battle, a move that leaves him haunted by his deceased ally's ghost. As the story rages, guilt overpowers the once-confident Lady Macbeth; Macbeth begins a sequence of murders out of paranoia for his crown; Duncan's children flee the country; and Macduff (Michael Ross) seeks revenge for the murders of his wife and children.

Opening with a heated battle in Scotland and a strong witches' introduction to the coming of Macbeth, the cast overcame the difficult Shakespearean diction with control and fluency. The cleverly-styled theme was carried throughout with creative interpretations and ingenious fight scenes. The soundtrack added to the epic atmosphere of the combat zone.

Mawan exhibited excellent memorization and smoothness with the rich language, and executed the fight choreography well. Day had great energy fitting with his active character, and elicited a great emotionless expression as Banquo's ghost. Ross entertained with skillful combative talent, and Nicole May's portrayal of Malcolm worked splendidly. But Viñas was a true standout, with immense energy that buoyed her great depiction of Lady Macbeth.

The Witches of Forres were a strong team, challenging each other's energy and having fun while creating the mysterious, magical atmosphere. Neome Gangi intensified the story with her moving dying breath as Sgt. Lennox, while Alex Kaplan brought comedy as the Porter and lightened up the mood. Though there were times throughout the show when the energy dropped and reactions were occasionally missed, none, if any, of the plot was lost, and the performance was well paced.

The technical work was dazzling, from an inventive set to many sound cues and prop weapons. Some of the costume design choices were questionable, but most kept with the theme and added to the setting. The lighting effects were powerful, enticing the audience with the changing colors and blending the actors throughout the theater space. The quick makeup effects added realism to the battlefield, and the discarded computers helped to produce a futuristic, war-filled surrounding.

Just as Macbeth had to "look like the innocent flower, but be the serpent under't," Lake Braddock proved to be more than it appeared, triumphantly undertaking the task of performing Shakespeare's play with a captivating version.

Herndon High School's 'Oklahoma!'

by Megan Fraedrich

West Springfield High School

Where in the world is it perfectly commonplace for people to talk politics at weddings, shoot off guns at regular intervals, pay more than $50 for picnic lunches and shout "Aye-yip-aye-yo-ee-ay" with straight faces? Only in O-K-L-A-H-O-M-A, of course!

"Oklahoma!," Rogers' and Hammerstein's famous adaptation of the Lynn Riggs play, "Green Grow the Lilacs," first opened on Broadway in 1943 and has been lassoing audience members' hearts ever since. Set in the wild Oklahoma territory at the turn of the century, the show revolves around headstrong beauty Laurey (Evi Dobbs), who is courted by both a cocky cowboy who goes by the name of Curly (Trevor Morgan), and the menacing hired hand Jud Fry (Ian Gildea).

Herndon High School's production of this classic musical was consistently entertaining. With irresistible charm and warm familiarity, Morgan was the perfect match for Dobbs, who seasoned her strong-willed character with appealing vulnerability. She displayed beautifully lush, soaring vocals, underscored expertly by the Herndon High School Pit Orchestra.

Joey Truncale was a joy to watch as the earnest but dimwitted Will Parker, a true triple threat whose tremendous energy equaled his skills in song, dance and comic timing -- particularly evident in the stand-out number "Kansas City." His chemistry with air-headed coquette Ado Annie (Ashleigh Markin) sparkled, while Markin proved to be a strong singer as well as a delightful comedienne. Andy Raoufi gave a hilariously sleazy performance as the philandering Persian peddler Ali Hakim, maintaining an outrageous accent.

On the other end of the spectrum, Gildea brought a surprisingly ominous twist to the show, inspiring both pity and revulsion with his powerful voice. The enthusiastic ensemble of cowboys added some rip-roaring hi-jinks to the production, with Dimitri Gann and James Snow standing out as grizzled frontier veterans Ike Skidmore and Andrew Carnes, respectively. Their gruff humor and facial expressions made their lesser roles memorable. Callie Harmon, Erika Rodakowski, Kirsten Lloyd and Allison Dyke rose to the challenge of creating choreography for a huge cast and an extended ballet sequence, with creative, graceful staging. Especially noteworthy was Lloyd as "Dream Laurey," whose entrancing, masterful dancing carried the dream ballet.

Sets by Megan Warren, Colvin Rayburn, Hope Ruffner and Logan Peters were detailed and effective, building everything from cornfields to farmhouses to a windmill to a surrey with fringe on top, that were effectively moved around by Matthew Weaver, Colvin Rayburn, Andrew Rhim and Sarah Blantor. Under colorful lights by Giovanni Jiminez and Byron Liveoak that enhanced the dreamlike atmosphere, costumes by Brenda Perez stayed true to the time period and the rugged setting.

While ensemble scenes sometimes appeared chaotic and some dancers had difficulty staying together, committed performances by the leads did not waver. An energetic and zesty production brimming with a lot of heart and humor, Herndon's little slice of Oklahoma territory was a true gem -- all that "and two bits."

G.C. Marshall High School's 'Peter Pan'

by Alex Turner

South Lakes High School

Audiences followed "the third star to the right" to the warm and wild comforts of George C. Marshall High School's production of the beloved tale, "Peter Pan." Based on J.M. Barrie's original tale, "Peter Pan" follows the journey of the Darling children into Neverland, a place of make-believe, eternal youth and adventure. Marshall chose the original 1954 script, as seen in the classic made-for-TV performance starring Mary Martin. The show ran for a year on Broadway and was followed by many star-headlined revivals.

With such high standards set for the story's fantastical and outlandish characters, each cast member brought his or her role to new heights with consistent focus, commitment and utter spirit onstage. It was this belief and excitement for the story that invited the audience to step into the fantasy world of Neverland. Leading the way through the fabled utopia were the legendary rivals of Peter Pan and Captain Hook, played by Ellen Chapin and Scott Anderson, respectively. Chapin alternated effortlessly between the gusto of a rambunctious, innocent boy and the strength of a powerhouse singer, belting her way through the lengthy score. Energy and presence fueled her high flights throughout the show.

Anderson excelled as the faux-debonair Captain Hook with comedic instinct.

The show would not have been complete, however, were it not for the host of familiar characters. Meara O'Malley gave a stellar performance as Wendy Darling, a strong young woman whose heart suffered from her unrequited love for Peter. Other standout performances included those of Keith Boylan, Orla Conway, Elizabeth Gray and Nic Sticinski in their supporting roles.

The Marshall Tech Crew had incredible challenges to face for this production, such as actors flying between London and Neverland. However, it would not have seemed so from the masterful work of the student technicians. Student chorographer Kat Porcell helped the transition from place to place with her joyous, playful choreography. Sets for the show were filled with superb detail, making an underground bunker with a mushroom chimney seem viable. Lighting accented these sets with vibrant skies and sun-filled lands. Sound had a few brief disturbances with the wireless microphones, but it was quickly fixed. Last but not least, students executed the wire system for flying with great skill and precision. The flying seen onstage added greatly to the magic rather than evoking fear for an actor's safety.

With jovial dancing, melodic singing and even crowing, the cast of George C. Marshall's "Peter Pan" left the audience wishing that they, too, would never have to grow up.

Langley High School's 'Time's Square 2090'

by Gabby Keene

Woodbridge Senior High

Marissa's on a hunger strike, the Sheppard's watching over the Lamb and the Lyon falls in love with the Lamb. Think it's too much for one night? Not if you attended Langley High School's production of senior Wesley Brandt's "Time's Square 2090."

It is the year 2090, and everyone is completely under the government's control when Marissa Lamb, a pop star "trillionaire," decides to go on a hunger strike to protest against the government. Julius Lyons, who has an overly-controlling wife, Mallory, hears about what Marissa is doing and falls in love with her. Meanwhile, Julia Sheppard has discovered what happened to Julius' competition during the presidential election and informs the Lambs and the "poor" chorus members. Julia records a short newscast and sends it back in time using a time machine, created by Bruce, who works for Julius.

An ensemble with exceptional vocals and dancers with a great amount of passion gave the show lots of energy. Brian Patterson showed lots of affection in his role as Johnny Braver, and his fantastic rapping in "Stand Up" and "Rise" got the audience up off their seats.  A love story between Rael (Justin McKay) and Lily Braver (Chelsea Raitor) gave the story an extra meaning, being that you can find love anywhere, including prison.

As Julius Lyons, Paul Goldberg's acting was terrific, though his line delivery was slow in the beginning. And though Janie Yurechko overdid it as Mallory in some scenes, she displayed a great understanding of her character.

The ensemble, even with a great amount of dedication and outstanding vocals, was off in some dance numbers. However, the choreography for "The Thinkers," which was created by Liza Mayman and Nicole Kang -- who also played Carol -- was quite well done.

Costumes done by Lulu Walker, Emily Mannon, Sarah Mendelsohn and Fiona Hoehn were fantastic and played a big part in defining the different social classes. The sound was wonderful -- although some of the gun shots were off near the show's end -- and the performance had great props.

So despite a few small fumbles, Langley's production of "Time's Square 2090" was a creative and fun experience.

Mt. Vernon High's 'You Can't Take It With You!'

by Abi Zadnik

Seton School

Mount Vernon High School's production of "You Can't Take It With You!" had everything from romance to wrestling, explosions to frauds. This energetic, upbeat performance captured the attention of the audience from the beginning.

"You Can't Take It With You!" is an award-winning play and movie written by George S. Kaufman and Moss Hart. It has won the Pulitzer Prize as well as several Academy Awards. The story follows an eccentric family made up of grandpa, children and grandchildren, with a few deliverymen and Russians thrown in. The only "normal" daughter, Alice (Deborah Kamara), falls in love with a sensible businessman, Tony Kirby (Keegan MacDonald). The conflict appears when the significant difference between the two families seems to cause trouble for the lovers.

The role of Grandpa Vanderhoff (Alex Dodson) carried the show and provided philosophical thoughts throughout the play. He explained how happiness and personal fulfillment should always be held higher than material wealth.

Penny (Clare Cahill) was consistent and held character throughout the entire show. Mr. Kolenkhov (James Beveridge) had great expressions and an accent that made his Russian character come to life. His commanding presence and excitement on stage helped guide the rest of the performers. Gabe Grayson was remarkable in his portrayal of his role as Henderson, the IRS agent. His dynamic mannerisms and expressions were expertly used to add to his animated character.

Although not all props and costumes were period pieces, most were used very well, such as Mr. DePinna's pipe and the typewriter. The cast also made good use of the stage and had good movement and traffic patterns that helped the show flow nicely.

Despite some dropped lines and awkward moments, the characters were able to recover and convey the overall message of the play very well. This relatively young cast has solid potential for subsequent plays and showed great effort in their performance of "You Can't Take It With You!"

West Potomac High's 'Sideways Stories'

by Emily Witt

South County Secondary

Eighty-eight ... 85 ... 84 ... 89 ... That is how you count from one to 100 in alphabetical order, something the students on the 30th floor of Wayside School know a little about. The colorful, zany world of Louis Sachar's "Sideways Stories" from Wayside School came to life for the first time in Fairfax County by the West Potomac Theatre Department.

Adapted by John Olive, "Sideways Stories" from Wayside School features teachers that turn students into apples, a building of 30 stories that does not have a 19th floor, dead rats in the basement and students that truly believe "you don't need a reason to be happy." Nothing is as it seems, and sometimes the only way to read a chalk board is by standing on your head.

The students of the 30th floor of Wayside School include Myron (Ryan Walker), Bebe (Emily Woods), Leslie (Nell McKeown), Rondi (Maggie Solo) and Dameon (Toby Mananzan). All of the actors portrayed their characters and quirks well, especially Woods, who had fantastic energy and physical acting; she actively listened and remained involved during the entire show. And while all of the students played children well, Mananzan brought an especially childlike innocence and humor to the stage.

Christian Huley (Mrs. Gorf/Mr. Gorf) and Madeline Dahl (Miss Valooosh) did not have much time onstage, but they definitely left an impression. The physical movements and "ticks" to steal voices or hop children back to their seats were very well done by Huley. Dahl had amazing stage presence and provided great energy for the second act tango scene.

Technical aspects of the show, most notably the bright colors of the classroom including the floor and desks, were just as playful and childlike as the performances. Sound effects and music-cue timing were spot on -- although at times a little too loud, they added to the performance and enhanced the many extended blackouts between stories. The props and effects crew did a great job with Miss Zarves' mouth. It featured a clever design, and the operation of the tongue by Alysse Messick was done very well. Glowing red eyes only enhanced Miss Zarves' menacing look, with two gobos projected above the large mouth.

The performance at West Potomac was fun, bright and childlike. The actors seemed to have a good time being on stage, and the technical aspects complimented great performance. And remember -- if you ever have a teacher that tries to turn you into an apple, use a mirror to turn the spell back on her. Just make sure she doesn't get eaten, or you'll be haunted by your mashed potatoes and by clouds in the sky.