A mix of musical selections performed by a mix of ages were featured at this year's Queen of Angels and Pacelli High School Spring show, "The Best Years of Our Lives."

Wednesday night, fifth through 12th graders in the Austin Catholic schools put on two performances at the Riverland Community College's Frank W. Bridges Theatre.

Students sang pieces from the musicals "Rent" and "Grease" plus some other favorites like "You Can't Hurry Love" and "Soul Man," in full costume with choreography.

During the final song "Flip, Flop, Fly" from the movie "Chicken Run" students in detailed yellow chicken costumes flapped around the stage to help create a feeling of general chaos.

"It's fun, and everybody sings and dances good," fifth grader Brady Stier said. "It's just a fun program."

Eighth-grader Luke Royce said his favorite part was the performance of "Soul Man."

"We get to act like we're all men, big and tough and kind of cool," he said.

Director Jane Koch said she was impressed with the students. She said the show was very challenging, especially for the younger students, but the students responded well.

"For all the ages involved, to have this choreography, they're singing and dancing at this age, and they're enjoying it," she said.

Seventh grader Mandie Mickelson said it took a lot of practice to get the show in order.

"We had to practice a lot during recess hours," she said.

Nonetheless, it was "definitely worth it," she said.

Koch said it was more exciting for the students because they had the opportunity to perform on a real stage instead of at school or in the church. She said Riverland was generous in allowing them to use their stage and it made the show special.