St. Matthew’s recently marked a meaningful milestone in its 76-year history. The School performed their annual Spring Musical live on their home campus for the first time since the Palisades fire last January, creating a powerful moment of celebration and community.
This year’s production of The Wizard of Oz, with its timeless message, “There’s no place like home,” served as a joyful tribute to resilience, renewal, and the enduring spirit of the school community. The performance also carried special significance as St. Matthew’s prepares for a full return to its Pacific Palisades campus for the 2026–2027 school year.
The Spring Musical is one of the School’s signature programs and a cherished tradition that brings together students from multiple grade levels in a shared artistic experience. Every middle school student in grades 5 through 8 has the opportunity to participate in the theatrical production. Eighth grade students take on leadership roles both on stage and behind the scenes, while students in grades 5 through 7 contribute through ensemble performances that enrich the overall production.
“The eighth grade truly rose to the occasion, fully embodying their characters with heart, focus, and maturity while also supporting one another, encouraging their peers, collaborating thoughtfully, and modeling leadership for the entire cast,” said Jean Gaskill, Middle School Drama and Performing Arts teacher.
The success of the spring musical program is a testament to the School’s commitment to fostering a vibrant, inclusive community that celebrates the transformative power of the visual and performing arts. Through a dynamic arts curriculum, the School cultivates creativity, imagination, and self-expression, inspiring students to discover their unique voices and develop a lifelong appreciation for the arts.
“This is a unique opportunity for leadership during the eighth grade year,” said Middle School Principal, Marisa Soulios. “It highlights the value of a through eighth grade experience and reflects the confidence and preparation our students gain before moving on to top secondary schools across the country.”
Performing arts opportunities extend across the entire student body and reflect St. Matthew’s mission; to empower students to challenge their minds, grow in character, and lead with courage. Students are encouraged to explore performance from an early age. After-school enrichment programs beginning in Pre-Kindergarten provide opportunities for young learners to participate in theater and performance.
In Lower School, Kindergarten and first grade students each perform in a class play where every student has a speaking role. The School also hosts an annual holiday program where students in Kindergarten through eighth grade perform together. All students sing while middle school students also participate in skits and instrumental performances.
This year’s Spring Musical marked the first time the production was opened to the public. The musical was held in the School’s Sprague Gymnasium, which has been fully remediated and is the original home of the Spring Musical, symbolizing an important step forward as the School prepares for its full return this fall.
Head of School and an alum of St. Matthew’s, Alley Michaelson, reflected on the significance of the moment, saying, “St. Matthew’s has proven through this experience that our community is a lively, collaborative, and creative environment that honors the School’s rich history and culture of academic, spiritual, and character growth, no matter where learning takes place. We are thrilled to be returning home while also creating new facilities that will serve generations of St. Matthew’s students to come, providing the academic excellence and safe, inspiring learning environment they deserve.”
To learn more about St. Matthew’s academic program, schedule a tour or visit www.stmatthewsschool.com.
