Students rehearsing for the March 25 opening of The Wizard of Oz.
Come be entertained by St. Matthew’s students as they present their spring musical “The Wizard of Oz.” Performances are at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, March 25 and Thursday, March 26 in Sprague Gymnasium, 1031 Bienveneda Avenue. Admission is free and the Palisades community is invited to attend.
This is an extra special presentation because the annual show will be performed live on the student’s home campus, and is one of the first events held there heralding the return of students after the 2025 Palisades Fire
As St. Matthew’s works to return students to campus classrooms starting in the fall of 2026, Dorothy’s message in The Wizard of Oz, “There’s no place like home,” holds special significance.
“Our middle school performers are stepping confidently into the final weeks of rehearsal, and we could not be more proud of their dedication, growth, and teamwork,” said Jean Gaskill, St. Matthew’s Middle School Drama & Performing Arts Teacher.
Gaskill explained that the spring musical is a cherished St. Matthew’s tradition where students from multiple grade levels come together to create a shared artistic experience.
“Every middle school student is given the opportunity to participate in the theatrical production,” Gaskill said. “The eighth grade class take on leadership roles both on stage and behind the scenes while the fifth through seventh graders enrich the production with ensemble performances.”
Gaskill praised her students, “The eighth grade leads have truly risen to the occasion, fully embodying their characters with heart, focus, and maturity. Beyond their impressive performances, what stands out most is the way they support one another, encouraging their peers, collaborating thoughtfully, and modeling leadership for the entire cast.”
One eighth grader said, “There’s nothing like looking out into the audience and seeing your whole community there and doing it at our home campus feels like we’re bringing it back to life with something beautiful.”
