March 5, 2025
from Sarah Ley ’18
“There’s no place like home” is a quote you may recognize from the 1939 classic “The Wizard of Oz.” Dorothy, the story’s protagonist, discovers that “home” isn’t so much a place as it is the people and experiences that bring her feelings of belonging and comfort. MPA often acted as a second “home” for us, thanks to wonderful faculty and staff, unique courses, and cherished friendships.
When I was a student, I found a home in the theater department. Thinking back on my favorite memories, many are defined by the musicals I acted in during Upper School. In Spring 2015, the first was “The Wizard of Oz,” directed by Elizabeth Seal. Opening after the retirement of beloved longtime theater director Barb Bradley, Oz marked a new era in the department. With a cast and crew of 60+ (no small feat considering graduating classes of ~50 students), the show drew veteran actors, newbies excited to explore theater, and, as munchkins, roughly 20 Lower and Middle Schoolers.
Since then, the theater department has continued to grow and adapt. Despite smaller cast and crew numbers following the pandemic, Middle and Upper School drama teacher and director James Lekatz shares that interest increases every year. In fact, the 2025 musical’s cast size will be double last year’s. Audiences have also returned en force, with several performances of the Winter Show selling out. Heather Mastel, Lower and Middle School drama teacher and director sees similar growth: this year’s Middle School Show, “Little Women,” boasted a cast of 25 and sold out all shows.
This message is from MPA’s Office of Admission from the March 9 issue of Inside MPA. 
What five things do you need to know about MPA? MPA tenth grader Emily Baker is here to tell you. We’re so happy to see the campus pond and native gardens made her list!
I hope this message finds you well and continuing to make a meaningful impact in the world! As you may know, each spring, MPA hosts its signature fundraising event—the annual Spring Auction. However, this year’s celebration will be unlike any other.
Cultural Celebration Day at MPA is happening soon! Join us for an evening of food, music, crafts, and community on April 9, 3:15-5:30 PM. Let’s come together as a community to make this a fun, educational, and inclusive event!
from Mark Segal, Upper School director 
from Paul Errickson, Middle School director
from Jennifer Le Varge, Lower School director