It’s a rite of passage. On June 3 to 6, Woodside School’s eighth-grade class will present Disney musical “Beauty and the Beast” in the school’s George Sellman Auditorium, continuing a beloved tradition begun 51 years ago.
Every one of the 52 members of the graduating class will be on stage, whether it’s as the Beast (Cole Dooley) or the Doormat (Spencer Hanley).
“It’s the culmination of their eight years at school,” says parent Mary Pinkus. And even if they aren’t “American Idol” material, the kids come together to put on a show.
“Every year the kids who are most reluctant to take part end up appreciating the experience. It’s pretty magical to see the relationship they build,” says parent Liz Dressel, who is co-producer with Ashley Waters, Marina Marguet, and Cate Hanley.
The production opens with a twilight show on June 3 at 5 p.m. On that night only, parents will be selling a pizza and salad dinner beforehand. The June 4 performance begins at 6 p.m. and the June 5 and 6 shows open at 7 p.m.
Leading roles are played by Mikaela Waters (Belle), Cole Dooley (Beast), and Miles McCann Robinson (Gaston). Prominent roles are also taken by Michael Marguet, Christian Kurtela, Caroline Glazer, Leigh Thomas, Kes Rushing, Spencer Hanley, Maya Norman, Christina York, Christine Flock and Dominic Tehin.
Once again, music director Ruthanne Rose Smith joins director Elena Mori to stage the operetta. Patti Michelsen, assisted by Yvette Phillips, is choreographer.
Longtime teacher honored
This year’s production will be dedicated to Karen Arimoto-Peterson. Ms. Peterson is a longtime teacher at Woodside Elementary, the eighth-grade adviser, and coordinator of student services. “Karen shows up for rehearsals every day,” says Ms. Dressel.
Taking part in the operetta is often “all in the family.” Mikaela Waters’ sister, Lindsey, now a student at Sacred Heart Prep, played the lead in her eighth-grade production of “Hello Dolly.” Christina York’s father, Frank, Paisley Gilbert’s mother, Meridyth, Emily Degnan’s father, Jeff, and Michael Degnan’s dad, Mark, all appeared in eighth-grade operettas.
“Beauty and the Beast” will be presented in the George Sellman Auditorium, named for the late Woodside School superintendent, who directed the operetta for nearly 40 years. The first show directed by Mr. Sellman was “Mountain Music” in 1958. He ended his run with the 1995 production of “Bye Bye Birdie.”
Tickets for “Beauty and the Beast” are $12 for adults and $10 for children. Tickets are on sale at Woodside School, located at 3195 Woodside Road. For more information, call the school at 851-1571.
Redwood City attorney sues ‘First Amendment auditors’ after Menlo Park disputeApril 2, 2026 11:31 am
