FESTIVAL OF ARTS AND PAGEANT OF THE MASTERS
650 Laguna Canyon Road, Laguna Beach. Directed by Diane Challis Davy. Script by Dan Duling. Music directed by Richard Henn. Performances 8:30 p.m. July 7 through Sept. 1; Gala Benefit hosted by Terri Hatcher Aug. 27. Festival of Arts exhibit tickets $7 for season pass; Pageant tickets (which also function as a season pass) $15 to $80. Gala tickets $50 to $30. Festival exhibits open July 5 through Sept. 1 (closed Aug. 27); (949) 494-1145; www.LagunaFestivalofArts.org
The Festival of Arts, now in its 73rd year, is California’s longest-running outdoor arts exhibit and has grown to 140 exhibitors and a host of special events that include wine tasting, culinary classes, blues and jazz days and themed days featuring surfing, Hawaii, Asia and animal art. The accompanying Pageant of the Masters,a show that brings art to life through volunteer posers who help recreate artistic masterpieces on stage,is a one-of-a-kind event that seems to get better each year. Under the direction of Diane Challis Davy, the show has been broadened to reach more sophisticated consumer with a fast-moving and sometimes interactive display unheard of in its early years. This year’s theme, “On the Road,” was inspired in part by the TV series of the same name hosted by the late Charles Kuralt and pays tribute to America’s legendary Route 66, featuring artworks from destinations along that road. It also makes a detour overseas to include China’s Silk Road and the old-time whimsical theme of running away to join the circus. The circus presentations and “Swan Bandwagon” in particular were well received at the media preview night, while scenes from Route 66 are likely to stir nostalgic memories for many patrons. The recreation of “Outdoors Blow the Summer Winds” by Swedish artist Carl Larsson requires the producers to put 10 people on the set,an extraordinary effort. The show includes what has become a staple of the presentation: “The Builder,” which shows the audience step by step how the living pictures are assembled for their enjoyment. The recent landslide did not impact the Festival of Arts grounds, which was a mile south of Laguna Canyon. Tickets for the Pageant are in high demand, but mid-week performances don’t fill up as fast as weekends and can sometimes be obtained the morning of the performance. Alternately, try a ticket broker or eBay.
Sandi Cain
