EXECUTIVE BRIEFCASE
FESTIVAL OF ARTS AND PAGEANT OF THE MASTERS
Festival of Arts, 650 Laguna Canyon Road, Laguna Beach; directed by Diane Challis Davy; script by Dan Duling; music directed by Richard Henn. Performances 8:30 nightly through Aug. 30. Call (949) 494-1145.
The Pageant of the Masters celebrates its 70th year with a masterful presentation of its tableaux vivant, bringing art to life in a program titled “Seasons.” Highlighting pastimes that range from picnics to sleigh rides, and legends that range from Versailles royalty to surfing kings, this year’s show is more whimsical and varied than in prior years. And if audience reaction from the recent pre-opening VIP night is any indication, it is one of the best Pageants ever. The fast-paced show celebrates virtually every still-art form: oil, bronze, wood, watercolor, marble, porcelain and lithograph. Over the past few years, Challis Davy and her crew have livened the show by illustrating to the audience how a tableau is created and adding vocals and movement to some presentations. This year the program adds new surprises and more audience involvement to the mix, while never losing sight of the art that inspires every segment. The Festival of Arts exhibit has expanded, too, with wine tasting, a cooking series, jazz nights, youth arts education days, artist demonstrations, new dining options from Zov’s Bistro and a drawing for a Mercedes-Benz SLK230. But tickets for the Pageant are in high demand; they’re available at the box office for same-day performances only, and the line forms well before the box office opens. You might find it more convenient to try eBay or a ticket broker.
,Sandi Cain
RATING: 4 BRIEFCASES
