It’s that time of year again, the 86th celebration of the The Pageant of the Masters is once again being performed. Under a star-lit sky in the artist community of Laguna Beach, California. It is an awe inspiring 90 minutes of tableaux vivants (living pictures). It’s amazing watching the art come to life right before your eyes. I especially enjoyed this years theme “Under The Sun” as a majority of the show was centered around the art and artists of our own community of Laguna Beach.
Every evening during the summer season, classic and contemporary works of art (paintings & sculptures) are recreated using volunteers. The volunteers pose to exactly replicate the original works of art (I don’t know how they stand so very still). A dramatic addition to the living art work is the live 28-member orchestra and the jeweled voice narrator.
In 1932 the first Festival of Arts was held in downtown Laguna, it was produced by a local artist, John H. Hinchman. “Living Pictures” were first presented at the 2nd annual Festival of Arts and has been a tradition ever since not including the 4 years that the Pageant was halted due to WWII.
For me and my family, the Pageant is something we look forward to every year. It is one of the most spectacular, creative, inspiring, awe filled evenings you will ever have in an outdoor theatre. Year after year we are amazed and wait with anticipation until the following year’s theme is announced.
While waiting for the Pageant to start enjoy the live band and abundance of artists and their work.
This spectacular art event runs from July through September 1, 2018. Tickets range from $20. to $260.
This years Pageant of the Masters sounds amazing!! Will have to go next time!