Pageant of the Masters in Laguna Beach
Pageant of the Masters a visually intriguing display of trompe l'oeil that you have to see to believe! Recreating master art pieces from the most world renowned artists of all time into life sized master pieces, this performance will have you questioning, is it real or?
This years theme The Time Machine inspired by H.G. Wells’ novel is intend to conjure up a collection of artists who imagined and re-created scenes from the past and future!
In a show that journeys through time and space, audiences can look forward to tributes to breakthroughs in both art and science. Highlights include an homage to American sculptor Malvina Hoffman for her groundbreaking anthropological exhibit at Chicago’s Field Museum of Natural History in 1933 as well as the 1913 Armory Show in New York which marked the dawn of Modernism in America.
So what can you expect at this years pageant? “To say this summer’s show is a very different Pageant is an understatement!” revealed Diane Challis Davy, now in her 24th season as the Pageant Director. “The story line will bring audiences on a journey through a series of clues and instructions from a notebook inspired by a famous artist, a first in the Pageant’s history.”
“We don’t want to give away too many surprises, but some over-the-top innovations for this year include laser lights, an authentic 1959 Juke box and if you are paying attention… you may even see a UFO,” commented Challis Davy. If that wasn’t intriguing enough, taking to the stage is a canine companion named Leonardo.
Photo Credit: Pageant of the Masters
The Pageant of the Masters is the Festival of Arts’ crowning jewel and arguably one of the most unique productions in the entire world. It is world-renowned in the artistry and theatrical illusion of living pictures. Each night during the summer season at 8:30 the Festival of Arts presents this famous attraction and is only made possible by the 500 volunteers and staff who help put on the unique and awe-inspiring production each year, has been a Laguna Beach tradition since the 1930’s and now attracts over 140,000 patrons every summer.
2019 also marks the 500th anniversary of the death of Renaissance master Leonardo da Vinci, whose “Last Supper” has been the Pageant’s traditional closing tableau since 1936. Challis Davy shared one final tease: “Prepare yourselves for an imaginative adventure, a plotline from start to finish, and a very surprising finale. Spoiler alert: Do not leave early!”
What can you expect?
A ninety-minute stage show of “living pictures” – incredibly faithful art re-creations of classical and contemporary works with real people posing to look exactly like their counterparts in the original pieces. Held in an outdoor amphitheater and accompanied by a professional orchestra with an original score. Enjoy the live narration, intricate sets, sophisticated lighting, expert staff,that were aided by hundreds of dedicated volunteers. Go see why they have won recognition for the Pageant as the best presentation of its kind.
I highly recommend bringing binoculars or renting them on site as well as renting a seat cushion to further your show comfort.
The Pageant of the Masters presentation of “The Time Machine” will mesmerize audiences nightly July 7 – August 31, 2019 with tickets starting at $15 per person. A Pageant Ticket also acts a season pass to the Festival of Arts Fine Art Show.
For more information and to purchase tickets, visit www.PageantTickets.com.
Festival of Arts & Pageant of the Masters
650 Laguna Canyon Rd.
Laguna Beach CA 92651
