Pageant of the Masters, Laguna Beach
This is a little hard to explain. The Pageant of the Masters has been going on for 85 years. It is a performance during which paintings and sculptures are presented life-size with actual people standing in for their painted counterparts. Photography during the performance isn't permitted, so the examples below are from the guide:
This is a painting by Joseph Kleitsch. It is 36 X 40 inches. This is the Pageant of the Masters version in progress:
The director is comparing the pose of the performer with the original. The two figures are actual people.
Here is another:
The director is adjusting the "fit" of the performer so the result looks like the lower image of a label that used to appear on boxes of local oranges.
Each image appears for about 90 seconds and about 40 paintings and sculptures are presented with narration in an approximately 2 hour performance. It is a unique experience! One of the highlights is when the curtain is drawn back and the audience gets to see how each performance is created with backdrop revealed and then performers taking their places.
This season was especially interesting because it focused on the history of the Laguna Beach area and featured many local artists. There is a live orchestra and lots of action, including a tumble of giant oranges into the audience.
This is the venue:
There are also grottoes in the hillside used in the performance.
There is also a large art show open before the performance and live music, so there is a fun, festival atmosphere.
The Pageant doesn't offer on-site parking, but there are lots of metered spots along Laguna Canyon Dr. and there are several lots served by a trolley that brings guests to the venue. There are lots of restaurants, galleries and shops in Laguna Beach and the beach is two blocks from the venue. It is a great spot for a vacation and the Pageant of the Masters is a special experience!
This is a painting by Joseph Kleitsch. It is 36 X 40 inches. This is the Pageant of the Masters version in progress:
The director is comparing the pose of the performer with the original. The two figures are actual people.
Here is another:
The director is adjusting the "fit" of the performer so the result looks like the lower image of a label that used to appear on boxes of local oranges.
Each image appears for about 90 seconds and about 40 paintings and sculptures are presented with narration in an approximately 2 hour performance. It is a unique experience! One of the highlights is when the curtain is drawn back and the audience gets to see how each performance is created with backdrop revealed and then performers taking their places.
This season was especially interesting because it focused on the history of the Laguna Beach area and featured many local artists. There is a live orchestra and lots of action, including a tumble of giant oranges into the audience.
There is also a large art show open before the performance and live music, so there is a fun, festival atmosphere.
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| One of the many pieces for sale |
There is a restaurant on-site. We ate there and thought the food was just ok, but it is very pretty.
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| Terra restaurant |
The Pageant doesn't offer on-site parking, but there are lots of metered spots along Laguna Canyon Dr. and there are several lots served by a trolley that brings guests to the venue. There are lots of restaurants, galleries and shops in Laguna Beach and the beach is two blocks from the venue. It is a great spot for a vacation and the Pageant of the Masters is a special experience!
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