“The Pageant of the Masters” live Art Show in Laguna Beach is Jaw Dropping (8/07)
“Those are real people?” “Are you sure?” “But they’re children?” “How do they DO that?,” “I can’t believe it, it looks just like a painting!” These are just some of the words that came out of my mouth as the curtain opened on the first portrait at The Pageant of the Masters performance on Saturday September 4th. We had been told that the performance would include re-creations of classical and contemporary works with real people posing within the paintings. At most we figured we would be impressed by the ability of the models to stand still.
Boy, we underestimated the attraction.
This show is nothing short of amazing. The Pageant of the Masters, located in Laguna Beach, approximately 50 miles South of Los Angeles is a ninety minute show set in a beautiful outdoor amphitheatre and is the perfect event for a romantic evening or even an educational night out with the family. As we sat under the stars on this summer evening we was amazed at each painting and sculpture that was presented to the audience. The theme of the evening was “Young at Heart” with many of the paintings incorporating children into the piece. Each painting was put together so well that the living people and the art work were indistinguishable. we knew that what we were seeing was a giant recreation of art with live people positioned within the picture, but my eyes and mind just couldn’t get the message. At one point the curtain was opened to show the audience exactly how each picture is put together. The costumes, make-up and sets were incredible. we must say that the finishing touch and the most impressive element was the lighting. Once everything was in place and the lights were focused on the painting everything seemed to blend seamlessly. A light across a model’s face created a white line as if from a master’s brush stroke. The professional orchestra and live narration made the transitions between pictures enjoyable and educational.
This event is not to be missed.
Check out their website at www.foapom.com or 800-487-3378
Location
Laguna Beach and its most famous attractions, Festival of Arts and Pageant of the Masters, are easily accessible by freeway and scenic Pacific Coast Highway (Hwy1). The schematic below depicts the major regional traffic arteries. For detailed directions and parking tips, call the Festival of Arts office during weekday business hours: (949) 494-1145.
Address is:
Festival of Arts / Pageant of the Masters
650 Laguna Canyon Road
Laguna Beach, CA 92651
If you are travelling to Festival of Arts/Pageant of the Masters from Pacific Coast Hwy, turn on Broadway St. in Laguna Beach. The Festival of Arts/Pageant of the Masters will be 4/10 of a mile down Broadway on your left.