Festival of Arts and Pageant of the Masters — Attraction in Laguna Beach

UPDATE 8-23-23 and RATING INCREASED FROM 1 to 4 STARS: This is an update fro my 2021 review. We last attended the show in 2019, the year prior to COVID. We did return for their 2023 show and thoroughly enjoyed it. Pageant frequently offers online ticket discounts so we took advantage. The show was xlnt, as always and I am increasing my review from 1 to 4 stars. They lost a star because we were told, at the entrance gate, we needed to purchase a ticket if we wanted to return and just walk thru the Festival of Arts grounds without seeing the show a 2nd time. In years past if you bought a show ticket you could use it to return multiple times. Likely because people may make a purchase of either art or food. Without having that same option, they'll lose the potential sale for their artists, plus their food & souvenir sales. Makes ZERO sense from a monetary position. So no 5 stars. RATING IS 1 STAR: This is NOT a post, rating the Pageant of the Masters yearly productions but rather a comment regarding the 2021 show. I have been attending the Pageant yearly for over 40yrs and they have never disappointed. It's always an xlnt show, worth a 5 star review, which I'm sure everyone will agree. It was sad to miss 2020, during COVID19 however, the reality is, we are only beginning to re-emerge from a pandemic that has so far taken over 578,000 lives, just in the USA. I won't bore you with stats, you can check on your own, but I will comment on a recent call with a Pageant box office rep. I called to check about COVID precautions for their upcoming shows July - Sept, 2021. I asked about theater seating and was advised they will follow the recommended COVID protocol and regularly check any changes as they move closer to the production dates. I asked if the seats currently showing NOT available, are a combination of sold and empty seats, for protection & distancing of their paying guests. Unfortunately, they have decided to sell to 100% capacity so get ready to cozy up to a stranger (who may or may not have been vaccinated) shoulder to shoulder, one row after another. Considering there are new COVID strains and the potential for people to become infected, I researched the following question: Can vaccinated people contract any new COVID strains? Here's the answer I found. ====================================== The risks of SARS-CoV-2 infection in fully vaccinated people cannot be completely eliminated as long as there is continued community transmission of the virus. Vaccinated people could potentially still get COVID-19 and spread it to others. Apr 2, 2021 =================================== So,with regards to the Pageant following any form of protection for paying customers, it seems that its NOT only the case but that the Box Office Rep blatantly lied and misrepresented their true position. Sadly, it appears once again the almighty $$$$$$$ is the motivator. I want to get out there just as much as the next person but, for me, when I consider the possible alternative aka Forest Lawn, there is nothing on planet earth worth (even a 1% chance) shortening my life. If you're choosing to attend this year, I do pray...

What a treat! This was my first time attending the Pageant of the Masters and it happened to be their 90th anniversary. Paula Abdul was a wonderful host. I also loved the narrator. He made me feel like I was listening to a wonderful fairy tale cozying up near a fireplace. The weather can get really cold at night, so bringing a jacket was the right call. I appreciate the organizers allowing visitors to bring their own snacks and drinks. Quite often when I go to the opera or ballet, I’m forced to select from overpriced subpar options. So bringing my own favorites made this night so much more delightful. The art exhibits were out of this world: inspiring, showcasing an incredible level of expertise and skill. We couldn’t get enough of it, so while we came a few hours before the show to have time to view all exhibits, we stayed afterwards, well into the night, to get one last glance. The concert performance before the show was a nice touch, providing us with the opportunity to mingle and enjoy being out with like minded individuals. Now about the performance itself:

I was astonished by the level of skill and art expertise of all those artists and performers who worked on this show. From the script writers, to the makeup artists, stage specialists who coordinated the art piece being put together before the audience, the performers who have done an incredible job being still, becoming a part of the art piece, and gospel singers with such powerful voices, giving the audience goosebumps. It was unlike anything we’ve ever seen before. To those who do not know what this show is about, I can try summarizing the concept: It’s a narrative that walks you through different artists and their art (paintings and sculptures) where the art piece is assembled on stage that looks like an enlarged copy of the original. The only difference is that it’s comprised of props painted to imitate the actual painting, people in makeup positioned into the props and the background to make it all come together. The most interesting part is that it’s incredibly hard to tell which people in the paintings are painted and which are real people. I found it exciting that the action went off stage. Multiple art pieces were set up in the greenery around the stage (most were set up on the left, one piece was set up on the right). I’ll be honest, I thought they were props at first, only realizing they were real people after the spotlight was off, the action moved to the stage and I squinted really hard, detecting slight movements in the bushes as the “props” disappeared into the woods. I highly recommend everyone to come see the Pageant of...

The Pageant of the Masters in Laguna Beach is truly an extraordinary experience that transcends the boundaries of traditional art appreciation. My visit to this unique event left me utterly mesmerized and in awe of the incredible artistry and meticulous attention to detail displayed by the performers and crew.

Set against the picturesque backdrop of Laguna Beach, the Pageant of the Masters presents an imaginative blend of art, theater, and music. The show features "living pictures," where classic and contemporary works of art are brought to life on stage with real people skillfully posed and painted to perfectly replicate the original masterpieces. The transformation is so seamless that, from a distance, you could easily mistake the performers for actual paintings.

What makes this experience truly remarkable is not just the visual spectacle but also the immersive storytelling. Each piece is thoughtfully introduced with a captivating narrative and accompanied by a live orchestra, creating a multi-sensory experience that draws you into the world of the artwork. The theme of the show ties together each piece beautifully, offering a cohesive journey through art history and culture.

The level of detail and precision in every aspect of the production is astounding. From the vibrant costumes and intricate props to the brilliant lighting and flawless makeup, every element is designed to perfection. The dedication of the volunteers, who work tirelessly to create this magic, is palpable and adds to the charm of the event.

Attending the Pageant of the Masters is more than just watching a show; it is stepping into a living museum where art comes alive in the most breathtaking way. It is an experience that left me with a profound appreciation for the artistry and creativity involved. Whether you are an art lover or simply looking for a unique and unforgettable evening, the Pageant of the Masters is an experience not to be missed. I am already looking forward to attending...