‘Travel the World’ in Laguna Beach this Summer

By Kathy Strong

Laguna Beach has been an exclusive haven for the arts for nearly a century, as well as the sparkling jewel of Southern California’s own scenic Riviera coastline. A year-round destination, Laguna shines brightest in the summer months. Gentle ocean breezes combine with some of the cleanest beaches, water and air on the coast to make the area a magnet for water-play, tide pool exploring, bird watching and just enjoying the refreshing coastal temperatures.

However, it is the art that keeps people coming back each summer with the Festival of Arts, celebrating its 90th birthday, and undoubtedly one of the most unique art and theater presentations on earth: The Pageant of the Masters. The live production nearly defies description, but I’ll try. Why? Because this is one event you need to put on your calendar this summer. I defy you to believe the “magic” unveiled before your eyes!

Visit 17 countries in 90 minutes in ‘Wonderful World‘

A kaleidoscope of international art becomes your passport to distant lands, cultural celebrations and fascinating history in the 2022 production of “Wonderful World”. Transported through the theatrical art of living pictures, the Pageant sets sail in pursuit of seasonal festivities, ancient and modern, promising new surprises at every turn. Prepare to be amazed by the Pageant’s intoxicating blend of original music, storytelling and stage illusions. WONDERFUL WORLD is a love letter to our common humanity, and the countless ways in which artists have asked the eternal question: “Why are we here?”

Director Diane Challis Davy is once again working with veteran Pageant scriptwriter Dan Duling, and they were both happy to share some previews of “Wonderful World.” ”One of my favorite heroines who provided inspiration for next year’s Pageant is the intrepid American journalist Nellie Bly,” the director began. “In the 1890s, she attempted to travel round the world in fewer than 80 days, the challenge imagined in Jules Verne’s fictional classic Around the World in 80 Days. We’re researching her travel logs, diaries and ephemera related to her ambitious solo journey. Did she accomplish her mission? You’ll have to see the show!” Challis Davy teased. Duling added, “Nellie Bly’s fearlessness continues to inspire women of every age to this day.”

“There are so many great artworks to recreate,” said Challis Davy. “I also especially like our selections of African art, and our recreations of works by Swedish painter Carl Larsson. There is a beautiful painting of a Venice canal with carnival revelers by Tiepolo. And we’ll end the first act with a fantastic world dance party!”

Thoughtfully, she noted, “It’s never easy to decide what art is in and what doesn’t make the cut. I think the end result is that we’ll have a diverse array of artworks. We’ll visit 17 countries in 90 minutes. That’s what I call a ‘Bon Voyage!’”

Decades of Making Art Come Alive

In the summer of 1933, the Laguna Beach Festival of Arts was born when around two dozen artists hung their paintings on fences, trees and buildings along Laguna’s main street, hoping to lure visitors to the first Festival of Arts, while some artists opened their home-studios to the public. Music, colorful signs and banners, parades and entertainment added to the celebratory ambiance of the event, which turned Laguna Beach into one enormous art gallery. In 1935, “living pictures” were transformed into a full production with music, narration and painted backdrops, giving birth to “The Pageant of the Masters” which rapidly evolved into a popular summer tradition. Not surprisingly, the pageant now draws an audience of more than 225,000, and the Festival of Arts Fine Art Show prevails as one of the longest-running art exhibitions in the state.

The Pageant of the Masters has since evolved into an internationally acclaimed, fantastical theatrical-art event. With its own permanent home since 1935 in a canyon-cradled amphitheater, the pageant continues to defy optical reality. Guests who return year after year still depart marveling at how art masterpieces—from the “Mona Lisa” to the “Last Supper”—magically become living pictures complete with art-accurate script, professional narration, live orchestra and exquisite costuming.

Details

The 2022 Pageant of the Masters, “Wonderful World” runs July 7 – September 2, 2022 with tickets starting at $30. A Pageant ticket is also a season pass to the 90th Annual Festival of Arts Fine Art Show (July 5 – September 2, 2022). To stay up to date on all things Pageant of the Masters and Festival of Arts, follow the Festival on social media at @FestivalPageant. For more information, ticket policies, and to purchase tickets, visit www.PageantTickets.com or call 800-487-3378. For information on where to stay, shop and dine, contact Visit Laguna Beach.

All photos courtesy of Festival of the Arts/Pageant of the Masters