By Madison Moulder
Famous works of art are studied all over the world, but at the Pageant of the Masters from the Festival of Arts in Laguna Beach, California, art is taken from the canvas to the stage. Visual art is complemented by a professional orchestra to create an unforgettable experience. The 2019 theme, “The Time Machine,” is inspired by the Victorian novel by H.G. Wells, sparking a fascination with time travel. The art pieces reflect this theme as they explore ancient civilizations and futuristic possibilities. Director/producer Diane Challis Davy and scriptwriter Dan Duling take audience members on a journey through time and space.
Having taken several art history courses recently, I was very excited to see the art I had studied brought to life. The 90-minute performance is more than just a visual experience. Narrator Richard Doyle and a full orchestra conducted by Correy Hirsch take the audience on a journey through time. Staff and volunteers work to produce a seamless production which entertains from the moment to curtains open till the instant they close. The theme of “The Time Machine” provides the perfect story line that every artwork supports perfectly.
The Vintage Festival, painted in oil by L. Alma-Tadema in 1871, provides a behind-the-scenes look at how the still performances are brought to life. The curtains are left open so you can see the actors arrange themselves as the stage crew move the painting to the front of the stage. The moment the performers stop moving and freeze into position, it’s as if a switch flips and they become part of the canvas. Costume director Reagan Foy and makeup director Allyson Doherty ensure that it is nearly impossible to determine what is part of the set, and what is a living performer.
Another piece that stands out above the rest is The Mechanics Monument, created by Douglas Tilden in 1901. The bronze statue is brought to life on the side of the stage, which brings the art closer to the audience and keeps you on your toes since you never know where the next performance will take place. Bronze-hued performers are positioned precariously, with limbs hanging unsupported out in the air. It is amazing to see how even in those unsteady positions, actors balance perfectly still.
The orchestra keeps the audience engaged with a variety of music. The second act includes a lot of songs from pop culture, such as “Rock Around the Clock.” The upbeat music is complimented by the Juke Box Dancers (Blake Thiessen, Hannah Manning, Kendall Roderick, and Ronnie Roderick) for an energetic beginning to the second act.
A Norman Rockwell piece, The Final Impossibility (oil, 1969), is one of the concluding pieces of the show and creates a sense of wonder and curiosity in the audience. Technical Director/lighting designer Richard Hill and set construction technician/welder David Marceau set the stage for a beautiful, motionless work of art which transforms into a piece with motion that stuns the audience. I almost wish this scene would have ended the show, as the true ending felt a bit abrupt.
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The Pageant of the Masters is surrounded by lots of shops and restaurants at Laguna Beach, so I recommend getting there early to explore the town and relax by the beach. It will also be easier to find a parking spot earlier in the day, although trolleys run throughout the town in case you have to park further away. The Festival of the Arts is open before the Pageant, and you can enter with your Pageant of the Masters ticket. You’ll definitely want to arrive before the show starts in order to walk around and enjoy the art galleries.
The beautiful venue and talented performers ensure that every trip to the Pageant of the Masters is enjoyable and inspiring. Davy ensures that the show has every member of the audience laughing, then gasping in awe at paintings that come to life at the Festival of the Arts in Laguna Beach, California.
Audience members should be advised: there is some nudity in the show.
The Festival of Arts Presents Pageant of the Masters, Directed/Produced by Diane Challis Davy, Written by Dan Duling
The Festival of Arts , 650 Laguna Canyon Road, Laguna Beach, CA 92651
July 7-August 31, 2019 8:30-10:30 PM
Tickets: $25-183
Contact: 800-487-3378, or the ticket office
Festival of Arts/Pageant of the Masters Facebook Page
Pageant of the Masters Facebook Event
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