pageant of the masters

grlgrdgate

Summer is not complete without an evening at Pageant of the Masters! It is always an enjoyable experience and since the theme changes yearly, it is always new and different. Don't forget your binoculars.

567daveh

When you attend The Pageant of the Masters you will have a wondrous time! Each and every moment, from beginning to end, from the moment that you walk through the gates there is an electrifying sense of anticipation. The crowd is excited, the audience is full, and when the natural outdoor auditorium gets dark and quiet and the professional announcer welcomes you to the show, you will be on the edge of your seat. It seems odd to speak of a still–life representation of great art affecting someone in such a way, but each and every tableau is so utterly professional and each intricately covers every detail of these great paintings that you will have an evening that you will find unforgettable. All of the actors from youngest to oldest are absolutely thrilling to watch. Once you realize the scope and quality and artistic nature of this endeavor you will be lost in the midst of this experience. This will be an evening that your whole family, or you and your friends, will talk about for many many years.

552StevenA

I have gone to the art show every year for over 41 years. Great local artist, craftsman and music while you walk. Demo and great food available. If you want to seek the Pageant of the Masters, get tickets early in the year, for best seating, your ticket will include admission to the festival grounds. The Pageant brings art to life people create famous works of art ending in the recreation of the last supper. If you want to go last minute, check at the box office they always have a few cancelation tickets. Bring a jacket, while it is California Summer, it does get cold in the bowl when you are watching the show, You can always buy a Pageant Hoodie. Before the show also visit the Sawdust Festival, Some people will also enjoy the Art a Fair or just a walk through Laguna, Parking is available in lots for a fee. The city also has a free shuttle.

JimOB1

it is hard to describe how a bunch of people make an old master painting appear out of nowhere. it is definitely a must see if you can get tickets and find a place to park!

et92651

Love the art, and live music and of course the pageant is always interesting. Bring a blanket it can cool off at night in Laguna.

HonestReviewNC

I always try to explain the Pageant to my friends and can't quite describe the experience. The art and the actors are the best at what they do.

Godlyheart

Everyone should do this once in their life and pay for good center seats. If you sit at the side you may miss a bit of the show. Take binoculars or rent them when you get there if you are not close up towards the front

CaliforniaMillers

This is such a unique and well done "show"! It is truly amazing how they pull off such perfectly matched renditions of classic paintings and sculptures with live people. You'll be amazed and impressed. The best part is the one painting they "pull apart" so you can see what goes into putting together these masterpieces. The Irvine Bowl is a gorgeous setting, under the stars! A Laguna treat!

L_DTravellers

Pageant of the Masters is truly one of the most unique shows in the world. It takes a number of famous paintings and recreates them using real people, makeup, costumes, and the crucial props and lighting. In each show, they do take one painting and show you the behind the scenes, how they create the paintings. There is a different theme each year, with this year being The Art Detective. The setting itself is magnificent, tucked into the Laguna Canyon, with the cool night air. Sweaters are a must, even in summer, and binoculars are also important so you can see the all important details. Parking is a bit of a challenge, you can either pay to park in a nearby lot and take the shuttle in, or you can catch the Beach Trolley from various spots in Laguna Beach. Be sure to leave yourself plenty of time for parking/transport! After the show, be sure to walk around and admire the amazing art in the outdoor venue - sometimes you are able to meet the artists. We live in New Zealand now, but always try to time our trips so that we can go to the Pageant of the Masters!

427pattyp

A must see performance of the masters of the art world. You will be amazed at how professional these volunteers are. Be prepared for a 2 hour experience that seems like 30 minutes.

obrieny2k

Every year we go we are still amazed at the uniqueness of this event. Everyone should go at least once.

baldeagle4

The Pageant is so unique, visually amazing and incredibly well done. A great evening in a beautiful open air venue during a warm summer night. . I would suggest you sit as close as you as you comfortably can, as we had to use binoculars from where we were sitting to get the real impact of the show. They rent them there. So, the long and the short of it, go to miss out.

LagunaBell

This is an okay outing. Personally, I saw it once and really not interested in seeing it again. It is unique and creative in that they are live people arranged to look like the painting they are representing and it REALLY looks like the painting. But really, how long can you sit and watch this? Like, I said, you see it once, you're done. I'd rather go to a museum, see the real thing or a concert or live rock show... better use of my time. It's definitely something you should see once though.

CFleming1957

If you're visiting Laguna in the summer months, The Pageant of the Masters is not to be missed. It is 'Living Pictures' where real people pose in re-creations of classical and contemporary art works. Really an amazing show. This years show was entitled 'The Art Detective' which had a piece on the theft from the Gardner Museum in Mass (my home state) of which the art has still not yet been found! Very entertaining, I understand the 2015 show will be 'The Pursuit of Happiness'. Looking forward :)

sunniem_13

Art to life, indescribable coolest experience! Before show enjoy the local art stalls just outside the stage. mingle, never know who you will run into:)