Liz Goldner, Editor

PAGEANT OF THE MASTERS

The Pageant of the Masters is a rare theatrical event, held every summer in Laguna Beach.

The Pageant draws hundreds of thousands of spectators to its outdoor amphitheatre. Yet many people who attend know little about its origins or about the massive preparations and 60,000 volunteer hours that go into each production.

The live multi-media show is based on the centuries old art form, "Tableaux Vivants" or "Living Pictures," displaying the diversity of art from around the world and throughout history, utilizing live models, lavish costumes and sets and dramatic lighting.

Tableaux Vivants began in the Middle Ages and were featured in churches, royal weddings and coronations. The art form was especially popular in the 19th century with models often posing in the buff.

While the art style was popular for several centuries, the Laguna Beach Pageant is one of few remaining productions of this genre – anywhere in the world.

500 VOLUNTEERS

Each Pageant production involves 500 volunteers and 6,000 volunteer hours.

As I explain in Pageant of the Masters, Backstage, models sit nearly motionless for long periods as volunteer artists apply thick overly theatrical face and body make-up. Awareness of the angle of the model's face and body in the completed Living Picture is an essential factor of make-up application.

When a model faces sideways, the face is often painted in two tones to create the illusion of shadows. Lips, eyebrows, cheekbones are highlighted so dramatically and thickly that models take on the appearance of mannequins.

I continue, Moments before each Living Picture is shown at the Pageant of the Masters, models seat themselves in the stage set: workers adjust the props, sometimes adding accessories to clothing and shoes for authenticity; and models are often strapped into their places.

The set revolves onto the stage as lights go up and themed music plays, revealing a large proscenium size artwork, many times bigger than the original (world famous) painting or sculpture, and clearly visible from the last row in the Irvine Bowl - and from High Drive - up the road in Laguna Beach.

LAUNCHED IN 1933

The Laguna Beach Pageant of the Masters was launched in 1933 when a local artist/performer dressed residents in costumes and seated them behind a frame. Within a few years, the production took on a more professional tone, eventually evolving into themed productions with live performers.

This year's "Eat, Drink & Be Merry" is a 90-minutes show, running July 7th through August 31st. It includes festive works by 17th century Dutch artist, Jan Steen, 19th century pieces by Americans Frederic Remington and Reginald Marsh and paintings by several modern and contemporary artists.

"Coffee and Donuts," also featured in the show, is by an artist who: creates artworks that touch viewers' psyches, resonate with memories of a long lost America, conjure up images by Norman Rockwell with hints of Salvador Dali and John Singer Sargent, as I explain in my Scott Moore blog page.

I add: When I first saw his paintings, I wondered if he was channeling some aspect of Americana, perhaps a collective unconscious that dwells within our hearts and souls…he creates art from memories, fantasies and dreams through the lens of his childhood.

Please check out my Pageant of the Masters and Scott Moore pages for more background on Tableaux Vivants, the Pageant and Scott Moore. I would love to hear your comments about these. You can respond on Click here to post comments at the bottom of each web page.

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