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Pageant of the Masters
Where Art Comes To Life! 
July 7 – August 31, 2012, Each night during the summer season at 8:30 the Festival of Arts presents its most famous attraction; the Pageant of the Masters.
“The Last Supper” at the Pageant of the Masters
What is it? Ninety minutes of “living pictures” – incredibly faithful art re-creations of classical and contemporary workNinety minutes of “living pictures” – incredibly faithful art re-creations of classical and contemporary works with real people posing to look exactly like their counterparts in the original pieces. An outdoor amphitheater, professional orchestra, original score, live narration, intricate sets, sophisticated lighting, expert staff, and hundreds of dedicated volunteers have won recognition for the Pageant as the best presentation of its kind.s with real people posing to look exactly like their counterparts in the original pieces. An outdoor amphitheater, professional orchestra, original score, live narration, intricate sets, sophisticated lighting, expert staff, and hundreds of dedicated volunteers have won recognition for the Pageant as the best presentation of its kind. MISSION STATEMENT: The 2012 Pageant of the Masters Theme is:
Eureka! It’sThe Genius Find out more about this season’s Pageant Program.
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2012 PAGEANT HONORS THE MASTERS IN “THE GENIUS”
Laguna Beach, California – The king of trial and error Thomas Edison once famously said, “Genius is one percent inspiration and 99% perspiration.” Few people are more aware of the amount of time and effort that will be required to turn her inspiration into the 2012 Pageant of the Masters than its director Diane Challis Davy. But, even as she finalizes her selections of artworks for next summer’s world-famous theatrical celebration of art in “living pictures” – tableaux vivants – Challis Davy is excited about the possibilities inherent in its theme, The Genius.
“The theme actually originated back in 2009 when we produced The Muse,” Challis Davy explained. “That show examined women’s roles in making and inspiring art, and was selected from a feminine point of view. I thought it would be interesting to craft a ‘companion’ show, one with a masculine sensibility, focusing on the power, strength and intelligence inherent in masterful works of art.”
Challis Davy has also chosen a secondary theme for The Genius, the relationship between art and advances in science and technology. “I’m curious about the materials and techniques used by the old masters,” Challis Davy said. “One hundred fifty years ago, artists had to make their own paints! You almost had to be a chemist or alchemist. And I’m fascinated by the huge roles played by developments in optics and photography in painting realistic works.” She was quick to add, “But, you won’t have to be a rocket scientist to enjoy The Genius.”
Clearly, the 2012 Pageant will be very different from the whimsical escapism of last summer’s Only Make Believe. Tributes to the lives and masterpieces of extraordinary artists whose works have withstood the test of time will be in the forefront of the 2012 Pageant, including Michelangelo, Vincent van Gogh and the Dutch Masters, to name a few. Legendary composers will be feted in series of artworks dedicated to the “Maestros of Music,” and scientific innovation will be highlighted in “The Stars of Astronomy.” And Pageant traditionalists will no doubt welcome the return of the Renaissance master, Leonardo da Vinci, whose “The Last Supper” has been the Pageant finale, with rare exceptions, since 1936.
“‘The Last Supper,’ is arguably the most recognizable masterwork of all time,” Challis Davy observed, “and Leonardo da Vinci was a genius for the ages, no question. He was not afraid to experiment and take chances,” she said.
Longtime Pageant scriptwriter Dan Duling, already busy researching the narration for the show, added, “Genius exists in every field of endeavor, and it’s a fantastic source for moving stories of triumph, tragedy and courage. If you’re looking for inspiration, this show is going to dare you to think big.”
When asked about what surprises might be in store for 2012 in terms of music or special effects, Challis Davy, preparing for her 17th year as Pageant director, noted there are plans for some advances in sound design and digital projection, and hopes for some “unexpected light effects.” Laughing, she added, “Sorry, no 3-D glasses.”
With its ambitious selection of acknowledged masterpieces, The Genius will certainly be an exciting centerpiece for the Festival of Art’s celebration of its 80th anniversary. The Pageant’s annual open casting calls will take place in January where volunteers sign up, get their photos and measurements on file and then wait to hear if they’ll be a part of the upcoming Pageant. Last year, more than 1,100 people turned out. Everyone associated with the production understands the Pageant wouldn’t be possible without that spirit of volunteer dedication. As Challis Davy acknowledges, their dedication and loyalty are the remarkable engines that sustain the Pageant.
“I love art AND theatre,” Challis Davy said, “and I’m lucky to be surrounded by people who love the hard work it takes to produce a very elaborate show. I get inspiration from my scriptwriter, my staff, my composers, and from the scores of enthusiastic research volunteers who come up with great suggestions!”
The Pageant of the Masters will be performed nightly from Saturday, July 7, through Friday, August 31, 2012. Tickets for The Genius, the 2012 Pageant of the Masters, are currently on sale to Festival of Arts members, and may be purchased by the general public at www.PageantTickets.com, beginning December 1st. Tickets start at $15. For further information, call 949-497-6852, or toll free 800-487-3378.
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Sharbie Higuchi
Director of Marketing and Public Relations
