In the 17th and 18th centuries, the desire to experience the world’s
great art firsthand inspired the European tradition of continental travel on the Grand Tour.
Inspired to set out on pilgrimages by land and sea to the great cultural centers of Europe, and
eventually the globe, those early travelers often risked life and limb to stand in the presence of
masterpieces.
It’s that original dedication to expanding one’s horizons by visiting the great art
centers of Europe that fueled Pageant Director Diane Challis Davy’s excitement and research
as she fine-tunes plans for this summer’s production, The Grand Tour.
“Perhaps because I do so much virtual traveling via Google,” Challis Davy offered, “I have a
fantasy about actual travel and sightseeing. I was curious about the tremendous difficulties
travelers encountered in the 18th century, with horse-drawn coaches on unpaved roads and no
railways, no hotels. Even restaurants hardly existed, and there were virtually no public
museums.”
On the traditional Grand Tour, art became a destination for privileged travelers in much the way
the Pageant during its 84-year history has become a destination for theatregoers who want to
experience art in a one-of-a-kind entertainment. “Much of the show will unfold like a journey,”
Challis Davy said.
There’ll be no shortage of masterpieces in the 2017 Pageant, including works by Leonardo da
Vinci, Tiepolo, Longhi, Watteau, Reynolds and Romney. But, as in previous years, the
production’s theme will expand to include American artists like John Singer Sargent whose work
was transformed by his travels.
With the coming of the 20th century, new modes of transportation made it possible for almost
everyone to go on their own “tourists’ grand tour,” and the theatrical possibilities assure no
shortage of Pageant-style fun and inventive showmanship. A side trip to Pompeii, a celebration
of Carnival in Venice and the European tour of Buffalo Bill’s Wild West Show offer abundant
opportunities for surprises and special effects. And a tribute to Paris in the early 20th century
when audiences in clubs embraced the talents of Josephine Baker, Louis Armstrong and Duke
Ellington reveals how a change of scene can launch an artist’s career.
Among the great stories associated with the original Grand Tours, Challis Davy has her own
favorites including the romantic saga of Lord Hamilton, Emma Hart and Lord Nelson, whose
exploits helped make Naples a must-see destination during the late 18th century.
Pageant Scriptwriter Dan Duling explained, “I hope we can recreate some of that sense of awe
shared by those early travelers when they visited the grand palaces, ancient ruins and art
centers of Europe. The original Grand Tours were educational pilgrimages, to Paris, Rome and
beyond. Those who made the journeys couldn’t help but be changed by what they saw, what
they brought back, and what they experienced so far from home.”
As always, Challis Davy and her staff realize the Pageant wouldn’t be possible without their
volunteers who make it their summer destination, traveling from all over the Southland and
returning year after year to take part. Challis Davy offered one final thought, “The Grand Tour is
about travel for pleasure. And what greater pleasure can there be than to find oneself in the
presence of great art at the end of the journey?”
ABOUT THE PAGEANT OF THE MASTERS
Presented by the Festival of Arts of Laguna Beach
The Pageant of the Masters is arguably one of the most unique productions in the entire world.
Audiences are amazed and enchanted by ninety minutes of tableaux vivants (“living pictures”),
incredibly faithful re-creations of classical and contemporary works of art, with real people
posing to look exactly like their counterparts in the original pieces. A live narrator serves as a
guide through the story of each living picture accompanied by the music of a professional
orchestra.
DATES & TIMES
July 7 – August 31, 2017
Performances Nightly at 8:30pm
TICKET INFORMATION
Advance Tickets $15 - $230
LOCATION
Irvine Bowl at the Festival of Arts
650 Laguna Canyon Road, Laguna Beach, CA 92651
FOR INFORMATION & TICKETS
(800) 487-3378
www.PageantTickets.com
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