Arts & Culture
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Living, breathing art
by jennifer chinPublished: August 01, 2010
See some of the most amazing works of art come to life once again this summer at Laguna Beach’s world-famous Pageant of the Masters, showing through Aug. 31.
This year’s Pageant theme is Eat, Drink and Be Merry, and the spectacle displays works that reflect how art has helped mankind celebrate when times were good and make it through when times were difficult.
Pageant Director Challis Davy has discovered “humanity’s unique capacity for resilience” and worked with veteran scriptwriter Dan Duling to exemplify that.
Some examples of the showcased masterpieces include works that portray boisterous fetes of 17th-century France, the creations of Dutch artist Jan Steen and paintings that reflect the homespun charms of a Swedish family in the 19th century – among many others.
Actors are painted and costumed to fit into intricate “tableaux vivants” – living pictures that replicate actual artworks. A combination of theatrical fun and breathtaking “living art,” the 2010 Pageant of the Masters invites you and yours to Eat, Drink and Be Merry.
Pageant tickets cost $15 to $100, depending on seat location and night of the week.
OTHER CAN'T-MISS EVENTS
‘The Odd Couple’
Costa Mesa Playhouse, Aug. 6-29
Neil Simon’s masterpiece – one of many that make him one of the most beloved playwrights ever – portrays the comic mayhem that ensues when neurotic neat freak Felix Unger is kicked out by his wife and moves in with poker buddy and world-class slob Oscar Madison. The play is directed by Michael Serna.
661 Hamilton St., Costa Mesa
949.650.5269; costamesaplayhouse.org
‘An Evening with Rita Rudner’
Moulton Theatre, Laguna Playhouse,
Aug. 15-16, 22-23
Award-winning comedian and Las Vegas headliner Rita Rudner brings her sophisticated wit and clever one-liners back to the Laguna Playhouse for four performances this summer. Rudner’s hilarious and witty observations on everyday life – delivered with sharp timing and a soft-spoken voice – have become her trademark.
606 Laguna Canyon Road, Laguna Beach
949.497.2787; lagunaplayhouse.com
‘In the Heights’
Segerstrom Hall, Orange County Performing Arts Center, Aug. 3-15
“In the Heights” is a sensational show focused on chasing your dreams and finding your true calling. Set in a vibrant community in Manhattan’s Washington Heights, it won four 2008 Tony Awards, including Best Musical, Best Choreography and Best Music and Lyrics.
600 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa
714.556.2787; ocpac.org
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This year’s Pageant theme is Eat, Drink and Be Merry, and the spectacle displays works that reflect how art has helped mankind celebrate when times were good and make it through when times were difficult. Pageant Director Challis Davy has discovered “humanity’s unique capacity for resilience” and worked with veteran scriptwriter Dan Duling to exemplify that. Some examples of the showcased masterpieces include works that portray boisterous fetes of 17th-century France, the creations of Dutch artist Jan Steen and paintings that reflect the homespun charms of a Swedish family in the 19th century – among many others. Actors are painted and costumed to fit into intricate “tableaux vivants” – living pictures that replicate actual artworks. A combination of theatrical fun and breathtaking “living art,” the 2010 Pageant of the Masters invites you and yours to Eat, Drink and Be Merry. Pageant tickets cost $15 to $100, depending on seat location and night of the week. OTHER CAN'T-MISS EVENTS ‘The Odd Couple’ Costa Mesa Playhouse, Aug. 6-29 Neil Simon’s masterpiece – one of many that make him one of the most beloved playwrights ever – portrays the comic mayhem that ensues when neurotic neat freak Felix Unger is kicked out by his wife and moves in with poker buddy and world-class slob Oscar Madison. The play is directed by Michael Serna. 661 Hamilton St., Costa Mesa 949.650.5269; costamesaplayhouse.org ‘An Evening with Rita Rudner’ Moulton Theatre, Laguna Playhouse, Aug. 15-16, 22-23 Award-winning comedian and Las Vegas headliner Rita Rudner brings her sophisticated wit and clever one-liners back to the Laguna Playhouse for four performances this summer. Rudner’s hilarious and witty observations on everyday life – delivered with sharp timing and a soft-spoken voice – have become her trademark. 606 Laguna Canyon Road, Laguna Beach 949.497.2787; lagunaplayhouse.com ‘In the Heights’ Segerstrom Hall, Orange County Performing Arts Center, Aug. 3-15 “In the Heights” is a sensational show focused on chasing your dreams and finding your true calling. Set in a vibrant community in Manhattan’s Washington Heights, it won four 2008 Tony Awards, including Best Musical, Best Choreography and Best Music and Lyrics. 600 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa 714.556.2787; ocpac.org |
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