Laguna Beach's Pageant Of The Masters Gears Up To Go Around World

LAGUNA BEACH, CA — The magic of living pictures is returning to Laguna Beach this summer, as Pageant of the Masters celebrates its 89th year by taking viewers on a trip around the world.

This year's pageant theme is "Wonderful World," and organizers and actors are at work creating an international experience for pageant goers. Last week, pageant organizers held a casting call for volunteer actors to participate in one of Laguna Beach's most well-loved traditions.

Now the actors must prepare to be turned into living pictures from around the world as the Pageant of the Masters 2022 production of "Wonderful World" gears up.

"The theme recalls a simpler time when tourism and travel was relatively easy and carefree. Through the recreation of works of art and famous sculptural landmarks we will explore many artistic wonders of the world," Pageant of the Masters Director Diane Challis Davy told Patch. "The show will be fun and informative and I hope it will be spectacular!"

The 2022 pageant production will include live re-creations of art from around world, including works of art by Swedish painter Carl Larsson, Italian painter Giovanni Battista Tiepolo, Japanese woodblock artist Toyohara Chikanobu and many more.

“We'll visit 17 countries in 90 minutes…. That’s what I call a ‘Bon Voyage!’” added Challis Davy. “I hope world travel and experiencing life in other countries will become easy again. In the meantime, we are going to celebrate – through living pictures, music, and dance – here in the Irvine Bowl. And our professional composers and orchestra will fill the Bowl with original and authentic music from around the world.”

Last year, Pageant of the Masters organizers celebrated art across the United States of America with the 2021 pageant production of "Made in America." The show saw live recreations of works of art spanning across American history. This year, Challis Davy wants to take pageant viewers on a journey around the world while exploring cultural traditions and notable works of art.

Challis Davy told Patch that safety remains the highest priority for the pageant, after the annual show was canceled in 2020 due the COVID-19 pandemic.

"Safety concerns are top-of-the-mind right now and we are becoming expert at putting on a show in spite of logistical challenges," Challis Davy said. "We are grateful to our many volunteers who came out for the annual Casting Call."

Residents interested in purchasing tickets for this year's Pageant of the Masters can visit the pageant's website or call (800) 487-3378.

This article originally appeared on the Laguna Beach Patch