Laguna Beach’s famed Pageant of the Masters Celebrates 80 years of Majestic Painting Recreations in one of Orange County’s most storied sea-side towns. 

This summer, beginning July 7^th - and running through August 31^st - the lights go down, the curtain goes up and the audience is greeted by striking re-creations of classical and contemporary works of art. Welcome to the Pageant of the Masters. Staged in an outdoor amphitheater and kissed by ocean breezes-compliments of the neighboring Pacific-the pageant’s Laguna Canyon local only serves to enhance your experience. For 90 minutes, the Irvine Bowl audience is awed by famous works such as Leonardo da Vinci’s “The Last Supper” and Vincent Van Gogh’s “The Night Café.” Each “painting” is painstakingly re-created by a skilled team of live actors, requiring hours of make-up and precision positioning, necessary to achieve the exactness of the original piece. These works literally spring to life, thanks to a professional orchestra, intricate score, live narration and the work of many talented, dedicated volunteers. Pageant is truly a one of a kind experience, never to be forgotten. The program’s dramatic sets and sophisticated lighting beautifully illuminate works ranging from the Italian Renaissance to the Modern Masters.

Enhancement of this phenomenal experience comes courtesy of the Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel’s “Behind the Velvet Rope.” This exclusive guest package allows patrons to “rub elbows with Fine Artists” as they gain a true back stage experience through a guided tour. Guests are given access to the production just before the curtain goes up, giving a peak into the mystery of how this living art production comes to life. With only 3 packages available each Saturday evening, this luxury experience is limited. Packages begin at $625 per night and can be booked directly at www.RitzCarlton.com/LagunaPackages, or by calling 949.240.2000.

Tickets for this intriguing artistic performance are very limited and sell out each year. For more information on the 2012 Pageant of the Masters go to www.foapm or call 800.487.3378.