Tonight marked the grand opening of the 92nd annual Pageant of the Masters, a beloved and storied tradition that’s part of the Festival of Arts in Laguna Beach. This year’s production, titled Gold Coast: Treasures of California, will run nightly through August 29, blending the grandeur of classical and modern art with theatrical flair.
Since its inception in 1933, the Pageant of the Masters has enthralled audiences with its unique tableaux vivants—live reenactments of famous paintings, sculptures, and cultural icons. Each performance involves individuals painstakingly costumed, coached, and lit to mimic original artworks. Carefully choreographed lighting, high-detail backdrops, and immaculate timing transform each scene into a breathtaking, living portrait.
This year’s presentation spans centuries of artistic history, featuring re-creations of works by Edgar Degas, Claude Monet, and pieces curated from California museums like the Hilbert Museum at Chapman University. Among the notable highlights are Degas’s Little Dancer, Aged Fourteen, Monet’s In the Woods at Giverny, and several West Coast contemporary pieces that reflect California’s diverse art landscape.
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The 2025 theme, Gold Coast: Treasures of California, pays homage to the Golden State’s museums and art history. The performance includes interpretations of exhibits from the Getty, LACMA, the Roman Pool at Hearst Castle, the De Young Museum in San Francisco, and the Norton Simon Museum in Pasadena. Director Diane Challis Davy shared that the inspiration came from the state’s rich art heritage and iconic cultural landmarks. “California is home to exceptional art museums and landmarks,” Davy said. “I felt inspired to celebrate California’s artistic contributions and encourage audiences to explore the gems in their own backyard.”
The event’s strength lies not only in its visual splendor but also in its community-driven spirit. More than 60,000 volunteer hours go into crafting sets, designing costumes, auditioning cast members, and rehearsing the show. Every summer, about 1,200 individuals audition, and roughly 500 are selected to participate. Performers range in age from young children to senior citizens, highlighting the Pageant’s inclusive and generational nature.
Sharbie Higuchi, the Festival’s marketing and public relations director, emphasized how essential volunteers are to the show’s continued success. “Over the course of two months, visitors can journey through California’s most iconic museums and cultural landmarks,” she said. “It’s a one‑of‑a‑kind experience.”
Alongside the Pageant, the Festival of Arts operates from July 2 to August 29, featuring more than 100 juried artists showcasing painting, sculpture, ceramics, jewelry, photography, and mixed media. Visitors have the chance to meet the artists, purchase unique pieces, and enjoy additional programming including live music, art classes, paint-and-sip events, and family-oriented activities.
Several standout events this season include the Festival Runway Fashion Show on August 10, which highlights clothing made from recycled materials, and the annual gala “California Dreamin’” on August 23. The gala will feature a musical performance by Jack Mack and the Heart Attack and a special Pageant introduction by actor Jason Ritter.
This summer also marks a full return to pre-pandemic capacity. After years of restrictions due to COVID-19, the event is expected to draw over a quarter-million attendees through late August. With 56 scheduled performances, each running approximately 90 minutes, the production operates with two alternating casts—Blue and Green—to maintain quality and energy throughout the season.
Tickets range from $47 to $100, with discounts available for students and groups. Every Pageant ticket also grants access to the broader Festival of Arts, offering a full day of artistic exploration, live orchestral accompaniment, and narrated storytelling during the tableaux vivants.
What began as a modest eight-show presentation during the Great Depression has grown into a hallmark of Laguna Beach’s cultural identity. The Pageant of the Masters is now more than a performance—it’s a celebration of artistic heritage, local creativity, and the enduring power of visual storytelling. For both long-time patrons and first-time visitors, the 92nd season promises a memorable blend of history, artistry, and community spirit beneath the summer sky.
