Nestled in the canyons of Laguna Beach is a patronage of the arts in the form of living painting and sculpture. What the city’s various galleries facing Pacific Coast Highway have to offer viewers in a more discreet context, this festival provides with a more theatrical flair designed to engage and captivate its audience. For more than 80 years, the Pageant of the Masters has wowed spectators by using live actors to display recreations of timeless works throughout human history, giving Laguna Beach a well-deserved reputation as the art mecca of Orange County.

The theme of the show this year is about the bond and chemistry that partners share with one another, whether it’s married couples, friends, dancers, colleagues or what have you. Some of the subjects represented include Adam and Eve, Lewis and Clark, The Wright Brothers and Frida Kahlo with Diego Rivera. There is also a showcase of innovations in dance from 20th century musical legends like Fred Astaire and Gene Kelly to go along with the recreations of famous paintings and sculptures.

I must also mention that there’s a gallery of local Southern California artists displayed just outside the amphitheater before the show starts. Many of their works include pottery, abstract designs, landscape portraits, photographs and more. A lot of the artists sit at their own booths and you can ask them questions about their work if you’re feeling inquisitive. It’s a great way to spread the word and raise awareness about the regional art scene.

I have to admit it’s been about eight years since I last went to the show and there have been some dramatic changes that have taken place. For one, the façade of the front entrance has been fundamentally altered, changing from a formal, almost Parisian style into a more modern, eco-friendly aesthetic. I noticed there was more off-screen action from performers (a pirate swinging over the crowd from a wire for example) than before, which is a pleasant upgrade to what was already a riveting spectacle.

After the show I was offered a tour backstage by a family friend who works for the pageant and I felt a nostalgic rush come over me. As someone who performed in the show myself back in 2008, I got to relive the memories of a fun summer as I was walking through the patio where the cast hangs out and the makeup/wardrobe room where everyone gets their outfits ready. I was able to see some of the tricks that create the magic on stage, like specially-designed light bulbs that project the image of a flat painting to the audience. I also found out through my family friend that the galleries outside were being updated dramatically after this year's show, so the Pageant is about to look even more foreign to my sentimental notions than before.

With that said, I recommend everyone bring their partners and prepare for a celebration of life that has inspired generations of art lovers from Southern California and beyond.