In The Arts
‘Maestro’ comes to Playhouse
Actor, musician and playwright Hershey Felder will return to The Laguna Playhouse Jan. 4 to Feb. 6 in his latest production of “Maestro: The Art of Leonard Bernstein,” a new work from the creators of “George Gershwin Alone,” “Monsieur Chopin” and “Beethoven.”
With a story spanning the entire 20th century, Bernstein — whom some consider America’s greatest musician — became a musical ambassador to the world as a conductor, composer, pianist, author, teacher, librettist, and television star. Felder will bring the composer of “West Side Story” and “Candide” to life.
Showtimes are 8 p.m. Tuesdays; 2 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays; 2 p.m. Jan. 6 and 20; and 7 p.m. Jan. 16. Tickets are $35 to $70. For more information, call (949) 497-2787 or visit https://www.LagunaPlayhouse.com.
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Pageant seeking volunteer ‘actors’
The Pageant of the Masters is looking for men, women and children to volunteer for next summer’s show, “Only Make Believe.” People of all sizes and ages are needed to be cast members in the world’s most famous presentation of tableaux vivants or “living pictures.”
Casting calls will be held from 7 to 9 p.m. Jan. 8; 2 to 5 p.m. Jan. 9; and 7 to 9 p.m. Jan. 13 at the Irvine Bowl Park, 650 Laguna Canyon Road in Laguna Beach. Prospective volunteers will be measured and photographed, enjoy refreshments and meet the behind-the-scenes Pageant staff. No theater experience is necessary. The only requirement is the ability to stand still and have fun.
“It takes more than 500 volunteers, both onstage and behind-the-scenes, to put on the Pageant,” director Diane Challis Davy said. “We wouldn’t have a show without our volunteers.”
Pageant volunteers are also needed for positions in the wardrobe, makeup and headdress departments, as well as cast area coordinators and refreshment servers, among other positions.
The 2011 Pageant will be staged July 7 through Aug. 31. Ticket prices range from $15 to $100. Tickets are on sale now at 1-800-487-3378 or online at https://www.PageantTickets.com. To volunteer, call (949) 494-3663. Laguna students can volunteer to fulfill community service hours.
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Cure for post-holiday blues
Laguna Beach Live will kick off its Jazz Wednesday Winter Series on Jan. 5 with a performance by Latin Jazz Syndicate Trio. With Bijon Watson on trumpet and flugelhorn, Carlos Ordiano on keys and Ruben Ordiano on drums, percussion come together for some of the hottest Latin jazz sounds.
Held in the cozy Catalina Room of Hotel Laguna, audience members will have a choice of two shows: 6 to 7:15 p.m. and 7:45 to 9 p.m. Cover charge is $10 with food and beverages available off the lounge’s tapas menu or the terrace’s main menu. For reservations, call (949) 494-1151. The series will be on the first and third Wednesday of each month, January through April. For a complete lineup, visit https://www.lagunabeachlive.org.
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Learn the art of glass fusion
In response to requests to learn the art of glass fusion, artist Maggie Spencer will teach three classes in January and February at the Sawdust Art Festival grounds, 935 Laguna Canyon Road. Students will design and construct a colorful and uniquely shaped “Origami Bowl” to use as a serving dish, or to display as fine art. The 9-inch “Origami” bowl is named for its unique shape.
The $95 registration fee includes all materials. For information or to register, visit https://www.sawdustartfestival.org/glass-and-other-media.
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Griffiths works explore violence
Jennifer Griffiths, a longtime Festival of the Arts exhibitor, will be showing potent symbolic work about violence against women at the Sandstone Gallery, 384 N. Coast Hwy., from Jan. 4 to 31. A reception is planned for 6 to 9 p.m. Jan. 6 at the gallery.
Recognized for her color night landscape photographs of Los Angeles in the 1970s, Griffiths’ large-scale mixed-media series juxtaposes images from science and nature with photos and painting. Each piece creates a statement personifying the emotional hardships women face.
For more information, visit https://www.sandstonegallery.com.