SURFING SOAPBOX:Lucky to attend Pageant

“Simply amazing” is the best way I can describe this year’s Pageant of the Masters. Which is great considering this is the 75th anniversary “” otherwise known as the diamond jubilee year of the pageant, which began in 1932.

Since this was my first year being lucky enough to attend, I can’t compare this year’s performance to years’ past. I can tell you, however, that it was captivating from beginning to end. This year’s performance begins with conductor Rich Head waving what could be likened to a magic wand as he leads his orchestra from one musical verse to another.

Sitting front and center in a sold-out Laguna Bowl I did feel young at heart, which was perfectly fitting since this year’s theme is none other than “Young at Heart.”

The show takes the audience through a magical ride through storybook tales such as “Peter Pan,” and famous artwork such as “The Last Supper.”

The pageant captures each moment on stage as if it were a picture out of the book, using live cast members. During the first couple of scenes I was wondering how the heck they could get such an authentic look and feel.

Then “” for those who were scratching their heads and wondering “” comes a scene where they take the audience through each step in how they make each scene look so amazing.

If I had to pick my two favorite scenes they would be Peter Pan and Santa Claus. I won’t say why, because I wouldn’t want to spoil the moment for anyone who hasn’t been yet.

Special, too, was how the narrator takes you back in history, during the early years of the pageant, giving the audience insight into the many years that the pageant has been running, and all of the hard work and detail that goes into such a dynamic show.

If it’s that old feeling of “Young at Heart” that you need, then this is a show for you.

Peace.