Director Diane Challis Davy Plans Ambitious Itinerary for 2005 Pageant of the Masters, 'On the Road'.

LAGUNA BEACH, Calif. -- Show Promises Fun-Filled "Interstate of the Art" Sightseeing Trip for The Whole Family

Long before the closing night of last summer's sold-out run of "Portrait of the Artist," the 2004 Pageant of the Masters Director Diane Challis Davy was already mapping out next summer's travel-themed Pageant, "On the Road -- A Crash Course in Art and Popular Culture." "On the Road" will explore the ways in which artists have been inspired by and paid tribute to our collective wanderlust.

The Pageant's annual theatrical presentation of "tableaux vivants" -- "living pictures" -- accompanied by live narration and music performed by a symphony orchestra in the Irvine Bowl amphitheatre on the grounds of Laguna Beach's Festival of Arts, has been a summer tradition since 1933.

Now in her 10th year as Pageant director, Challis Davy is especially enthusiastic about "On the Road." At least part of her inspiration came from a series of cross-country family car trips. "So often it seems we're in such a hurry," she said. "I've always wanted to be able to take a long car trip and have enough time to stop and visit every art museum along the way. It's worth it to take the extra time."

She added, "Another inspiration for 'On the Road' was Charles Kuralt." The late CBS News commentator, who anchored "CBS Sunday Morning" for many years, enjoyed taking his RV across the country and sharing tales from his serendipitous journeys off the beaten track. Challis Davy certainly shares Kuralt's spirit of adventure and the belief that you don't have to leave the country to find great art and great stories.

She'll make her case in an extended tribute to America's legendary Route 66, featuring artworks associated with museums and destinations along that famous roadway from Chicago to Santa Monica, Calif. But "On the Road" will also find its way to other countries as well, including re-creations of masterpieces by European artists and an exotic side-trip to explore the Silk Road and the Buddhist sculptures of China's ancient Dunhuang caves.

For another special feature, Challis Davy is repressing her personal clown phobia to present a nostalgic and fun-filled salute to that age-old fantasy of running away to join the circus. In the early 20th century, "living pictures" actually made appearances in several circuses.

In keeping with longstanding Pageant traditions, there will be no shortage of works by such acknowledged masters as Eastman Johnson, Edward Hopper, Dorothea Lange, John Sloan, Thomas Hart Benton and Norman Rockwell, just to name a few. And no Pageant road trip would be complete without the requisite visit to the Pageant's ultimate destination since 1936, Leonardo da Vinci's "The Last Supper."

Back by popular demand, "On the Road" will feature the return of "The Builder." This staging innovation, begun by former Pageant Director Don Williamson during the 1960s, opens up the curtain for a step-by-step assembling of a "living picture" in full view of the audience. Over the years, it has become an acknowledged Pageant highlight.

Challis Davy has always been passionate about what goes on behind the scenes at the Pageant. That's especially true for "On the Road." She explained: "This is much more of a family show, a family entertainment. And it's a celebration of our volunteers. We love having the participation of kids and parents and grandparents. I'm hoping that producing this year's show is going to be as much fun for all of us backstage as it is for the audience." That's no small challenge. But if her track record is any indicator, Pageant Director Diane Challis Davy and her team of artists and volunteers are road-ready and revving up for next summer's ultimate roadside attraction in Laguna Beach.

The 2005 Pageant of the Masters will be performed nightly from July 7 through Sept. 1. A special celebrity gala fundraiser will be held Aug. 28. Tickets will go on sale to the general public on Dec. 1. Pageant tickets range from $15 to $80 depending on seat location and night of the week. Gala tickets are $50 to $300. For further information, call toll-free, 800-487-3378, or visit www.Pageanttickets.com.

The Festival of Arts is a non-profit organization that produces The Festival of Arts -- California's Premier Fine Art Exhibition and The Pageant of the Masters. Proceeds support the arts in Orange County.