Enjoying the laughter and calm

SUZIE HARRISON

Just walking to see “Lagunatics” Sunday was an adventure. It’s

strange to walk by the Sawdust Art Festival and see it empty.

Strange, but pleasant to jaunt about town without the throngs of

people everywhere. It felt like I was in a small town.

The cross walk situation in front of the festival grounds wasn’t

quite so pleasant. In the summer, people are Pavlovian with their

stopping response, but in the off-season, well I wouldn’t want to bet

my beloved cat’s left ear on drivers stopping just for me.

RIP ROARIN’ ROAST

Once I was there the “Lagunatics” experience made me roar. I’d

have to give a big toast to the roast of the coast. The writing,

performances, costumes -- the whole enchilada was a treat.

It’s the 11th year for this event thanks to founder and creative

wonder Bree Burgess Rosen. Her talent along with that of other

creative writers, Michael O’Malley, Adam Hemming, Chris Quilter,

Philip Burkhardt, Judy Akin-Palmer and Paul Leighton Nygro made this

another production to be proud of.

The gay jokes and skits were hilarious as were the drag numbers --

it was all so Laguna Beach. They hit on every topic and each part of

the population; no one was safe from the silly and superb satire.

It’s hard to pick my favorite numbers but I’ll tell a few. The

show started out spectacularly with “And All That Beach” to the

popular “All That Jazz” song -- I felt like I was on Broadway. “Try

to Remember” the spoof on the fact that we had road construction in

the midst of heavy, heavy traffic this summer -- so the words -- try

to remember to wait ‘til September was very well done. “Three Meter

Maids” was a hilarious bit, and then there was the Pageant of the

Masters spoofs, which were amazing.

Chief Jim Spreine was a real superstar and I really loved his role

in “The Montage” done to the song “The Monster Mash.” He was also

integral to the bit on the contraband calendars put out by the police

department last year. For solo performances, I give a standing

ovation to Akin-Palmer about her botox woes. The cutest had to be

“Fire” a poke at our loving fire-preventing goats. And the cutest

goat was Todd Leach -- Leach also looked hot in drag. It was his

first time in “Lagunatics” and I think he’s a real keeper.

There are 29 amazingly done pieces so it’s hard to narrow down the

best. You have to see for yourself. It runs today and Saturday. It’s

performed at the Forum Theater at 650 Laguna Canyon Road on the

Festival of Arts Grounds. For tickets, call (949) 497-2584.

An added bonus is that not only does it give laughter-o’

bucket-load but it also gives back to the community. In the last

decade “Lagunatics” has contributed more than $350,000 to local

nonprofits.

GET READY FOR THE SWANK

Saturday is the Laguna Art Museum’s 21st annual Art Auction and as

usual it has a fun and creative theme. “Auction 21: The Art Pack” is

a rebirth of the cool, bringing back to life the days of the Rat Pack

and the swell likes of Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin and company.

Organizers promise the swankiest affair with action, art, food and

drink and of course atmosphere like only Laguna Art Museum could

inspire. There will be more than 100 pieces of art representing all

sorts of art genres created by renowned artists of Southern

California and Laguna. What’s cool this year is that for the first

time the $100 ticket not only gives you the whole party, but it but

also goes toward bidding on art. There’ll be a plethora of pieces to

snatch up and add to one’s collection.

Laguna Art Museum is at 307 Cliff Drive. Call (949) 494-8971 for

information and tickets.

* SUZIE HARRISON is a reporter for the Laguna Beach Coastline

Pilot. She may be reached at (949) 494-4321 or

[email protected].