July 7 to September 1, Pageant of the Masters. Ever since the first covered wagons traveled across the country, America has been in love with the road trip. The 2005 Pageant of the Masters presents “On the Road, A Crash Course in Art and Popular Culture.” This year’s program will include a tribute to the legendary Route 66, featuring masterpieces from several of the great museums and collections along the way. With an eye-fooling array of living pictures, it promises to be an inspirational road trip for all. Performances nightly at 8:30 p.m. Tickets $15-$80. Call toll-free, (800) 487-3378. 650 Laguna Canyon Rd., Laguna Beach.
www.pageanttickets.com

Through July 10, Movin’ Out. Orange County Performing Arts Center presents in Segerstrom Hall a spectacular Broadway show, with music by Billy Joel and the choreography of Twyla Tharp. Through music and dance, a poignant story unfolds about friendship and how it evolves over a period of two decades. The music is electrifying and the dancing raises the bar for Broadway musicals. Tickets range from $21.25 to $65.75 and are on sale at The Center Box Office.
(714) 556-2787. www.ocpac.org

July 10 to 17, The 7th Annual Laguna Beach Plein Air Painting Invitational. On Sunday, July 10, the “Paint Out” will be held at Montage Resort and Spa in Laguna Beach. From noon to 3:00 p.m., artists will be painting throughout Treasure Island Park.
  On Saturday, July 16, the “Quick Draw” painting auction is sponsored by Southwest Art. Beginning at 9 a.m. sharp, all 50 artists will participate in the “Quick Draw” paint out and auction. The Quick Draw will take place in Heisler Park in Laguna Beach.

  Also on Saturday, July 16 will be the gala dinner and collector preview sale from 6 to 10 p.m., benefiting Laguna Art Museum, Laguna Plein Air Painters Association, and participating artists. Hors d’oeuvres and buffet dinner will be presented by the Patina Group. Reservations: $135 per person; $125 per person for museum members.   

On Sunday, July 17: Sunday’s Public Art Show and Sale from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. The general public will have the opportunity to purchase paintings by the artists on Sunday at the museum.
Laguna Art Museum, 307 Cliff Dr.,
Laguna Beach.
www.lagunaartmuseum.org

July 14, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. Edwards Theatres, Regal Entertainment Group, and Hoag Hospital’s 552 Club invite you to a special screening of Tim Burton’s new movie version of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, starring Johnny Depp. A fabulous dinner begins at 5 p.m. The movie screening begins at 7:30 p.m. Proceeds benefit Hoag Heart and Vascular Institute. Edwards Big Newport, 300 Newport Center Dr., Newport Beach. Call (949) 764-7214 or e-mail Jmercer@hoaghospital.org.

August 13, 14, 20, 21, The Phantom Tollbooth, Presented by South Coast Repertory’s Summer Players. Take the kids on a ride this summer with a young man named Milo as he drives through a mysterious toy tollbooth and into two fantastical kingdoms. Milo ends up on a quest to rescue two princesses and restore peace to their lands. Adapted by Susan Nanus from the book by Norton Jester. Directed by Anne Justine D’Zmura. (714) 708-5555.www.scr.org

August 27, Seventh Annual Star-Studded Benefit. The Pageants of the Masters seventh annual Celebrity Gala Benefit is an exclusive, one-night, black-tie event featuring a special performance of On the Road. Music, dancing, and hors d’oeuvres make this a festive affair. Proceeds will benefit the non-profit Festival of Arts Building Fund. To order tickets, call toll-free, (800) 487-3378.