Irvine Blog - Posts from Local Experts

Irvine is smack dab in the center of Orange County, making it easy to set up day trips on a moment's notice.  Last weekend we squeezed the last drops out of summer by spending the day in Laguna Beach.  A quick 20 minute drive and we were in the heart of Laguna Canyon, home of the Sawdust Festival.

Nestled under a canopy of fragrant eucalyptus trees, the Sawdust Festival is a tradition going back over 40 years featuring local artists every summer. We meandered through the artists' stalls, each of us having our personal favorites (paintings, pottery, glasswork, photography...candy!).  We even became artists ourselves, with the help of some patient ceramic teachers.  I love how we each made a cereal bowl, each as unique as its creator.  This is the joy of the Sawdust Festival.

We took a walk over to Main Beach to get our toes wet and cool down from the summer heat before heading over to the Laguna Playhouse to catch The Marvelous Wonderettes: Gaps and Gowns, the jukebox musical journey of four high school friends as they graduate, then reunite ten years later.  The musical showcased songs from the 50's and 60's amidst quaint and quirky comedy - a perfect family theater experience.  My 10 year old wasn't too sure about the coolness factor as he waited for the show to start, but he was quickly won over with the goofy humor and amazing talent of the four stars, nudging me every time he recognized a song. 

 The Laguna Playhouse has a rich history of bringing an eclectic mix of theater, concerts and live performances to Orange County since 1920.   Karen Wood, Executive Director says, "There's an invigorating connection between what's happening on stage, the spirit of the community and our many visitors which creates a resonance felt up and down the coast of Southern California; we're united in cultural celebration. "

Come join in the celebration at the upcoming shows at Laguna Playhouse!

Alfred Hitchcock's The 39 Steps: Sept 25 -Oct 21

Plaid Tidings - Forever Plaid Holiday Edition:   Nov 27-Dec 23

Chapter Two: Jan 8-Feb 3

Having It All:  March 5 - 3

Steel Magnolias:  April 30 - May 26 (which I just may have to audition for!)