On Theater: Three times the entertainment at Family Festival

Festival fever is ablaze in Laguna Beach, and the Laguna Playhouse is celebrating the career and music of Tony Bennett. But that’s not all the entertainment available in the Art Colony.

Gallimaufry Performing Arts is offering a triple-header, opening Friday, with three events comprising the 2011 Gallimaufry Family Festival.

First up is “Magic Cabaret,” an evening of magic, music, visual art and storytelling at 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday at the Laguna Beach High School Artists’ Theatre, 625 Park Ave.

Brandon Scott and Zilah Mendoza star as the “Urakatas of Ura,” ancient troubadours searching the world for secret teachings shared only in magic, science and song. The show also features the improvisational painting of Norton Wisdom.

On July 27, there will be a screening of the movie comedy “Tacho,” which is about a successful race driver who’s barred from competition after an accident. The driver designates a young lady he’s met briefly as his new co-driver, despite her lack of experience.

The movie, produced in the Czech Republic, will be shown in its original form with Czech dialogue and English subtitles at 7 p.m. in the high school theater. Following the showing, writer and director Mirjam Landa will be available for audience questions. Admission is $10.

A Czech influence also will be present in “White Dalmatian,” Gallimaufry’s world premiere of a fantasy rock musical based on a long-running show in Prague. Steve Josephson is directing the show with choreography by Kira Josephson and vocal direction by Amy Hitchcock.

The show will feature dance numbers, comical performances, large-scale puppetry and blacklight theater.

“It’s truly made for the entire family,” Josephson said.

“White Dalmatian” will be staged in the Artists’ Theatre with performances at 7 p.m. July 29, 2 and 7 p.m. July 30, and 2 p.m. July 31. Tickets range from $10 to $20.

Those wishing to take in all three events may take advantage of a “triple treat” discount — a savings of $15. Reservations may be obtained by contacting Gallimaufry at (949) 499-5060.

TOM TITUS reviews local theater for the Coastline Pilot.