Pageant to Present Preview of 1999 Show

Dancers from the Anaheim Ballet Company today will offer a preview of “Capistrano Pageant,” a large-scale theatrical performance planned over four days next August depicting early California and mission life.

“Professional actors and community volunteers will perform the dramatic roles,” said Norma Cobbs, executive director of the Mission Pageant Foundation. “We also have direct descendants of historical figures who are going to play their ancestors in the performances.”

The foundation is still seeking volunteers and descendants to participate in next year’s event.

The preview performance will reenact a scene from the Winter Palace of Catherine the Great that indirectly gave birth to California’s mission system, according to Harvey A. Smith, Pageant Foundation president.

Guests at the preview, to be held at Oaks Rancho Mission Viejo Riding Park, will include the consul generals of Spain and Mexico.

Proceeds from the 1999 pageant will go toward restoring the Mission San Juan Capistrano. Parts of the upcoming pageant will be videotaped for free use by fourth-grade classrooms statewide.

The evening begins at 6 p.m.; the performance is at 8 p.m.

Tickets are $150 per person. Information: (949) 699-1989.