I hope you enjoy this virtual tour as we catch a glimpse behind stage and up close with the orchestra and cast during the excitement of their dress rehearsal of Ruddigore. All interior photographs were taken on Tuesday January 25, 2011 while sets were still being constructed and last-minute touches applied. All of the exterior shots of the Grand were taken on the cold wintery opening night of the opera, Thursday January 27th.

For anybody interested, this particular opera will be re-staged July 7-10 at the Grand here in Ellsworth by the G&S Society of Maine on the heels of their competition at the International Gilbert & Sullivan Festival in Gettysburg, PA. Now in its second year, this festival is the largest celebration in North America of the comic operas created by Gilbert and Sullivan. If you plan on being in Gettysburg Sunday June 26th, you’ll want to take in a night at the opera while rooting for the home team! Specific program information and other details are available at the Gilbert & Sullivan Festival’s website. If you can’t make it to Gettysburg, the G&S Society of Maine could still use your support – please visit the GSSME’s website for further details on how you can help ensure their future success.