ELLSWORTH — The Gilbert and Sullivan Society of Maine is celebrating 35 years of music and merriment in Maine with a very special production at The Grand in Ellsworth, on Friday, Feb. 24, Saturday, Feb. 25, Sunday, Feb. 26; and Saturday and Sunday, March 3 and 4.

The society plans to perform the one-act opera “Trial By Jury” to start the comic antics. In it, the bride is the Plaintiff and a dastardly groom is the Defendant. To add to the fun, every performance will feature a different local celebrity as a surprise cast member.

The production then becomes a review of the history of the Gilbert and Sullivan Society with a G & S Musicale featuring selections from favorite operas produced by the society over the years. Scenes shift from “The Gondoliers” To “The Sorcerer” to “The Mikado” to “Pirates of Penzance” to “Patience” to “HMS Pinafore,” “Ruddigore,” “Iolanthe,” “Princess Ida” and “Utopia Limited.” A truly original “Patter Mash-up” condensing all of Gilbert and Sullivan wordplay calisthenics within 5 minutes will be a comic delight.

“Trial by Jury” and “A G&S Musicale” coming to The Grand for five performances: Friday and

Saturday, Feb. 24 and 25 at 7:30 p.m.; Sunday, Feb. 26 at 2 p.m. and then Saturday, March 3 at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, March 4 at 2 p.m.

Tickets are $17 for adults, $14 for youths and seniors, and are available at The Grand by calling 667-9500 or online at www.grandonline.org. Also visit the Gilbert and Sullivan Society of Maine’s website, www.gilbertsullivanmaine.org.

For more arts & entertainment news, pick up a copy of The Ellsworth American.