Dinner and theater do not have to be something only the posh do. Now, even poor college students can afford to partake in a ritzy night of classy entertainment.

This month, the Ingersoll Dinner Theater in Des Moines is hosting the musical “Guys and Dolls,” a fable featuring wacky, wonderful and often bizarre characters focusing on love, romance and temperance.

“This is a high-energy show that is very hysterically funny. Our characters are very cartoon-like and have cartoon-like costumes,” producer Charles Carnes said.

“We have a bright cast that includes a mixture of pros and college kids,” he added. “And not only do the college students bring a lot of energy and creativity to the show, but they also help broaden the audience to include kids as well as adults.”

Energy also emits from the music which includes hits such as “Luck Be A Lady,” “Sit Down You’re Rocking the Boat” and “A Bushel and A Peck.”

The musical’s mood is also reflected by the set.

“The set is very bright and very colorful,” Carnes said. “The stage is quite small, but it still allows us to be more creative in set design. We were able to put together a very colorful platform, with a New York skyline background.”

Carnes said the designers were also able to incorporate different contrasts of colors without making it look too weird. “For example, we have a yellow building with green windows, and a red building with blue windows,” he added.

However, the show itself does not make the evening complete; dinner prior to the show contributes to the evening’s atmosphere. Dinner consists of a home-cooked entree buffet and dessert.

“We open the doors at 6 p.m. and start serving the dinner,” Carnes said. “The dinner features a buffet with four different main courses, and a salad and fruit bar.

And for a little extra money, Carnes said, there is also a wide variety of desserts to choose from. After dinner, the show starts at 8 p.m. and runs until about 10:30.

Since opening night, the musical has been an overall success.

“The show opened on July 31, and it has already been very well attended and popular,” Carnes said. “People come out of the show talking, laughing and having a good time.”

“Guys and Dolls” will show Wednesday through Sunday evenings until Sept. 21. Ticket prices vary.

For further information, contact Ingersoll Dinner Theater, (515) 274-4686.