Students who are interested in attending a lively musical farce, but whose budget does not allow them to attend a real “Phantom of the Opera” performance in Des Moines, need not fear.

The Ames Community Theater Of Recreational Services (ACTORS) will be offering weekend presentations of the “Pinchpenny Phantom Of The Opera,” beginning Friday night and running through Feb. 15.

Cast member Linda Lloyd describes the play as not only beautiful, but hysterically funny. “It’s really appropriate for all ages,” she said.

“Children will really enjoy the masked figure. It’s a musical that is full of surprises—especially the ending.”

The musical production was written by the comedy team of Jack Sharkey and Dave Reiser, who, together, have written eight musicals and the comedy play “Greater Tuna.”

The story line of the “Pinchpenny Phantom Of The Opera,” centers around the proprietor of a tiny and somewhat tacky opera house, who can only afford a chorus of two members and one guest soprano per opera.

The plot develops when each guest soprano succumbs to unusual and ghastly fates.

“It’s basically the story of the ‘Phantom of the Opera’ gone bad,” Lloyd said.

As for the music, attendees of the show will hear 19 songs performed in all.

“It’s a full two-hour musical,” Lloyd said. “The musical contains extremely difficult performance opera.”

“Pinchpenny Phantom Of The Opera” is directed by Rick Lloyd and features five community theater members in the cast.

The cast members are: Bill Helms as Gaston; Laurie Hoifeldt as Pristin; David Michael as Bubby; John Glade as Airwick; and Lloyd as Diva.

Tickets for the musical are available at John Huber Clothing in Ames and are $11 for students and $12 for adults. Each performance is at 8 p.m., except for the show on Feb. 9, which is at 2 p.m.