“Threepenny Opera,” the racy musical that inspired such others as “Cabaret” and “Chicago,” comes to the Lawrence Arts Center stage this week.

Set in the “decayed underbelly of a timeless and haunted London” and with actors in stripped-down Victorian garb, the production presents man’s inhumanity to man as the only way to survive the “food first, then morals” quandary, the arts center touts. Anti-hero Mack the Knife becomes a cult hero in the scriptwriter’s lament over the inequalities provided by a corrupt and money-driven society.

The production will feature music by the 12-piece Free State Liberation Orchestra.

“Threepenny Opera” is recommended for audiences 18 and older. Performances are scheduled for 7:30 p.m. this Friday and Saturday and Oct. 26 and 27, and 2 p.m. Oct. 21 and 28 at the arts center, 940 N.H.

Tickets are $20 for adults, or $17.50 for seniors and $15 for students. Purchase tickets at the arts center or online at lawrenceartscenter.org.