DETROIT -- The Michigan Opera Theatre has announced it's canceling its scheduled spring production of Leoncavallo's " I Pagliacci," laying off staff and making other budget cuts due to falling ticket sales and tough economic times.

This is the first time in the company's 38-year history that it has cut an entire production, said the MOT's Funding Director David DiChiera.

By dropping the "Pagliacci" production, the company would save $400,000 to $500,000. In the face of weakening tickets, the opera house will need the extra money to pay for expenses beyond production, said DiChiera.

Three positions from the administrative staff have been eliminated and three other jobs have been cut down to part-time.

DiChiera has decided to also cancel the spring production of Donizetti's "Elixir of Love," on April 4 and use the parking garage for people who will be attending the NCAA basketball finals at the nearby Ford Field.

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