FAIRHOPE — The show must go on.

At first blush, that is the crux of the message of "Into the Breeches," Theatre 98's newest production, directed by Robin Ann Page.

World War II is raging. All the men of talent or correct age to perform in a small-town's staging of Shakespeare's "Henriad" are on the front lines, including the theater's beloved and storied director.

His wife takes on the job, complete with thorough written instructions sent straight from the trenches. She argues that an all-female cast can and will boost the patriotic spirit of the town.

Through the process it is soon clear that this experience is about far more than duty, it is a chance for each character to discover and celebrate themselves, even in the shadow of war.

What could be a heavy message to lift is nothing short of delightfully funny. The cleverly written script breathes life into characters who are as relatable today as they were in a world that was 80 years ago.

Guiding the cast within a cast is Jennifer Walker, as Maggie Dalton, the wife of the theater's storied director and his assistant director for dozens of seasons. She rises to the occasion to not only direct the unorthodox production but take artistic risks that are untested in a time of segregated America.

Her cast is filled by Minna Sellars, Megan Daves, Solaris Baldwin, Tami Williams, Richard Foster and Heather Delker. Bob McDonald serves as the theater's board of directors who reluctantly bends to the changes Dalton advocates.