Photo contributed by Workshop Theatre The cast of Moonlight and Magnolias (l- r): Jon Taylor as Ben Hecht, Hunter Boyle as David Selznick, Chip Collins as Victor Fleming, and Giulia Marie Dalbec as Miss Poppenguhl "These pants are killing me," costume designer Robin Gottlieb said. It was less than a week until opening night for Workshop Theatre's production of the comedy "Moonlight and Magnolias," and one of the lead character's pants were certified high water with visible stitching. "We have to get those fixed."

The Sunday afternoon rehearsal was already off to a rocky start when the sound technician quit at the last minute. Director Dewey Scott- Wiley stepped in, offering guidance to the actors while controlling sound effects like ringing telephones. At least the script was written, unlike the beleaguered production of "Gone with the Wind," the subject of "Moonlight and Magnolias."

It's 1959 and producer David O. Selznick, played by Hunter Boyle, has suspended filming on the largest Hollywood production to date due to screen play problems. He pulls in director Victor Fleming off

the set of The Wizard of Oz

and hires screen writer Ben Hecht to fix the script. The only problem is Hecht hasn't read the book and doesn't give a darn about Scarlett O'Hara.

"Selznick basically locks these men in his office for a week until they finish the play," co- producer Ann Benson said. "Since Hecht has never read the book, the others spend most of the play acting out scenes

from Gone with the Wind."

The play, written by Ron Hutchinson, is based on a true story, something that intrigued Scott- Wiley, who is returning to Workshop for the first time since 2005 to direct the comedy. A Trustus company member and faculty member at USC Aiken, Scott- Wiley directs shows at various venues in town.

"I do like to do farce," she said. "I think it's a lot of fun. It was the intense comic timing that appealed to me."

Assembling a cast of actors with good comedic skills and chemistry was paramount. In addition to Boyle, Chip Collins will star as Fleming, Jon Taylor as Hecht, and Giulia Marie Dalbec as Selznick's harried secretary, Miss Poppenguhl.

Although, "Moonlight and Magnolias" is good for more than a laugh according to Benson, the play also deals with difficult issues like racism, anti- Semitism, and politics. The three men debate the merit of including the character Prissy, a young slave girl, in the film. Some consider her character to be stereotypical and racist.

Weightier subjects along with plenty of laughs made "Moonlight and Magnolias" the perfect fit for Boyle, who is known for his comedic roles.

"Yes, I do get to play Scarlett O'Hara, but the play has a lot of layers to it," Boyle said.

"Moonlight and Magnolias" opens 8 p.m. on Friday and runs various times through May 30. Tickets are $8-$18. Call (803) 799-6551 or visit www.workshoptheatre.com for more information.