As a boy, Brian P. Allen drew inspiration from Moss Hart’s autobiography, “Act One,” believing that a blueberry farmer’s son from rural Maine could fulfill his dream of a career in theater. Allen is now closing out Good Theater’s 14th season with an endearing staged version of “Act One” that proves that dreams can come true.

The fact that Allen managed to stage “Act One” in this intimate venue is in itself a testimony to the power of believing in the seemingly impossible. The play stars 14 actors in 60 roles and more than 30 scenes. And, when the play was staged on Broadway, it featured a three-story set, revolving on a 60-foot turntable.

Michael Wood as Moss Hart, William Oliver Watkins as Max Siegel, Lisa Stathoplos as Frieda Fishbein and Mark Rubin as George S. Kaufman in Act One by James Lapine from the autobiography by Moss Hart, directed by Brian P. Allen, running through May 1 at Good Theater. Photo by Steve Underwood

Good Theater’s “Act One” shines with creativity, re-imagining the massive Broadway set into a single story designed by Steve Underwood that utilizes a framed screen above the stage to indicate location changes. The screen provides continuity and serves as a clever homage to the 1920s and 1930s, in which the play is set. A large platform in the center of the stage with rows of old wooden theater seats to the right help set each scene.

By minimizing the set, Good Theater has shifted the focus onto the play’s inspiring real-life story of Moss Hart, an immigrant’s son from Brooklyn, New York who became a successful playwright and director. The production offers a charming romp through Hart’s memoirs, and the cast, under Allen’s direction, keeps the fast-paced action moving like clockwork.

Michael Wood stars as Moss Hart, with Mark Rubin and Halim Moldaver portraying the character in his older and younger years, respectively. The three actors pass the role back and forth, sometimes mid-sentence, capturing the passage of time. Wood’s quick wit and boyish enthusiasm translate nicely in the role.

With the exception of Wood, all the cast members step into at least two character roles. Rubin, who also portrays Hart’s British father, is unforgettable as the legendary American playwright George S. Kaufman. His physical comedy and humorous portrayal of the eccentric germophobe is a catalyst for many of the play’s hearty laughs.

Paul Haley is another scene-stealer with his deadpan portrayal of various theatrical producers, including Augustus Pitou, who has a habit of taking meetings in the nude. To the audience’s amusement Friday night, Haley primarily sported a skimpy towel for the scenes.

The play is packed with standout performances. Lisa Stathopolos is a triple threat, donning a completely different personality and demeanor for each of her three roles, most notably taking on the unstable personality of Hart’s Aunt Kate.

Amy Roche brings a delightful combination of humor and heartfelt emotion as Hart’s mother, Lillie; Titanic survivor Harriet B. Harris; and writer Dorothy Parker. And, Tony Reilly is memorable in his multiple bigger-than-life roles.

Thomas Campbell, Christopher Davis, Betsy Melarkey Dunphy, Meredith Lamothe, Conor Riordan Martin, Allison McCall and William Oliver Watkins round out the talented 14-member cast.

Good Theater’s beautifully rendered production of “Act One” offers a fast-paced production filled with vibrant characters and a feel-good message about the importance of having dreams.

April Boyle is a freelance writer from Casco. Contact her at: aprilhboyle@yahoo.com.

Twitter: @ahboyle

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