In 'Act One,' Moss Hart takes readers on an enthralling journey through his early life and the dreams that shaped his career in the theater. From his humble beginnings in the Bronx to the glittering lights of Broadway, Hart's story is filled with humor, struggle, and an unyielding passion for storytelling. As he navigates the challenges of his youth, he reveals the magic of the theatrical world and the characters that influenced him. This memoir transcends the ordinary, offering a poignant reflection on ambition and the pursuit of art. Will Hart's determination and creativity lead him to success, or will the whims of fate thwart his dreams?
By Moss Hart
Published: 2014
"The theater was not just a place, it was a dreamscape; a realm where people could shed their ordinary lives and bask in the glow of creativity and passion."
Moss Hart's Act One, which Lincoln Center Theater presented in 2014 as a play written and directed by James Lapine, is one of the great American memoirs, a glorious memorial to a bygone age filled with all the wonder, drama, and heartbreak that surrounded Broadway in the early twentieth century. Hart's story inspired a generation of theatergoers, dramatists, and readers everywhere as he eloquently chronicled his impoverished childhood and his long, determined struggle to reach the opening night of his first Broadway hit. Act One is the quintessential American success story.
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“The theater was not just a place, it was a dreamscape; a realm where people could shed their ordinary lives and bask in the glow of creativity and passion.”
Act One
By Moss Hart
Discover a world of knowledge through our extensive collection of book summaries.
Moss Hart (1904-1961) was a prominent American playwright and director, celebrated for his contributions to the theater during the mid-20th century. He is best known for his collaborations with George S. Kaufman, resulting in hits such as 'You Can't Take It with You' (1936) and 'The Royal Family' (1927). Hart's writing is characterized by its wit, strong character development, and deft mixing of comedy with deeper emotional themes. In addition to his plays, he authored the autobiographical work 'Act One' (1959), which provides insight into his life and the world of American theater.
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