The book chronicles Moss Hart's impoverished New York childhood and his long struggle to Broadway success.

James Lapine wrote a stage version (Act One), commissioned by the Lincoln Center Theater and developed by the Vineyard Arts Project.

[4] There was also a workshop on Martha's Vineyard July 16–21, 2012, which featured Tony Shalhoub, Debra Monk, Chuck Cooper, and David Turner.

[5] The play premiered on Broadway, at the Lincoln Center Vivian Beaumont Theater, in previews on March 20, 2014, with the official opening on April 17, 2014.

[6] A section of Act One about his relationship with his father was adapted as the segment "A Memory of Christmas" for R. O. Blechman's 1977 special Simple Gifts.