Nina Josephs and Michael Dotson in Gay Divorce by 42nd Street Moon.

Cole Porter’s Gay Divorce (made into Fred Astaire’s movie debut The Gay Divorcee) sparkles with witty dialogue. The story follows an American novelist through his conveniently short search for the girl he fell in love with at a party, which took place two weeks before the events of the play itself.

As can happen only in theatrical performances, the connections are made astoundingly quickly, while at the same time allowing for humorous plot twists involving miscommunication and mistaken identity. Divorce in 1930s Britain was not as easy as it is today; “proof of cause” was required, and thus, an assignation was sometimes staged by one of the parties to make it appear that they had cheated in order to force a divorce.

This is the core of Gay Divorce; finding the right person may or may not lead to happiness. Along the way, we are treated to some wonderful interactions among the cast and several delightful Porter songs, including his well-known Night and Day.

The production by 42nd Street Moon follows their standard semi-staged, concert with choreography format in which the actors use scripts (their binders are used as props, to good effect). The capable cast – who have only a two-week rehearsal period – moves beyond what would be a limitation in any other situation. A few pitch problems can be blamed on the short rehearsal timeframe, though the harmonies of the ‘chorus’ (a quartet of lovely seaside young ladies) were rock-solid.

Uniformly, the cast is strong on comedic talent. Michael Dotson, as the main character (novelist Guy Holden) smoothly wends his way through to win Nina Josephs’ vivacious Mimi Pratt, responding to her challenges gamely as only a comic character can. The singing and dancing of the pair of would-be lovers is charming in the small venue, accompanied by the piano played by Musical Director David Dobrusky.

The supporting characters are unusually strong and well-defined. Carla Befera is hilarious as an older-but-wiser American widow with an attitude, and her flirting with the men is truly fun to watch. Carla’s portrayal of Hortense provides strong evidence that older women really are better. Stephen Vaught, as the Waiter, embodies every frustration you’ve ever experienced from a server, yet he carries this off in a way that leaves you wanting more bad service from him.

Rudy Guerrero plays Tonetti, the “correspondent” in the divorce at the center of the story with flair and panache. His strong singing is a highpoint of the show, and he never stoops to buffoonery when playing a character which is obviously meant only as comic relief. Kalon Thibodeaux nails his portrayal of a young British lawyer who is not quite sure how to carry off the task of staging a divorce for his client.

The stage direction uses the small space well, though the choreography suffered from the cramped quarters. The costumes are well-suited to the Art Deco period and very good looking.

The show plays through May 6 at the Eureka Theater. Tickets ($28 to $33) can be purchased through 42nd Street Moon’s website at www.42ndstmoon.org or by calling the box office (afternoons only) at (415) 255-8207.