BY MICHAEL SOMMERS

NEWJERSEYNEWSROOM.COM

It’s funny. Watching “Act One” spin around at the Beaumont Theater the other week, I wished Lincoln Center Theater had instead staged George S. Kaufman and Moss Hart’s “Once in A Lifetime.” Watching “The City of Conversation” dither on downstairs at the Mitzi E. Newhouse space the other evening, I wished Lincoln Center Theater had instead staged George S. Kaufman and Katharine Dayton’s “First Lady.”

That satirical 1935 look at Washington D.C. social circles involved political hostesses, and so does “The City of Conversation,” which playwright Anthony Giardina composes with a more serious intent. His story, set in a charming Georgetown drawing room, transpires in 1979, then 1987 and finally in 2009.

It centers upon Hester (Jan Maxwell), a liberal-minded lady of influence, who runs afoul of Anna (Kristen Bush), the woman who marries her son Colin (Michael Simpson). Smart, ambitious Anna turns out to be a neo-conservative who waxes during the Reagan era. Eventually Hester and her daughter-in-law square off over the Bork confirmation hearings and the sorry aftermath of their political differences affects several lives. The story concludes some 20 years later with a mix of ironic comment and wistfulness.

Ultimately more soapy than satirical, “The City of Conversation” gets off to a lively start as Anna invades Hester’s stronghold on the Potomac. Later, in the 1987 sequence, the emotional stakes between these women become apparent as soon as Hester’s adorable six-year-old grandson appears. The conclusion, which the playwright intends to be touching, seems rather forced even as his why-can’t-we-all-get-along message looks as obvious and pointed as the Washington Monument.

Still, the conversations sometimes are spirited and most of the characters are interesting people. Doug Hughes, the director, typically cultivates finely-drawn performances from his nine actors. Divine as ever, Jan Maxwell lends personal elegance, depth and conviction to the curiously shadowy role of Hester. Kristen Bush becomes very tightly coiled (and coifed) as Anna. Michael Simpson subtly suggests how his Colin is destined to be a loser. Kevin O’Rourke is geniality personified as a kindly Senator near to Hester’s heart. Beth Dixon gives a peppery sensibility to Hester’s loyal sister.

John Lee Beatty’s lovely neo-Georgian rooms, Catherine Zuber’s period clothes and Tyler Micoleau’s lighting provide considerable visual allure to this comedy-drama, as does Mark Bennett’s music. Such a first-class production reflects Lincoln Center Theater’s ongoing, worthy commitment to making the most of new works.

That said, I sure wish the company would do another play written by George S. Kaufman. If not “First Lady” (although Jan Maxwell would kill in the Jane Cowl role), certainly there are others that deserve another airing. Let me vote for the legendary “Beggar on Horseback,” which shows Kaufman going hilariously expressionistic with Marc Connelly in 1924 to mock the adverse effect of commerce on artistry. It’s a crazy, daunting comedy that demands the kind of major production that few companies other than LCT can afford.

“The City of Conversation” continues through June 22 at the Mitzi E. Newhouse Theater, 150 W. 65th St., New York. Call (212) 239-6200 or visit www.lct.org.

PHOTO: Kristen Bush and Jan Maxwell are political adversaries in "The City of Conversation." — CREDIT: Stephanie Berger.