Truman Capote’s novella, “Breakfast at Tiffany’s,” was brought to the screen in 1961, starring Audrey Hepburn in her most famous role as Holly Golightly.

Richard Greenberg adapted it for the stage as a romantic memory play, focusing on a writer who is infatuated by Holly and tells the story in retrospect. Unfortunately, the adaptation changes not only the story but the sequence of events and the romantic mood, creating a difficult challenge for director Kevin Broccoli.

The play requires a large cast, many playing dual roles and relegated to the mundane chores of moving boxes around the stage to change scenes. The movie takes us through the colorful streets and buildings of New York City, a transition that is impossible to duplicate on the small stage.

Matthew Gorgone as Fred is called upon to tell the story of captivating, vibrant, mysterious Holly, switching back and forth from narrator to participant. It is difficult to separate Hepburn’s performance from Kerry Giorgi, who also makes a gorgeous, mystifying Holly while being a bit flashier.

There are just too many scene changes and time sequences for the director and cast to deal with in this talky, overwritten script.

Broccoli has brought two of his best actors from his Epic Theatre stable (Hannah Lum and Jason Quinn), but they don’t have enough to do, and their talents are underutilized. 2nd Story regular F. William Oakes shines as a man from Holly’s past, but again, he is only on stage a short time.

“Breakfast at Tiffany’s” is perhaps best known for the hit song “Moon River,” which Giorgi sings quietly with little fanfare.

Cast and director work hard to pull off this difficult, whimsical adaptation, which moves erratically from one scene to another and then ends abruptly. But, as Shakespeare said, “The play’s the thing,” and “Breakfast at Tiffany’s is little more than a light brunch.

“Breakfast at Tiffany’s” is at 2nd Story Theatre through July 23. Tickets are $40, $25 for under 25. Call 247-4200, or go online at www.2ndstorytheatre.com.

Meanwhile, Artistic Director/CEO Ed Shea is working feverishly to complete 2nd Story’s new full-service restaurant downstairs.

2nd Story finishes its summer season with “Bell, Book and Candle,” August 17 through September 3.