Kelli o'hara and rose byrne bring coward's 'fallen angels' to life

Actresses Kelli O'Hara and Rose Byrne are bringing a century-old comedy to the stage in a new revival of Noël Coward's 'Fallen Angels'. The play, which premiered in London in 1925, follows two women who re-examine their relationships with their husbands after a former lover announces a surprise visit.

Provocative portrayal of women's desires

Coward's work was considered scandalous in its time for its frank depiction of women contemplating adultery. The Lord Chamberlain's Office, responsible for policing obscenity in British theater, initially deemed the play too risqué to perform. Yet, the humor and wit shine through in this production, led by O'Hara and Byrne.

O'Hara, a seven-time Tony nominee, and Byrne, an Oscar nominee, have developed a rapport that fuels the comedic moments in the play. They portray Julia and Jane, two women living in the same building who plan a weekend together while their husbands are away. However, their peaceful lives are disrupted when they learn a former lover is visiting that day.

Director Scott Ellis has said he plans to keep a moment of athletic improvisation that occurred during rehearsals, where O'Hara's character, Julia, trips over furniture and slides across the floor. The moment adds to the playful energy of the performance.