Rose Byrne and Kelli O'Hara Shine in the Daring Noël Coward Adaptation

Variety

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The new Noël Coward revival on Broadway, "Fallen Angels," doesn't quite meet expectations despite the brilliant performances of its stars, Rose Byrne and Kelli O'Hara. There’s a saying attributed to the famous actor and director: "Speak plainly and don’t bump into the furniture." However, with skilled actors like Byrne and O'Hara, this rule can be bent; sliding down the stairs, diving into the sofa, and blurring sentences while sipping strong martinis and Dom Pérignon champagne looks elegant on stage.

Coward's classic comedy offers delightful moments for the audience thanks to the charisma and stage prowess of the two lead actors. Particularly, O'Hara's energy stemming from her musical background and Byrne's naturalness derived from her film experience compensate for the shortcomings in props and set design. Both actors successfully reflect the light and often absurd humor of the era while maintaining character depth.

However, the overall structure of the production fails to fully unleash the potential of the classic material. The choices in set design and direction sometimes weigh down the story, interrupting the flow of Coward's dialogue that should flow effortlessly. Nevertheless, the sparkle of Byrne and O'Hara forms the backbone of the production.

"Fallen Angels" is worth a visit for audiences who appreciate its two lead actors. Coward's cleverly written lines and the charm of classic British comedy find new life in the capable hands of these two performers. However, it can be said that overall, the production falls slightly short of its potential.

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