**Rose Byrne Shines in Broadway Revival of Noël Coward’s ‘Fallen Angels’**
The theatre world is buzzing with excitement as the much-anticipated revival of Noël Coward’s classic play, ‘Fallen Angels’, opened on Broadway this past weekend. Rose Byrne leads an impressive cast, which includes Tony Award-winning actress Kelli O’Hara and television host Mark Consuelos. This production, presented by the Roundabout Theatre Company, is set to enchant audiences at the Todd Haines Theatre until June 7.
Byrne celebrated the opening night on April 19 with her partner, Bobby Cannavale, a renowned Broadway actor himself. Cannavale attended the performance, providing support as Byrne took the stage. The couple, who have been together since 2012 and are parents to two sons, Rocco, aged nine, and Rafael, aged eight, were spotted beaming at the afterparty held at the Bryant Park Grille. Their joy was accompanied by the presence of actor Paul Rudd and his wife, Julie Yaeger, who complete the circle of friends celebrating the special occasion.
This latest iteration of ‘Fallen Angels’ marks a significant moment for Byrne, who has only appeared on Broadway once before, in the 2014 revival of ‘You Can’t Take It With You.’ On the other hand, Cannavale has an extensive Broadway history, with his most recent role in a revival of ‘Art’ alongside James Corden and Neil Patrick Harris. Despite his well-established background, the couple supports one another in their respective theatre pursuits, demonstrating the power of partnership in the competitive world of performing arts.
Written when Coward was just 24, ‘Fallen Angels’ explores the lives of two affluent wives as their afternoon takes a surprising turn. As they reminisce about former romantic liaisons with the same man, they grapple with the impending arrival of their shared past while their husbands are away on a golf trip. The play’s provocative themes regarding pre-marital affairs initially faced censorship in the 1920s, when it was first performed in London. However, the production ultimately gained critical acclaim and went on to achieve a successful Broadway debut in 1927.
This revival holds particular significance as it is the first since 1956 and has been crafted under the direction of Scott Ellis. The cast also features Tracee Chimo, Christopher Fitzgerald, and Aasif Mandvi, with understudies including Tina Benko, Christopher Innvar, Max Gordon Moore, and Laura Shoop. The limited-run production commenced on March 27 and is generating considerable interest among theatre enthusiasts.
During an appearance on ‘Good Morning America’ in March, Byrne provided insight into the play’s distinctive style, describing it as “basically a French farce.” She expressed her enthusiasm for its comedic elements, suggesting that audiences can expect a captivating performance filled with physical comedy and unexpected twists. “It’s a whole lot of fun. So we’re hoping people will be drawn to that. It’s a bit of an escape,” she added, highlighting the light-hearted nature of the play.
Tickets for ‘Fallen Angels’ are currently on sale, and theatre lovers are encouraged to secure their seats before the limited engagement concludes. As critics and audiences alike flock to this revival, Rose Byrne’s performance is expected to be a standout highlight in this season’s Broadway offerings.
With a blend of timeless themes and Coward’s signature wit, ‘Fallen Angels’ assures a delightful experience for all who attend. The partnership between Byrne and Cannavale also serves as a charming narrative within the story, reminding audiences of the rich tapestry of relationships that define human experiences. As the curtain falls on this revival, the legacy of Noël Coward continues to resonate with a new generation of theatre-goers.