What is comedy? Countless books have been written describing, explaining, analyzing and dissecting the genre. Yet we know it when we see it and Fallen Angels, the Noel Coward 1952 comedy of manners, is one of the funniest plays on Broadway. Although a comedy of manners usually focuses on witty and satirical language, this play derives its humor in other ways. Another definition of comedy includes actors playing against type in unexpected ways.

In this play, skilled actresses, Kelli O’Hara as Julia Sterroll and Rose Byrne as Jane Banbury are two longtime friends who shared a lover many years before they both married. Both have settled into married lives with their husbands, Fred (Aasif Mandvi) and Willy (Christopher Fitzgerald.) In the opening scene, Julia explains to Fred that, although they still love one another, they are not in love. So obviously the passion is no longer there.

When the women learn that their former lover Maurice (Mark Consuelos making a tolerable Broadway debut) is in town and wants to see them, they react nervously (Jane packs, planning to run away ) then excitedly, in anticipation of his arrival,

They haven't been unfaithful to their husbands yet but the thought of seeing Maurice becomes irresistible. They begin to drink champagne and chatter like school girls as they anticipate his call and continue to drink as they wait for him to come to London. Neither husband knows of their past affairs and when each woman angrily tells the other’s husband, he is aghast. It’ s okay for men to sow their wild oats but not their wives. (Remember this was written in 1952.)

The two husbands are off together on a golf outing, though their wives have had ‘presentiments.’ Normally the male actors, both of whom have comic backgrounds would provide the humor. But for this play, the two leading ladies are the comics. O’Hara, a lovely blonde singer-actress, is well-known for her Broadway turns in Days of Wine and Roses and South Pacific and recently Rose Byrne won an Academy- Award nomination for her serious role in “If I had legs, I’d kick you.” Neither would come to my mind as comedic till now.

Slapstick and physical humor is always funny but even funnier when performed by an unlikely actor. Watching O’Hara effortlessly slide down a couch to the floor or be startled at loud claps of thunder or ladylike Byrne draping a dinner napkin like a shawl, or wearing her hair as if she’s stuck her finger in the socket brought laughter to the audience.The comedy is superbly presented by Roundabout Interim artistic director Scott Ellis who brings out the best in his actresses.

The play is set in a comfortably sumptuous grand apartment (scenic design by David Rockwell) and the family has a new maid, Saunders who seems to know everything and has been everywhere. Again the play provides humor from a female actress, the wonderful Tracee Chimee. Saunders actually does seem to know everything, yet she’s grating and can’t hold a tune. She knows a tonic for a hang-over, speaks French, and identifies the right notes for the piano piece. She drops names and places as she smilingly tends to the needs of the family.

All is resolved in a convoluted way when the women explain the whole thing was a ploy to make their husbands jealous. Although Willy doesn’t believe it’s a joke, Fred accepts their story so there’s a somewhat peaceful ending. Except guess who is moving into the apartment upstairs?

Playing against type makes this comedy even more enjoyable. Just watch out for the shaking chandelier at the end.