1. A highly successful theatrical production
   "The new Broadway musical was hailed as a coup de théâtre"
    
2. A sensational bit of stagecraft
   "The sudden reveal of the murderer was a coup de théâtre that left the audience gasping"
    
3. A dramatic surprise
   "The revelation of the killer's identity was a true coup de théâtre in the play"

Derived forms: coups de théâtre

Type of: stagecraft, staging, surprise, theatrical production, turn-up [Brit, informal]

Part of: production

Encyclopedia: Coup de théâtre