It’s been 20 years since Julia Roberts last stepped onto a Broadway stage, but the wait is officially over.
The beloved “Pretty Woman” star is set to make her triumphant theatrical comeback as Joan in Bess Wohl’s “Small Mouth Sounds.” She will share the stage with Paul Rudd, Sarah Paulson, and Greta Lee under the direction of Joe Mantello, positioning the play to ultimately become the hottest ticket in town.
Julia Roberts Was Last on Broadway in 2006
GettyAccording to Deadline, Julia Roberts last appeared on Broadway, opposite Paul Rudd and Bradley Cooper, in 2006. They acted together in the play “Three Days of Rain,” written by Richard Greenberg and directed by Joe Mantello.
This new production is dramatically different from any other project Roberts has taken on. Broadway.com reported that “Small Mouth Sounds” takes place when “six strangers arrive at an upstate spiritual retreat determined to escape their problems, turn inward and transform their lives. Spoiler: it does not go according to plan. As personal baggage spills everywhere, personalities clash and unexpected desires take hold, the play explores the search for wholeness in a broken world.”
Stepping into such a unique, stripped-back production marks a bold artistic shift for the Oscar winner. It allows audiences to experience her talents presence in an entirely new, intimate setting. For an actress who has spent four decades dominating the silver screen, this bold next chapter proves her passion for taking creative risks remains as strong as ever.
Fans React to Julia Roberts’ Broadway Return
The play has its own Instagram page, where fans are already showing their excitement about the upcoming series of performances. Early reactions make it clear that securing a seat will be one of the toughest tickets to score this season.
One fan wrote, “Great cast if it’s about this —when strangers try to connect without words. I wonder who will break with a word or laughter … first.”
“This play is going to be iconic,” penned a second Broadway fan.
A third Instagram user noted, “Crazy cast for show where people don’t talk. Gonna be interesting.”
Finally, a fourth fan exclaimed, “Ooh I love this stacked cast! This is a must-see theater event for sure!”
In a statement shared by Deadline, Rudin said, “There are a great many serious theatergoers who want to see plays of quality on Broadway, and who are willing and eager to opt in early and buy great seats at great prices. These theatergoers continually demonstrate that they know what they want.”
The statement continued, “A serious Broadway playgoer – the audience member we most rely on, whose interest is ignited by authentically ambitious work – is going to need to see both of these plays. Pairing them this way – i.e. making them accessible to theatergoers who know how to say yes when there’s something worth saying yes to – is great for the audience and also great for the plays.”
“Small Mouth Sounds” begins preview performances on February 18 and officially open on March 18, 2027 at the Ethel Barrymore Theatre.
What a CAST!!