Julia Roberts returns to Broadway: A stellar reunion in 2027
The iconic actress Julia Roberts is ready to mark her long-awaited return to the Broadway stage in the spring of 2027. After a two-decade absence from the New York stage, the Oscar winner will star in the new production of the play “Small Mouth Sounds,” written by Bess Wohl and directed by the renowned Joe Mantello.
The project stands out for bringing together a top-tier cast, consisting of Martin Freeman, Greta Lee, Sarah Paulson, Isaac Powell, and Paul Rudd. Previews are scheduled to begin on February 18, 2027, at the Ethel Barrymore Theatre, with an official opening set for March 18.
A plot marked by silence
The narrative of “Small Mouth Sounds” follows six strangers who meet at a silent retreat, seeking a space to reflect on their lives and find personal transformation. Silence is, in fact, the central pillar of the staging, as the script limits dialogue and relies on a narrative based on the characters’ actions and body language.
The cast will perform the following roles:
- Julia Roberts as Joan
- Martin Freeman as Jan
- Greta Lee as Alicia
- Sarah Paulson as Judy
- Isaac Powell as Rodney
- Paul Rudd as Ned
A reunion with history
This project represents a very special reunion for Roberts and Rudd, who shared the stage in 2006 during the actress’s Broadway debut in the play Three Days of Rain, also directed by Joe Mantello.
For Martin Freeman, this production will mark his official Broadway debut, adding a new challenge to his successful career in film and television. For their part, the rest of the cast has a solid track record in New York: Sarah Paulson, winner of a Tony Award for her work in Appropriate; Greta Lee, who started on Broadway in 2007; Isaac Powell, remembered for his role in West Side Story; and Paul Rudd, a veteran of the stage with various appearances in prestigious plays.
Joe Mantello’s agenda
Director Joe Mantello is preparing for a busy season on Broadway. Before the premiere of “Small Mouth Sounds,” he will be at the helm of “Downstate,” the play by Bruce Norris that will arrive at the Booth Theatre in November of this year.
As part of the promotional strategy, a special pre-sale has been enabled: viewers who purchase tickets for certain performances of “Downstate” will be able to access a single-use code to obtain selected seats for the premiere of the play by Roberts and his cast.
