Oscar-winning actress Julia Roberts is set to make her highly anticipated return to Broadway after a 20-year absence, starring in the new comedy *Small Mouth Sounds* by Bess Wohl. This production will mark her reunion with Paul Rudd and director Joe Mantello, with whom she previously collaborated in her 2006 Broadway debut, *Three Days of Rain*.
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Slated to commence previews on 18 February 2027, *Small Mouth Sounds* is directed by three-time Tony Award winner Mantello and will officially open on 18 March at the Ethel Barrymore Theatre. Joining Roberts and Rudd in this star-studded cast are Martin Freeman, Greta Lee, Sarah Paulson, and Isaac Powell. Interestingly, the comedy is set at a silent retreat, and audiences shouldn’t expect much dialogue during the performance, as the story unfolds primarily through actions rather than words.
Roberts will portray the character Joan, while Freeman plays Jan, Lee takes on the role of Alicia, Paulson embodies Judy, Powell features as Rodney, and Rudd plays Ned. The narrative centres on six strangers who converge at the retreat with hopes of introspection and transformation, only to realise that remaining silent might prove more challenging than anticipated.
For Roberts, this forthcoming production represents much more than just a return to the stage; it is a reunion of sorts. Her Broadway venture began 20 years ago when she first appeared in *Three Days of Rain,* a performance that also starred a then-emerging Bradley Cooper in addition to Rudd. The production, also directed by Mantello, ran for 12 weeks before concluding in June 2006.
In a coincidental twist, *Three Days of Rain* is being revived this coming spring, starring David Corenswet, Yvonne Strahovski, and François Arnaud. This parallel revival of her debut play adds a layer of nostalgia for Roberts as she prepares for her new role.
Martin Freeman’s participation will mark his Broadway debut, although the popular *Sherlock* and *Hobbit* star is well-acquainted with theatrical performances. He has an impressive resume that includes *The Fifth Step* and *Richard III,* showcasing his diverse stage experience.
The rest of the cast boasts substantial Broadway credibility. Sarah Paulson, a Tony Award winner for *Appropriate,* has previously graced the Broadway stage in productions such as *The Glass Menagerie.* Greta Lee, acclaimed for her roles in both *Past Lives* and *The Morning Show,* made her Broadway debut in *The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee,* while Isaac Powell is known for his performance as Tony in the 2020 revival of *West Side Story.*
Rudd is no stranger to Broadway either, having appeared in *Grace*, *Twelfth Night*, and the aforementioned *Three Days of Rain,* along with other notable stage performances. His broad expertise adds further depth to this compelling ensemble.
*Small Mouth Sounds* first premiered Off-Broadway in 2015 under the direction of Rachel Chavkin, gaining acclaim and extending its run. It subsequently returned for another Off-Broadway engagement in 2016 at the Pershing Square Signature Center. This Broadway debut arrives at a significant moment for Bess Wohl, whose recent play *Liberation* won the prestigious 2026 Pulitzer Prize for Drama as well as the Tony Award for Best Play, adding further excitement to her work.
Director Joe Mantello is experiencing a pivotal year, as he gears up for forthcoming projects alongside *Small Mouth Sounds.* Before its arrival, he will direct the Broadway premiere of the acclaimed *Downstate,* which begins previews on 17 October at the Booth Theatre, leading to its official opening on 15 November. The production will feature a noteworthy cast, reflecting Mantello’s reputation for assembling exceptional talent.
For theatre enthusiasts interested in attending *Small Mouth Sounds,* a special joint presale will commence for tickets beginning 10 September at noon ET. This will allow theatregoers who purchase tickets to *Downstate* early access to select seating for *Small Mouth Sounds*. The combination of star power, experienced direction, and a unique storyline promises a captivating experience for audiences when the curtains rise.
With all these elements in play, Roberts’ return to Broadway is set to be a remarkable moment in her illustrious career, offering theatre lovers an unforgettable experience filled with intensity, introspection, and critical acclaim.