Julia Roberts is gearing up for a highly anticipated return to Broadway, marking her first stage performance in two decades. The Oscar-winning actress will star in the upcoming production of Bess Wohl’s acclaimed comedy, *Small Mouth Sounds*, alongside a star-studded cast that features Paul Rudd, Sarah Paulson, Martin Freeman, Greta Lee, and Isaac Powell. The excitement surrounding the production is palpable as the talented ensemble prepares to take on this unique theatrical challenge.
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Roberts, who made her Broadway debut in 2006 with *Three Days of Rain*, expressed her immense joy at reuniting with director Joe Mantello and fellow cast members. Reflecting on the opportunity, she stated, “I could not be any more excited to reunite with Joe Mantello on this beautiful piece by Bess Wohl. And my cast mates!! Total joy!” This reunion is significant for Roberts, as it brings her back together with two stage collaborators from her initial foray into theatre.
Paul Rudd, sharing in the excitement, added a touch of humour to his remarks. The *Ant-Man* star said, “To get to work on such a unique and beautiful play by the brilliant Bess Wohl… is a dream.” He also jokingly acknowledged Freeman, noting that their lines might almost mirror each other. It’s noteworthy that although Freeman is making his official Broadway debut, he has an impressive stage background, having performed in various acclaimed productions throughout his career.
Sarah Paulson, who has a Tony Award to her name for her performance in *Appropriate*, celebrated the opportunity to work with a playwright she admires. “Bess Wohl is one of our greatest living playwrights—pushing us, artists and audiences alike—to dive deeper, jump further,” she remarked, eager to explore the creative possibilities offered by the production. Her enthusiasm is echoed by Greta Lee, who made her Broadway debut in 2007. Lee expressed her excitement for returning to New York, stating, “Brimming with excitement and eager anticipation to bring this extremely special production to life with this extraordinary group.”
Isaac Powell, who also has notable Broadway experience, shared his enthusiasm as well. Having starred in the revival of *West Side Story*, Powell emphasised the thrill of collaborating with such an impressive cast and creative team. “It’s a thrill to be working on this brilliant gem of a play alongside such an extraordinary cast and creative team,” he said.
*Small Mouth Sounds* follows six strangers at a silent retreat as they attempt to escape their problems and discover inner peace. The uniqueness of the play lies in its minimal dialogue, relying heavily on movement and physical interactions to tell its story. This format presents a distinctive opportunity for the cast to connect with audiences in innovative ways. Within this ensemble, Roberts will embody the character Joan, while Rudd, Paulson, Freeman, Lee, and Powell take on their respective roles.
The play originally premiered Off-Broadway at Ars Nova in 2015, where it received critical acclaim and numerous extensions before returning for another run in 2016. The upcoming Broadway production represents yet another achievement for Bess Wohl, whose previous work, *Liberation*, won both the 2026 Pulitzer Prize for Drama and the Tony Award for Best Play.
Expertly helmed by Joe Mantello, a three-time Tony Award winner known for his work on productions like *Wicked* and *Death of a Salesman*, this new incarnation of *Small Mouth Sounds* promises to be a significant theatrical event. The show is set to begin previews on February 10, 2027, at the Ethel Barrymore Theatre, with its official opening scheduled for March 11.
Tickets for the much-anticipated production will go on sale to the general public on Sunday, October 25, at 10 a.m. ET, and given the star power involved, they are sure to be in high demand. As Roberts and her illustrious cast embark on this exciting new chapter, audiences can look forward to an extraordinary theatrical experience, blending comedy with profound themes of introspection and human connection.