Julia Roberts to Star in Broadway Small Mouth Sounds
The Academy Award-winning actress will lead a cast of six in the silent retreat play opening in March 2027.
Updated on Oct. 23, 2026 in Children’s Theater
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Julia Roberts will return to the stage in a Broadway production of Bess Wohl's play Small Mouth Sounds, opening at the Ethel Barrymore Theatre on March 11, 2027. Directed by Joe Mantello, the play follows six strangers attempting to find inner peace during a silent retreat.
Why it matters
The production marks a significant return for Roberts, who last appeared on Broadway in 2006. The play is notable for its minimal dialogue, relying on physical interaction, facial expressions, and movement to convey the narrative.
The production features a veteran cast including 58-year-old Julia Roberts, 57-year-old Paul Rudd, 55-year-old Martin Freeman, and 31-year-old Isaac Powell. It marks a return to Broadway for Roberts 20 years after her 2006 stage debut.
The players
Julia Roberts
An Academy Award-winning actress and global film star who is returning to Broadway for the first time since 2006.
Bess Wohl
The acclaimed playwright and screenwriter who wrote the script for Small Mouth Sounds.
Joe Mantello
A Tony Award-winning director and actor known for his extensive work on major Broadway productions.
Paul Rudd
A prominent film and television actor who is part of the ensemble cast for this production.
Martin Freeman
An award-winning actor recognized for his roles in major film franchises and international television series.
The details
Small Mouth Sounds, which originally premiered Off-Broadway in 2015, focuses on the physical interactions of six characters at a spiritual retreat. The cast is rounded out by Greta Lee and Sarah Paulson.
Timeline
Julia Roberts made her Broadway debut in 2006.
Small Mouth Sounds premiered Off-Broadway in 2015.
Tickets go on sale to the general public on Oct. 25, 2026.
Previews begin at the Ethel Barrymore Theatre on Feb. 10, 2027.
The official Broadway opening is scheduled for March 11, 2027.
Industry Dynamics
This production represents a notable shift in Broadway programming, emphasizing minimalist, physical-based storytelling over traditional dialogue-heavy scripts. It follows a trend of bringing acclaimed Off-Broadway works to larger commercial stages to capture broader audiences.
Theatergoers can purchase tickets to the production starting October 25, 2026, through general public sales channels. Access will be limited by the seating capacity of the Ethel Barrymore Theatre in New York City.
The takeaway
Audience members interested in this production should prepare for a non-traditional theatrical experience that relies on movement rather than spoken words. Booking tickets early is recommended due to the high demand often associated with star-studded Broadway revivals.
Further reading
For more on upcoming stage performances in the city, visit Children’s Theater.
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