Hollywood stars Julia Roberts, Paul Rudd, and Sarah Paulson are returning to the stage to headline an upcoming Broadway production of Bess Wohl's critically acclaimed play 'Small Mouth Sounds.' The ensemble-driven comedy-drama, which explores the silent struggles of six strangers at an upstate meditation retreat, brings together a powerhouse cast of stage and screen veterans for a limited run at the Ethel Barrymore Theatre.
Organizers confirmed that preview performances for the high-profile revival are scheduled to begin on February 18, 2027, ahead of an official opening night on March 18, 2027. The production represents a major theatrical event for the upcoming Broadway season, pairing a Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright with an accomplished creative team led by three-time Tony Award-winning director Joe Mantello.
Star-Studded Ensemble and Character Lineup
The cast features a lineup of celebrated film and television actors taking on the roles of retreat attendees seeking inner peace. Academy Award winner Julia Roberts has been cast as Joan, while Paul Rudd takes on the role of Ned. Two-time Emmy Award winner Martin Freeman, known for his work in 'Sherlock' and 'Fargo,' will make his official Broadway debut playing Jan alongside Golden Globe nominee Greta Lee as Alicia.
The ensemble is rounded out by Tony Award winner Sarah Paulson as Judy and Isaac Powell as Rodney. For Roberts and Rudd, the project marks a theatrical reunion nearly two decades after they co-starred together on Broadway in Richard Greenberg's 'Three Days of Rain' in 2006, which was also directed by Joe Mantello. The upcoming revival places experienced screen actors into an intimate theatrical environment where physical comedy and non-verbal performance drive the narrative.
Production Origins and Creative Team
Playwright Bess Wohl’s work originally debuted off-Broadway in 2015 at Ars Nova, where it earned critical praise for its unique comedic and dramatic approach. The play follows six individuals who arrive at a remote spiritual center bound by a vow of silence, only to find their personal baggage and internal emotional turmoil spilling over as they attempt to disconnect from the modern world.
Director Joe Mantello takes the helm following his work on 'Death of a Salesman' and upcoming fall projects. The design and creative team features Tony Award-winning scenic designer Chloe Lamford, costume designer An D'Huys, two-time Tony Award-winning lighting designer Jack Knowles, and sound designer Tom Gibbons. Pulitzer Prize winner Caroline Shaw is composing the original music for the production, with movement staging provided by the JA Collective.
Ticketing Initiatives and Strategic Pairing
In addition to the star casting, the production's leadership has focused on accessibility and audience engagement strategies for the 2027 run. Producer Barry Diller and the creative team highlighted the implementation of an opt-in ticketing system designed to capture the interest of dedicated theatergoers willing to secure seats well in advance.
Director Scott Rudin addressed the ticketing approach in an official statement, emphasizing the value of catering to core audiences. He shared that he is excited for the show to reach people and also opened up about the recent opt-in system, noting, "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. 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."
Exploring Silence and Comedy on Stage
The narrative structure of 'Small Mouth Sounds' relies heavily on physical performance, micro-expressions, and situational humor rather than traditional dialogue. Critics have previously noted that the near-silent premise allows profound themes of loneliness, grief, and human vulnerability to emerge from the silence of a meditation retreat gone wrong.
The production balances humor with moments of deep pathos as the characters fail to maintain their vows of silence. As personal frustrations mount and unspoken tensions boil over, the retreat transforms into an arena of embarrassing yet relatable human interaction, offering actors ample room for nuanced, character-driven performances.
Preview performances for 'Small Mouth Sounds' will commence at the Ethel Barrymore Theatre on February 18, 2027, leading up to the official opening night on March 18, 2027. Further details regarding ticket pre-sales and box office schedules are being managed directly through Broadway ticketing platforms as the winter production date approaches.
