Julia Roberts, Paul Rudd & Sarah Paulson Set Broadway Return In ‘Small Mouth Sounds’

Julia Roberts, Paul Rudd and Sarah Paulson will return to Broadway this winter in a production of Bess Wohl‘s Small Mouth Sounds. Joe Mantello will direct with Scott Rudin and Barry Diller producing.

News of the production comes as another Mantello-Rudin Broadway collaboration – Downstate – was confirmed for a fall staging.

Described as experimental and a nearly silent comedy, Small Mouth Sounds by the Liberation playwright will also feature Martin Freeman, Greta Lee and Isaac Powell. Previews are expected to begin February 18 at the Ethel Barrymore Theater, with an opening on March 18.

In an unusual marketing maneuver, the producers announced today that the two productions will be available to ticket buyers in “one opt-in decision” and “at a unique price point tailored especially for early adopters of both plays.”

In a statement, Rudin said, “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.”

The creative team for Small Mouth Sounds includes Tony Award-winning scenic designer Chloe Lamford, two-time Tony Award-winning lighting designer Jack Knowles, Moliere Award-winning costume designer An D’Huys, Olivier Award-winning sound designer Tom Gibbons. Music is by Pulitzer Prize winner Caroline Shaw, with movement by JA Collective.

Small Mouth Sounds debuted in an Off Broadway productions directed by Rachel Chavkin.