Scott Rudin Returns to Broadway with Controversial Plays Starring Julia Roberts and Paul Rudd
This season, producer Scott Rudin is bringing two productions to Broadway. The first, Downstate, is a play by Bruce Norris that explores the lives of four convicted sex offenders and is directed by Joe Mantello. Initially debuting at Steppenwolf in 2018 and Off-Broadway in 2022, it will open on Broadway at the Booth Theatre on Nov. 15, following previews starting Oct. 17. The cast features Liza Colón-Zayas and K. Todd Freeman, and the play has stirred controversy, particularly from Senator Ted Cruz. The second production, Small Mouth Sounds, a nearly silent comedy by Bess Wohl, stars Julia Roberts and Paul Rudd, and will commence on Feb. 18, 2027, at the Ethel Barrymore Theatre, with an opening set for March 18. Rudin is collaborating with Barry Diller on both shows after his return last season with Death of a Salesman.
Key facts
- Scott Rudin returns to Broadway with two plays: Downstate and Small Mouth Sounds.
- Downstate is written by Bruce Norris and directed by Joe Mantello, opening Nov. 15 at the Booth Theatre.
- Small Mouth Sounds is written by Bess Wohl and stars Julia Roberts and Paul Rudd, opening March 18, 2027 at the Ethel Barrymore Theatre.
- Downstate has faced controversy, including criticism from Sen. Ted Cruz.
- Rudin is producing both plays with Barry Diller.
- Rudin's previous production, Death of a Salesman, won six Tony Awards.
- Rudin stepped away from producing in 2021 after allegations of bullying and abuse.
- A discount ticketing deal is offered for Small Mouth Sounds with purchase of Downstate tickets.
Entities
Artists
- Scott Rudin
- Julia Roberts
- Paul Rudd
- Bruce Norris
- Joe Mantello
- Bess Wohl
- Martin Freeman
- Greta Lee
- Sarah Paulson
- Isaac Powell
- Liza Colón-Zayas
- K. Todd Freeman
- Francis Guinan
- Cassie Beck
- Adrian Martinez
- Al'Jaleel McGhee
- Thomas Sadoski
- Ivy Wolk
- Laurie Metcalf
- Nathan Lane
- Bette Midler
Institutions
- Steppenwolf Theatre Company
- Playwrights Horizons
- Booth Theatre
- Ethel Barrymore Theatre
- Broadway League
- The Washington Post
- Hollywood Reporter
Locations
- Broadway
- New York City
- United States