NEW YORK: Amid hoopla more befitting a blockbuster movie premiere, Julia Roberts made her Broadway debut in Richard Greenberg’s Three Days of Rain. Hundreds packed the narrow city block outside the Bernard B Jacobs Theatre on 45th Street in Manhattan on April 19 night. Even parking-lot attendants across the street sat three stories up hoping to catch a glimpse of the Hollywood royalty on hand to support one of their biggest stars.

“I’m so excited!” exclaimed TV talk show host Oprah Winfrey before dashing into the theatre.

After plenty of hype and several weeks of preview performances, Roberts had a beautiful spring evening for opening night. She stars alongside Paul Rudd and Bradley Cooper in the revival of Greenberg’s play, which is mostly sold-out for its 12-week run.

Before the curtain went up, fans (and a horde of photo-snapping press) were treated to a variety of arriving stars, including James Gandolfini, Dave Matthews, Tim Robbins and Susan Sarandon, Marcia Gay Harden, New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg and US baseball legend Cal Ripken Jr.

Emphasising each adjective, Broadway star Elaine Stritch properly summed up the vibe: “She’s a great, big, huge movie star.” The transition to the stage by silver-screen beauties is one often fraught with peril. Early critical word on Roberts’ performance has been negative, but most in attendance professed utter confidence in the actress.

“I don’t even have advice; I have praise,” said actor Mario Cantone. “She picked a great play.”

Three Days of Rain first ran off-Broadway in 1997. Greenberg, the playwright, has since won a Tony for writing the acclaimed Take Me Out.

Some fans who had already seen Three Days of Rain in preview returned Wednesday night, content to witness what they seemed to feel was an almost historical occurrence.