Julia Roberts stars alongside Paul Rudd on Broadway

The Oscar-winning actress has already performed some preview shows to appreciative audiences.

The Richard Greenberg play centres on a brother and sister who come together for the reading of their father's will.

Also starring Paul Rudd, it is due to run at the Bernard B Jacobs Theatre until 18 June.

As well as sold-out audiences, there has also been nightly queues of autograph-hunting fans waiting at the stage door for Roberts.

Three Days of Rain is a very quiet play, and this has been a very noisy event Richard Greenberg, playwright

Playwright Greenberg does not believe Roberts' presence has overshadowed the play.

"Because she is a star of such magnitude coming to Broadway, there has been a lot of wacky attention," he said.

"It's funny. Three Days of Rain is a very quiet play, and this has been a very noisy event. "But the great thing is that it hasn't affected the production."

The American Theatre Wing said Roberts' starring role had been a boost for Broadway this spring.

'In the flesh'

"A major film or TV star appearing on Broadway, or in any theatre for that matter, brings with them a number of assets," said its executive director Howard Sherman.

"They bring with them the often-staggering press attention afforded to celebrities in those other mediums, which is vastly greater than the time and space typically afforded to theatre.

"And, of course, they bring a huge fan base which is national and even international, all of whom are eager to see their favourite star in the flesh."

Roberts has taken time away from movies since the birth of her twins in 2004. Her last big screen role was in Ocean's 12.