Julia on Broadway: fans, critics weigh in

The previews are over and the verdict is in -- and film star Julia Roberts is getting the most brutal reviews of her career for her Broadway debut.

But as far as her fans and friends are concerned -- Julia rocked the house!

"Three Days of Rain" officially debuted at the Bernard B. Jacobs Theatre on 45th Street in Manhattan.

Julia stars alongside Paul Rudd and Bradley Cooper in the revival of the play, which is mostly sold out for its 12-week run.

Bowing to thunderous applause, Julia, Paul and Bradley delivered their opening night to a house of famous faces.

"It was thrilling," Julia told us. "I think the boys did great, and we had a good time!"

"Just tell me how it went with Oprah out there," Tony asked.

"I think it went well. I don't know who was there ," Julia said.

Tony caught up with Oprah to get her reaction to the lovely Julia's performance.

"Oprah, tell me what it means to have your friend Julia premiere on Broadway tonight," Tony said.

"I don't even know what the play is about," Oprah said. "I just wanted to be here to support her."

Julia's husband, Danny, dressed in a sharp, black suit, rushed in just before the curtain went up but mouthed the words, "I love her."

Susan Sarandon and Tim Robbins came by foot, Diane Sawyer and husband, director Mike Nichols, ran directly to their seats in order not to miss Julia's triumphant Broadway debut.

After the show, Julia and her co-stars greeted hundreds of screaming fans at the stage door.

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.

The star stopped to take pictures and sign autographs, then she was off to the after-party.

Access Hollywood doesn't normally come to the opening nights of plays," Paul Rudd laughed.

We wouldn't miss this one! Neither would Julia's "Mona Lisa Smile" co-star, Marcia Gay Harden!

"I thought it was brilliant," Marcia told us. "It's beautifully directed by John Matello, the performances are stellar."

The critics weren't as quick to agree.

The New York Times said Roberts' performance in "Three Days of Rain" is "stiff with self-conciousness."

The critic for The New York Post said: "Hated the play ... hated her ... liked the rain."

The New York Daily News wrote that there's "no chemistry" between Roberts and her co-stars.

The Washington Post said "the pretty woman is pretty much in over her head."

Only USA Today was kind, saying Roberts' performance was "credible, compelling and sweetly funny."

After plenty of hype and several weeks of preview performances, Roberts had a beautiful spring evening for opening night.

With the weight of opening night on her slim shoulders, Julia put on a stunning vintage dress and was ready to let her hair down and party at Cipriani!

"When you go in there, what are you going to do?" Tony asked.

"I will dance. I will drink. I will make merry," Julia laughed.

"Am I allowed in there?" Tony teased.

"I dont know. Are you?" Julia laughed.