For the Broadway revival of Arthur Miller's "All My Sons," British director Simon McBurney went for a rather contemporary approach. Performed on a minimalist set featuring little more than the outline of a house, a door, a tree and a few pieces of fence, the production seriously relies on video projections and sound effects.

And if that doesn't speak to you, casting Katie Holmes, the much-publicized wife of Tom Cruise, as the fiancée to Joe's son, Chris, should be sufficient notice of contemporary relevance.

This was Katie Holmes’ eagerly expected Broadway debut Thursday night alongside respected Broadway veterans John Lithgow, Dianne Wiest and Patrick Wilson.

"I was very, very excited!" Mrs. Tom Cruise told PEOPLE after taking her bow. "We had my whole family. Tom's whole family. Friends flew in. It's exciting."

Rebecca Miller, the playwright's daughter, came to see the latest version of her father's play, which was first performed on Broadway in 1947. Among the celebrities making an appearance on the red carpet: Patricia Clarkson (who played Holmes' mother in the 2003 film "Pieces of April"), Barbara Walters, Dennis Farina, Isabella Rossellini and Jada Pinkett Smith.

Unfortunately, Holmes' performance is not quite as we may have expected. She was stiff and appeared to focus on her lines more than on her intentions and thoughts. Holmes was hardly believable despite the fact that she appears to be perfect for the role. According to Variety, “she handles her role as death's messenger with neither distinction nor embarrassment.” But this is just her debut; maybe she’ll improve in time...