Katie Holmes' play draws protest

But no, they weren’t protesting her acting.

It was anti-Scientology demonstration, and the demonstrators shouted "Free Katie!" and carried banners that said, "Free Katie, Keep Tom.”

One protester, who wouldn't give his name, told the New York Daily News: "We aren't protesting Katie. But Scientology is a cult and once you become a member you can't leave, and we've heard that Katie isn't able to leave because of Tom Cruise."

Wow. Poor Katie. Just what the girl needs on her big night on Broadway. Bet she’s thinking, "Darn you and your controversial religion. Spoil my night!"

Thankfully, the audience reaction to her performance seemed fairly positive.

Naturally, Tom Cruise called her performance, "extraordinary."

Andrew Morton, the author of that very controversial book,  "Tom Cruise: An Unauthorized Biography," was in the audience.

He told InTouch, "'She handled the stage and moved very well. She was a little stiff at times, but she was up against some big Broadway stars.'