
Jean Smart Shines in the Heart-Wrenching Broadway Premiere of ‘Call Me Izzy’
2025-06-13
Author: Ken Lee
A Broadway Triumph to Kick Off the Season
Broadway is back, and it’s making a bold statement with *Call Me Izzy*, starring the incomparable Jean Smart. In a stunning one-woman show, Smart showcases her remarkable range, seamlessly blending humor and heartache from start to finish. If you thought you’d seen it all, think again—this performance will leave you breathless.
Meet Izzy: A Complex Heroine
Izzy, portrayed by Smart, is a tribute to resilience. Clad in a tattered teal bathrobe, she invites us into her trailer park bathroom in Mansfield, Louisiana—her sanctuary where secrets come to life. It's in this confined space that we witness her struggles: an abusive marriage and the fight for her dreams. As her husband sleeps, Izzy writes poetry on toilet paper, capturing the essence of her spirit.
A Journey from Promise to Peril
Crafted by Jamie Wax and directed by the talented Sarna Lapine, *Call Me Izzy* tells the poignant story of a woman stifled by her circumstances. Despite being showered with praise for her literary talent in school, Izzy's brilliance is trapped in a loveless marriage. The allure of a charming Elvis impersonator leads her away from her nurturing path, but passion ignites within, pushing her to write in the shadows.
Finding Light in Darkness
With each comedic quip and astute observation, Smart encapsulates Izzy's vibrant personality and her struggles. Though the atmosphere is heavy with oppression—the lighting and sound design constantly reminding us of her confinement—there’s an undeniable warmth that Smart brings to the role, making her a character you root for. When she finds friendship in unlikely places, the hope shines through, even as danger lurks.
A Shocking Twist and a Fight for Freedom
Izzy’s fortunes seem to turn when she enters a poetry contest, but the outcome is anything but expected. The poem that wins, a raw reflection on her husband's cruelty, escalates the tension, leading to a gripping climax. With a $15,000 prize and a chance for escape to a writing residency, the stakes have never been higher.
A Captivating Storytelling Experience
Wax’s script is infused with the gritty honesty of a seasoned reporter, delivering a raw look at domestic abuse wrapped in humor and hope. Directed with sensitivity by Sarna Lapine, *Call Me Izzy* transcends the confines of its setting, allowing audiences to experience Izzy’s unwavering fight for survival. Will she make it to Boston for her residency? Watching Smart’s compelling portrayal, it’s hard not to believe in her.
A Season Opener Not to Be Missed
As the curtain rises on a new Broadway season, *Call Me Izzy* marks a radiant beginning. With performances that resonate deeply, we can only hope the Tony voters remember this extraordinary journey long after the lights go down.