Jean Smart Shines in ‘Call Me Izzy’: A Captivating Review of the New Broadway Season

Broadway has a new standout with Call Me Izzy, featuring the incredible Jean Smart. This one-woman show is a mix of comedy and drama that draws you in from the start. Smart’s performance is both powerful and emotional, leaving you with a sense of hope amid the darkness.

Izzy, played by Smart, is introduced in a shabby teal bathrobe, her hair tousled and her world upside down. She’s holed up in her trailer bathroom, trying to escape the harsh realities of her life—especially her abusive husband, who we never see but feel the weight of through her words. At this moment, Izzy captures our hearts.

Written by Jamie Wax, the play showcases Izzy’s journey from a bright young woman with dreams to feeling trapped in a life she didn’t want. In high school, she was celebrated for her writing talent. However, when she married a charming man who turned out to be less than supportive, her dreams faded. Instead of a college education, she finds herself stashing notebooks of poetry and writing on toilet paper in secret. This portrayal resonates deeply, as it reflects many people’s struggles to find their voice in difficult circumstances.

Statistically, domestic abuse affects millions. According to the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence, about 1 in 4 women and 1 in 9 men experience severe intimate partner physical violence. This makes Izzy’s story particularly timely and relevant.

Despite the grim backdrop, Smart’s humor shines through. Her ability to blend resilience with wit makes the character relatable. As she finds small victories, like winning a local poetry contest, her story unfolds with layers of pain and triumph. The lighting and sound design enhance the mood, emphasizing the isolation she feels in her circumstances.

Director Sarna Lapine skillfully brings out the best in Smart, creating a performance full of spunk and vulnerability. Together, they reveal the indomitable spirit of a woman determined to reclaim her life through writing.

Call Me Izzy isn’t just a play; it’s a reminder of the power of creativity to heal and uplift. Audiences leave not just entertained but inspired by Izzy’s journey.

Title: Call Me Izzy
Venue: Broadway’s Studio 54
Written By: Jamie Wax
Directed by: Sarna Lapine
Running Time: 1 hour 25 minutes (no intermission)

For more insights on domestic abuse and its impact, you can visit the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence.

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