About the Show

Jean Smart stars in this one-woman play about a Louisiana writer whose secret poetry becomes her salvation.

Alone in rural Louisiana circa 1989, Izzy writes poetry in secret journals to escape her abusive marriage. When her private words begin to reveal a powerful inner voice, Izzy must decide whether to risk everything to claim her own story. Call Me Izzy delves into the quiet strength and resilience that emerge from personal truth.

Written by Jamie Wax, and based on real-life storytelling, Call Me Izzy marks a Broadway debut for Wax. Sarna Lapine, director of the acclaimed revival of Sunday in the Park with George, helms this production.

Six-time Emmy Award winner and Tony nominee Jean Smart stars as Izzy in this solo performance. Beloved for her roles in Hacks, Frasier, and Designing Women, Smart returns to Broadway for the first time in over two decades.

Critic Reviews (15)

"Interstitial music by T Bone Burnett aptly suggests the Deep South but might as well be the soundtrack to an arty ghost story"
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"Smart’s control of the story smoothed over our embarrassment and reeled us right back in."
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"Jean Smart...has plenty of talent. The trouble is she’s stuck in a production that has little idea what to do with it."
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“It’s a terrific performance, but one that nevertheless remains constrained by the material’s limitations.”
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“Smart’s performance gives it a vivid life.”
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"The familiarity of domestic violence narratives allows for a naturalistic approach — Izzy, in all her delicacy and emotional candor, would be impossible not to root for."
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"Jean Smart’s good, but this Broadway play is a hack job"
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“Smart delivers the kind of once-in-a-lifetime performance that lingers long after the play ends.”
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Cast and creative team