A review praises Jean Smart's magnetic performance in the one-woman Broadway show 'Call Me Izzy' at Studio 54, noting she elevates the material about a woman finding herself late in life after enduring abuse and poverty in rural Louisiana. The show is part of a current trend of solo performances by established screen actors on Broadway.
Call Me Izzy review – Jean Smart is better than her one-woman show
BroadwayUS theaterStageCultureTheatre
AI Summary
TL;DR: Key points with love ❤️A review praises Jean Smart's magnetic performance in the one-woman Broadway show 'Call Me Izzy' at Studio 54, noting she elevates the material about a woman finding herself late in life after enduring abuse and poverty in rural Louisiana. The show is part of a current trend of solo performances by established screen actors on Broadway.
Trending- 1 Fall 1989: Isabelle Scutley's story in 'Call Me Izzy' begins.
- 2 Two years prior to current Tony Awards: Jodie Comer won Tony for 'Prima Facie'.
- 3 Sunday (prior to June 13, 2025): Sarah Snook won Tony for 'The Picture of Dorian Gray'.
- 4 This week (leading up to June 13, 2025): John Krasinski’s 'Angry Alan' opened off-Broadway.
- 5 June 13, 2025: Review of 'Call Me Izzy' published.
- Jean Smart's performance is highly praised, elevating the show's material.
- The show contributes to a trend of solo performances by established screen actors on Broadway.
- The play's depiction of hardship raises questions about 'poverty porn' in theater.
What: A review of Jean Smart's starring role in the one-woman Broadway play 'Call Me Izzy,' written by Jamie Wax. The play depicts Isabelle Scutley's journey of self-discovery and resilience after a life of hardship and abuse in rural Louisiana. The article also highlights a broader trend of solo shows on Broadway featuring established screen actors.
When: The review was published on June 13, 2025. The play's narrative begins in the fall of 1989. Other solo shows mentioned recently won Tony Awards (Sarah Snook on Sunday) or opened this week (John Krasinski's 'Angry Alan').
Where: Studio 54, Broadway, New York City, New York, United States. The play's setting for Isabelle Scutley's backstory is Mansfield, Louisiana.
Why: The article reviews 'Call Me Izzy' to assess Jean Smart's performance and the play's overall impact, noting how Smart's talent elevates the material. It also contextualizes the show within a 'solo show boomlet' on Broadway, where screen actors test their mettle.
How: The review describes Smart's portrayal of Isabelle Scutley, detailing the character's background, struggles with an abusive husband (Ferd), and her escape through reading and writing. It critiques the play's 'poverty porn' elements while commending Smart's ability to imbue the character with depth and charisma.