Call Me Izzy Plays Final Broadway Performance
Today marked the final performance of 𝘊𝘢𝘭𝘭 𝘔𝘦 𝘐𝘻𝘻𝘺 at 𝐒𝐭𝐮𝐝𝐢𝐨 𝟓𝟒. Written by 𝐉𝐚𝐦𝐢𝐞 𝐖𝐚𝐱, directed by 𝐒𝐚𝐫𝐧𝐚 𝐋𝐚𝐩𝐢𝐧𝐞, and starring the incomparable 𝐉𝐞𝐚𝐧 𝐒𝐦𝐚𝐫𝐭—a six-time Emmy Award winner 𝘢𝘯𝘥 Tony Award nominee—this 90-minute one-woman play was nothing short of extraordinary.
In 𝘊𝘢𝘭𝘭 𝘔𝘦 𝘐𝘻𝘻𝘺, 𝐒𝐦𝐚𝐫𝐭 brought to life the story of 𝐈𝐳𝐳𝐲, a gifted writer who uses her words to escape and build the life she deserves. Though the show explored sensitive and complex themes, it was handled with brilliance, humor, and heart.
I was lucky enough to see it twice, and both times reminded me why 𝐉𝐞𝐚𝐧 𝐒𝐦𝐚𝐫𝐭 is a once-in-a-lifetime talent. What she created on that stage was a true masterclass in performance, storytelling, and artistry.
Bravo to 𝐉𝐞𝐚𝐧 𝐒𝐦𝐚𝐫𝐭 and the entire 𝘊𝘢𝘭𝘭 𝘔𝘦 𝘐𝘻𝘻𝘺 team for this unforgettable Broadway experience.
Call Me Izzy closed its run at Studio 54 on August 24th, 2025, leaving a lasting impact on Broadway audiences. Written by Jamie Wax and directed by Sarna Lapine, this one-woman show captivated viewers through its exceptional storytelling and powerful performance by Jean Smart. Known for her multiple Emmy Awards and Tony nomination, Smart delivered a masterful portrayal of Izzy, a talented writer who uses her creativity as a form of escape and self-empowerment. The play's 90-minute format provided an intimate setting to explore complex and sensitive themes with a blend of humor, emotion, and insight. This combination made the theatrical experience both thought-provoking and deeply engaging, resonating strongly with audiences seeking authentic and meaningful narratives on stage. Studio 54, a legendary Broadway venue, offered the perfect backdrop for this compelling production. Its rich history in theater culture enhanced the overall ambiance, complementing the play’s modern yet timeless themes. The show’s end marks the culmination of a successful run that was widely praised for artistic excellence and storytelling innovation. Broadway enthusiasts and fans of Jean Smart will remember Call Me Izzy as a testament to the power of solo performance and the impact of personal storytelling. As the play concludes, it leaves behind inspiration for emerging playwrights, performers, and theatergoers eager to experience heartfelt narratives that challenge and entertain. For those interested in further exploring the world of Broadway one-woman shows or Jean Smart’s distinguished career, Call Me Izzy stands out as a prominent example of artistry and emotional depth in live theater.
