Jean Smart Returning to Broadway After 25 Year-Absence in New Play “Call Me Izzy”

Jean Smart to Return to Broadway After 25-Year Hiatus in New Play ‘Call Me Izzy’

Renowned actress Jean Smart is making a highly anticipated return to Broadway after a break of 25 years. She is set to star in the premiere of Jamie Wax’s new play, ‘Call Me Izzy’. Directed by Sarna Lapine, known for ‘Sunday in the Park with George’, the production will run for a 12-week period at Studio 54 in New York City from May 24th to August 17th, with the opening night scheduled for June 12th. This will mark Smart’s first appearance on Broadway in a quarter of a century.

Jean Smart, a six-time Emmy Award winner, last graced the Broadway stage in 2000 in a revival of the classic play ‘The Man Who Came to Dinner’. Alongside talented actors like Nathan Lane and Julie Halston, her performance garnered critical acclaim and earned her a Tony Award nomination. Smart’s initial venture into Broadway dates back to 1981 when she portrayed Marlene Dietrich in ‘Piaf’.

‘Call Me Izzy’ explores a darkly comedic narrative centred around a woman residing in rural Louisiana, delving into the complexities of a secret that serves as both her salvation and her confinement. The play promises to deliver a poignant portrayal of a woman’s resilience in the face of adversity, celebrating her determination, wit, and vibrant imagination. Smart has actively participated in developmental readings of the play, contributing her talent and insight to its evolution.

Widely recognised for her iconic roles on television, including the beloved character Charlene Frazier Stillfield in the hit sitcom ‘Designing Women’, Jean Smart has solidified her status as a versatile and esteemed actress. She has accumulated an impressive collection of Emmy Awards for her performances in various series such as ‘Frasier’, ‘Samantha Who?’, and ‘Hacks’ on HBO Max. Additionally, Smart has received acclaim for her work in shows like ‘The District’, ‘Harry’s Law’, ‘Fargo’, ‘Watchmen’, and ‘Mare of Easttown’.

With a diverse portfolio of film appearances ranging from ‘The Brady Bunch’ to ‘Sweet Home Alabama’ and ‘I Heart Huckabees’, Smart’s talent transcends mediums, captivating audiences with her compelling portrayals. In 2016, her narration in ‘Patience and Sarah’ earned her a Grammy nomination for Best Spoken Word Album, further showcasing her multifaceted abilities.

Tickets for ‘Call Me Izzy’ are set to go on sale starting March 18th, with an exclusive 24-hour pre-sale opportunity available to interested buyers on March 17th. The anticipation surrounding Smart’s return to Broadway coupled with the allure of Wax’s intriguing new play has generated significant buzz within the theatre community, attracting theatre enthusiasts and fans of the actress alike.

In conclusion, Jean Smart’s forthcoming stint in ‘Call Me Izzy’ marks a significant moment in her illustrious career, blending her talent and experience to bring a compelling new character to life on the Broadway stage. As audiences eagerly await the premiere, the production promises to be a captivating exploration of human resilience, humour, and the enduring power of storytelling in the realm of live theatre.