Jean Smart excels in solo drama ‘Call Me Izzy’ despite a predictable plot.

Jean Smart, an accomplished actress known for her extensive television and film work, returns to the Broadway stage after a 25-year absence with her performance in “Call Me Izzy.” Previously, Smart captivated audiences with her portrayal of a glamorous and manipulative actress in Thornton Wilder’s “The Man Who Came to Dinner.” In contrast, her latest role depicts a woman grappling with abuse in a small-town Louisiana trailer park, making her Broadway comeback both significant and surprising for her fans.

Smart’s character, a struggling writer married to an unsupportive and brutish husband, provides a stark departure from her past roles in acclaimed series such as “Hacks” and “Designing Women.” The depiction of working-class struggles and the quest for artistic expression resonates through the narrative of “Call Me Izzy,” particularly in the context of its setting— the unsightly confines of a mobile home bathroom.

As the story unfolds, the audience is introduced to a character trapped in a cycle of abuse and artistic longing. The play explores essential themes surrounding the power of creativity and the necessity of having a supportive mentor to guide emerging artists. The character’s initial monologue, tinged with self-deprecation and humor, reflects her struggles and the harsh reality of her life choices.

“Call Me Izzy” draws parallels to Willy Russell’s “Shirley Valentine,” a narrative about humanistic education and personal freedom. Both plays illustrate the transformative power of artistic expression, although this production focuses specifically on the challenges faced by women from low-income backgrounds. This emphasis on working-class narratives is relatively rare in Broadway productions, adding an element of significance to Smart’s portrayal.

Smart’s performance, while engaging, may feel a touch underwhelming for the expansive Broadway setting. The monologue-driven format demands an intimate connection with the audience, requiring Smart to evoke feelings of familiarity and empathy, as if conversing with a close friend. Despite the limitations imposed by the script, Smart displays her remarkable talent in capturing the nuances of her character’s stoicism and creative aspirations.

However, the production’s pacing and structure occasionally lack clarity, leading to confusion in the narrative’s chronology. Director Sarna Lapine’s interpretation may benefit from a more rigorous framework to ensure the audience remains engaged throughout. The simplistic nature of “Call Me Izzy,” with its singular perspective, contrasts with the multi-layered storytelling found in other adaptations like “The Picture of Dorian Gray.”

Ultimately, while Smart’s formidable skills shine through, “Call Me Izzy” grapples with the constraints of a familiar narrative arc. The complexities of her character’s journey, set against the backdrop of an oppressive marriage, provide fertile ground for exploration. As Smart takes the stage, she brings a depth to her character that invites audiences to reflect on the often-unseen struggles faced by women seeking both personal and artistic freedom, making her return to Broadway both poignant and meaningful.

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