You must make it to Studio 54 at 254 W 54th Street by Aug. 24 to see the consequential one-woman play “Call Me Izzy,” with its powerful portrayal of domestic violence. Jean Smart is stunningly brilliant as Izzy, a woman who lives in a trailer with her husband Burt, whom she married at the tender age of 17. For Izzy, the trailer has become a steel prison: a prison of her body, mind, dreams, intelligence, passions, and talents. This play, masterfully written by Jamie Wax, gives such a poignant story and a voice to women who, in real life, often don’t get to tell their stories. It has humor, anger, frustration, secrecy, and friendship. It also demonstrates that the women who experience domestic violence are definitely not limited to those living in trailer parks or in poverty.
As a young girl, Izzy was raised in a household where her mother believed the worst thing in the world was to be unmarried — and advised her that it was better to have a broken arm than no arm at all. When I heard those words, I was stunned at the magnitude of how far back in a family this cycle of accepted abuse can go.
Smart plays all the characters and does so with distinction, heart, and emotion that at times can be incredibly draining to witness. I can’t imagine how she is able to deal with the depth of these moments from performance to performance. This actress proves that she is a gift to the world as she gives a masterclass in acting, going effortlessly from one character to the next. When she first appeared, the theater burst into applause that lasted for some time. Once she began to speak, we were all ready, willing, and able to join her on this incredible journey. Her character Izzy touches the heart on so many levels.
Wax did a superb job of capturing and sharing what women in these situations have to endure — physically and emotionally. I will never understand what makes a man feel that he has the right to put his hands on a woman, or to demean her. It is deeply disturbing to see how her husband, Burt, not only believed he had the right to treat her however he chose, but also boldly warned her of what was coming. Wax truly let the audience into the tortured psyche of a person who experiences domestic violence.
This story will leave you speechless. By the end, the only sounds you’ll be able to make are shouts and cheers when Smart comes out to take her well-deserved bow. Sarna Lapine’s direction is exquisite. You won’t be able to leave the theater without continuing a conversation about this very relevant topic.
The technical elements of the show evoke a sense of being trapped and nearly hopeless, while also capturing the resilience to make it through another day — anchored by the good memories that offer moments of grounding. The production features scenic design by Mikiko Suzuki MacAdams, lighting design by Donald Holder, costume design by Tom Broecker and sound design by Beth Lake.
Please do go and see Smart deliver a sublime performance that you will never forget! For tickets visit callmeizzyplay.com.