Call Me Izzy on Broadway Will Host Izzy's Project Talkbacks Weekly, Partnering With Human Rights Organizations

Call Me Izzy on Broadway, a new solo play starring Hacks Emmy winner Jean Smart, has launched Izzy's Project, a series of weekly talkbacks, each collaborating with a human rights organization to educate and encourage dialogue.

Call Me Izzy officially opened June 12 at Studio 54, where it will run through August 17. Jamie Wax's play centers on a woman in rural Louisiana trapped in an abusive marriage who finds possible escape through writing poetry. Izzy's Project will welcome organizations such as the Women's Community Justice Association, No Book Bans, V-DAY, and more every Thursday (except July 3) beginning June 26. The initiative launched June 17 with PEN America, a non-profit organization that stands at the intersection of literature and human rights.

As a part of the project, a Little Free Library has also been installed in the lobby of Studio 54. Audience members are encouraged to take a book or leave one to create ongoing exchange of stories and ideas that reflects the heart of the play. Throughout the run, favorite books from VIP guests will be added. The first one is The Brothers Karamazov, recommended by Hillary Rodham Clinton.

The production features scenic design by Mikiko Suzuki MacAdams, lighting design by Donald Holder, costume design by Tom Broecker, sound design by Beth Lake, wig design by Richard Martin, and original music by T Bone Burnett. Casting is by Caparelliotis Castings' David Caparelliotis and Joseph Gery. Howard Tilkin serves as production stage manager, with Elizabeth Allen as assistant stage manager. Olivia Wilusz is assistant director.

Playwright Wax is a comic, solo performer, playwright, journalist, and actor, whose writing credits include the musicals Evangeline and Passages (both written with composer Paul Taranto). Wax has been developing Call Me Izzy with Smart for several years.

Robert Ahrens is producing with P3 Productions' Ben Holtzman, Sammy Lopez, and Fiona Howe Rudin. Though performing at Studio 54, the play is not a Roundabout Theatre Company production.

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