Isabelle Scutley is the main character in a new Broadway play that stars a riveting Jean Smart. She prefers to be called “Izzy” even though her husband Ferd disapproves. Fred is also psychologically and physically abusive, hindering Izzy’s artistic and academic endeavors. To avoid confrontation and harm she is often found in the bathroom, scribbling her poetry on sheets of toilet paper and hiding them in a tampon box. The new play penned by Jamie Wax is aptly titled “Call Me Izzy,” but Ms. Smart who portrays this downtrodden but resilient woman should also be called brilliant, remarkable, and compelling. She is strong but vulnerable, fearful but fearless, and determined but doubtful as she treads the path of an abusive marriage in rural Louisiana. Her only outlet and her only escape are her poetry, and when the audience hears her written words, they may feel the pain diminishing and see the slow renewal of Izzy’s spirit.

Izzy married Ferd at the age of seventeen when she was young and naïve, a common event in a southern rural setting in 1989. Ferd is five years older than Izzy, but at seventeen that was alluring, charming and attractive. It is revealed that she did have a child that died, and her husband holds her responsible. The grief that followed, although not dwelled upon, is obviously one of the factors contributing to Izzy’s current state of mind and horrific relationship. What seems to be a flicker of hope in this dark existence, is a neighbor Rosalie, who introduces Izzy to the library and enters her poetry into a contest, which she wins but then suffers some consequences. When secluded and controlled there is no room for fame or recognition. Izzy also has an affair with the British instructor who is teaching a free writing class at the local Community College, which does not end well. She constantly struggles to rise above the situation and constantly gets pounded down until she reaches the end of her rope. There is nothing left to do except leave and end the misery and pursue her passion, but it may be more difficult than it seems.

This is a solo performance in which Ms. Smart creates all the characters without the aid of costume, wig or makeup changes. She possesses a unique ability to morph into a different persona with just varied intonation and a stylized posture. Her facial expressions at times speak louder than her dialogue and certainly convey her pain and desperation. Her deep understanding of the character and the situation at hand is “honest to a fault,” revealing a tortured soul. Throughout the eighty-five-minute journey the audience witnesses the strength, vulnerability, humor, intelligence, imagination and despair of this woman called “Izzy.”

Jamie Wax has penned a script that is just as relevant at present as it was in 1989. At times events and situations may seem implausible but it never weakens the impact. Deftly directed by Sarna Lapine, the pace is quick and steady while she coaxes emotions to flow at every turn and glance without exaggeration. Scenic design by Mikiko Suzuki MacAdams is simple but effective. Lighting by Donald Holder captures every emotion that Izzy conjures up with subdued tones that are clean and clear, reflecting the location and mood of every scene. This triumphant performance by Ms. Smart is one of the few “not to be missed,” once in a lifetime event that rarely comes across a Broadway stage.