The world premiere bow of Jamie Wax’s drama “Call Me Izzy” will play an additional week on Broadway. The Jean Smart-led solo show, which was originally scheduled to run through Aug. 17, has received an extension through Aug. 24 at Studio 54.
Smart, who has been sidelined from the drama due to a knee injury, will return to the production on July 22. Johanna Day, Smart’s standby, has been playing the titular role since July 5. Day, who was recently announced to continue in the role through July 18, will now also play the performance on July 20. The July 19 matinée and evening performances have been canceled.
“It has been the honor of a lifetime to work with the legendary Jean Smart,” said producers Robert Ahrens, Ben Holtzman, Sammy Lopez and Fiona Howe Rudin in a statement. “Her determination to return to the stage following her knee injury, and to now extend, is not only a testament to her professionalism and dedication, but is also an inspiration, as she ensures the story of the brave and resilient Izzy, and the many stories and humans she represents, continues to be told.”
The rural Louisana-set “Call Me Izzy” follows Izzy, who embraces her proclivity for poetry and writing, despite the disapproval from her abusive husband. The Sarna Lapine-directed play began previews on May 24 and opened on June 12. The production recently launched “Izzy’s Project,” a social impact-themed series of post-performance talkbacks.
“Call Me Izzy” is produced by Robert Ahrens and P3 Productions (Holtzman, Lopez and Rudin).
