Episode Summary: "Jean Smart in 'Call Me Izzy'! Plus, Betsy Wolfe and Ella Stiller"

Release Date: July 17, 2025
Podcast: The Broadway Show: Uncut
Host: Tamsen Fadal
Guests: Jean Smart, Betsy Wolfe, Ella Stiller

Introduction

In this episode of "The Broadway Show: Uncut," hosted by Tamsen Fadal, listeners are treated to an in-depth exploration of three remarkable women shaping the New York City theater scene. The episode spotlights Jean Smart's triumphant return to Broadway with her solo performance "Call Me Izzy," Betsy Wolfe's heartfelt portrayal in the new musical "Joy," and Ella Stiller's Off Broadway debut in the provocative play "Delaria." Each segment delves into the personal journeys, creative processes, and profound insights of these talented performers, offering listeners a comprehensive view of contemporary Broadway dynamics.

Jean Smart on Her Broadway Return in "Call Me Izzy"

Timestamp Highlights: [00:04] – [13:19]

Jean Smart, an Emmy and Golden Globe winner, marks her first Broadway appearance in 25 years with the solo show "Call Me Izzy." The interview, conducted by Paul Wontorek, delves into her motivations, challenges, and the nuances of performing a one-woman show.

• Career Reflection:

  • Jean Smart: "Extraordinarily blessed, especially in the last 10 years or so" (01:16).
  • Smart reminisces about her early theater days, noting how pivotal Off Broadway plays were in launching her career.

• The Challenge of a Solo Show:

  • Jean Smart: "The idea of it was very daunting" (01:57).
  • She discusses the initial intimidation of undertaking a one-person performance but emphasizes the empowering experience once rehearsals began: "Once we started doing it, I thought, okay, I think I can do this" (01:59).

• Character Depth and Audience Connection:

  • Jean Smart: "She talks directly to them" (02:22).
  • Smart highlights the intimate nature of the performance, where her character, Izzy, engages directly with the audience, creating a compelling and personal theatrical experience.

• Historical Context and Career Trajectory:

  • Reflecting on her journey, Smart shares, "I always wanted to come to New York. I didn't really think about doing television and film" (08:44), underscoring her steadfast commitment to theater despite ventures into other mediums.

• Audience Reception:

  • Jean Smart: "The audience reaction has been just more than I could have hoped for" (02:09).
  • She expresses immense gratitude for the positive reception, which has reinforced her confidence in the show's impact.

• Personal Insights:

  • Smart delves into her personal growth and how "Call Me Izzy" has rekindled her passion for Broadway, culminating in a performance that blends humor, vulnerability, and raw storytelling.

Betsy Wolfe on the Musical "Joy"

Timestamp Highlights: [13:53] – [27:21]

Betsy Wolfe stars in "Joy," a new musical based on the true story of the inventor of the Miracle Mop. This segment explores her deep connection to the role, the creative process, and her entrepreneurial ventures alongside her acting career.

• Journey with "Joy":

  • Betsy Wolfe: "I just fell in love with her so much" (03:24).
  • Wolfe recounts how she initially discovered the story behind Joy and her evolving attachment to the character over seven years, culminating in her starring role.

• Character and Story Connection:

  • Betsy Wolfe: "She's a survivor and she still has optimism" (06:33).
  • She emphasizes the resilience and creative spirit of Joy, portraying her as a multidimensional character whose struggles and triumphs resonate deeply.

• Broadway Evolved Initiative:

  • Betsy Wolfe: "Broadway Evolved... students come from all over the world" (18:36).
  • Wolfe discusses her role in Broadway Evolved, an initiative aimed at fostering personal and technical growth for aspiring performers, highlighting its impact beyond just theatrical training.

• Balancing Personal and Professional Life:

  • Betsy Wolfe: "I have to balance being a mom and a wife" (17:44).
  • She shares the challenges and rewards of juggling motherhood, entrepreneurship, and a demanding acting career, drawing parallels to her character's journey in "Joy."

• Thematic Depth of "Joy":

  • Wolfe explores the broader themes of the musical, including generational dynamics and the emotional significance of creating something that simplifies and enriches lives: "This mop made her life easier, and she knew that it would make lives easier for women" (22:30).

• Authenticity and Collaboration:

  • Betsy Wolfe: "I have a chance to capture her essence" (27:35).
  • Highlighting the collaborative nature of the production, Wolfe emphasizes the importance of authentically portraying a living legend, ensuring that Joy's true spirit is reflected on stage.

Ella Stiller's Off Broadway Debut in "Delaria"

Timestamp Highlights: [28:45] – [39:57]

Ella Stiller, daughter of actors Ben Stiller and Christine Taylor, discusses her debut in "Delaria," a dark comedy that delves into themes of true crime and social media obsession. The conversation explores her motivations, the play's relevance, and her theatrical lineage.

• Excitement and Aspirations:

  • Ella Stiller: "This is my total dream come true" (28:54).
  • Stiller conveys her profound excitement about starring in "Delaria," describing it as the culmination of her lifelong dedication to theater.

• Role Exploration:

  • Ella Stiller: "She's so complicated" (31:07).
  • She provides insights into her character, Delaria, emphasizing the complexities and emotional depth that make the role both challenging and rewarding.

• Cultural Relevance:

  • Stiller discusses how "Delaria" reflects contemporary societal issues, particularly the impact of social media on personal identity and relationships: "Delaria loves attention... she may go to certain measures to receive that kind of love" (31:20).

• Family Legacy and Influence:

  • Ella Stiller: "I take a lot of pride in my family's roots in the theater" (35:22).
  • She pays homage to her grandparents, Jerry Stiller and Anne Mara, and her father, Ben Stiller, highlighting how their legacy has shaped her own career and passion for the stage.

• Personal Growth and Community:

  • Ella Stiller: "This is where my strong suit is" (38:24).
  • Stiller reflects on her growth as an actress and her commitment to the theater community, emphasizing the importance of authentic and meaningful performances.

• Balancing Tradition and Innovation:

  • Stiller navigates the balance between honoring her family's theatrical heritage and carving out her unique path, ensuring that her contributions bring fresh perspectives to the industry.

Conclusion

This episode of "The Broadway Show: Uncut" masterfully intertwines the narratives of Jean Smart, Betsy Wolfe, and Ella Stiller, showcasing their diverse talents and unwavering commitment to the arts. Through candid discussions and heartfelt reflections, listeners gain a nuanced understanding of the challenges and triumphs inherent in the world of Broadway. From solo performances and innovative musicals to groundbreaking Off Broadway plays, these women exemplify the dynamic and evolving nature of contemporary theater. Their stories not only inspire aspiring actors and entrepreneurs but also highlight the enduring power of storytelling and resilience in transforming lives both on and off the stage.

Note: Timestamps in brackets (e.g., [00:04]) correspond to the moments in the transcript where the quoted statements occur.