Jean Smart has opened up about her return to the stage, revealing that it was a daunting experience, even for a seasoned actress like herself. The 73-year-old Emmy winner spoke to PEOPLE at the opening night of her new play, Call Me Izzy, on June 12.

Smart, who last appeared on Broadway 25 years ago in The Man Who Came to Dinner, admitted that taking on a one-woman show like Call Me Izzy was a challenge. "I wasn't a hundred percent sure I could retain 75 pages, but now I feel very confident about it," she shared.

The play, which runs for a limited 12-week engagement at Studio 54, is a darkly comedic tale about a woman in rural Louisiana who has a secret that is both her greatest gift and her only way out. Smart's performance has earned her a Tony Award nomination.

When asked about returning to Broadway, Smart confessed, "It was very scary. Fear never fuels me. I don't like fear. It's really bad. It feels terrible. It's like getting on a roller coaster. No, no, thank you. I'm good."

Smart's co-stars in Call Me Izzy include Nathan Lane, Julie Halston, and Harriet Harris. The production is directed by Sarna Lapine and will run until August 17.

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