Billy Crystal's '860' Finds Humor and Heart in Loss on Broadway
The comedian's new one-man show reflects on his home destroyed by fire and offers a poignant mix of laughter and tears.
Billy Crystal's latest one-man Broadway show, "860," which opened Wednesday at the Imperial Theatre, tackles the devastating loss of his family's home in the 2025 Palisades fire with a blend of humor and heartbreak. While the blaze itself is treated with solemnity, Crystal mines his memories and the remnants of his life for comedic and touching anecdotes.
The set features a replica of Crystal's home office, adorned with photos and memorabilia. He guides the audience through a tour of these items, including framed celebrity encounters and a door from his childhood home, recounting humorous anecdotes such as opening for Blood, Sweat & Tears when the lead singer refused to perform. These physical remnants are now gone, leaving only the stories.
Directed by Scott Ellis, the show, which runs without an intermission, transforms the Imperial Theatre into an intimate setting. Critics note Crystal's ability at 78 to captivate the audience, creating a feeling of sharing a personal experience. The narrative begins with Crystal and his wife evacuating their home during the fire, then transitions to his show business tales. This structure, while initially disorienting for some, ultimately connects the personal tragedy to the enduring power of memory and friendship.
Crystal reflects on the passing of friends like Muhammad Ali, Robin Williams, and particularly Rob Reiner, with whom he shared memorable experiences during the filming of "When Harry Met Sally." The show explores the need to preserve these happy memories in the face of loss. However, the review notes that some political jabs at figures like Donald Trump and Joe Biden felt out of place in the otherwise gentle tone of the show.
The show concludes by focusing on the final years spent in his Pacific Palisades home, including a COVID-era anniversary celebration orchestrated by his family. Despite the destruction, small miracles emerged: his World Series rings survived, as did a rock from his office with the word "Laughter" carved into it. "860" ultimately brings a significant amount of that laughter back to Broadway, offering a testament to resilience and the importance of cherished memories.