Billy Crystal has returned to Broadway with a new solo play, “860,” which delves into his personal experiences of love, friendship, and profound loss. Opening earlier this year at the Imperial Theater in New York City, the performance reflects on the tumultuous events of 2025, a year Crystal describes as the most difficult of his life.
The play takes its name from the address of Crystal’s longtime family home in the Pacific Palisades neighborhood of Southern California, which was destroyed in a wildfire in January 2025. Crystal and his wife Janice were forced to evacuate as flames approached, an experience he recounts with a blend of humor and heartbreak. Visual and sound design elements including projected images of the fire and authentic firefighter audio immerse the audience in the chaos of that moment.
“860” serves as both a memoir and an intimate retrospective, exploring Crystal’s life from purchasing the house in 1979 through his career in entertainment and his relationships with friends and colleagues. He shares anecdotes about his early days as a struggling comedian and stay-at-home father, as well as encounters with prominent figures such as Muhammad Ali and Robin Williams. Crystal employs his signature impressions and comedic timing throughout, balancing levity with moments of genuine reflection.
The play also addresses the recent loss of Rob Reiner, Crystal’s longtime close friend who was murdered in December 2025. Crystal approaches Reiner’s death with restraint, acknowledging the tragedy without delving deeply into personal grief. He recalls their friendship beginning on the set of “All in the Family” and lightly highlights their collaborative work, including “When Harry Met Sally...”.
Throughout “860,” themes of love, loss, and resilience are interwoven alongside Crystal’s reflections on fame and fortune. While the play includes some commentary on politics and Hollywood, its core remains a celebration of memory and survival. The production’s set, designed by Scott Pask, recreates the charred space of Crystal’s former home, evoking both nostalgia and devastation, supported by lighting and music that underscore the emotional weight of his story.
At 78, Crystal proves adept at transforming personal sorrow into humor and connection, using the stage as a space to both mourn and move forward. His return to Broadway with “860” offers audiences a candid look at a life shaped by both extraordinary success and profound loss, delivered with the warmth and wit that have defined his career.