Billy Crystal returned to the New York stage this month with “860,” a deeply personal one-man show that chronicles the loss of his family home in the 2025 Palisades Fire in Los Angeles. The production, now in preview at the Imperial Theatre and set to officially open on October 21, marks a departure from his previous Broadway work by focusing on intimate storytelling rather than musical performance.

Crystal, 78, who first came back to Broadway in 2022 with “Mr. Saturday Night,” a musical adaptation of his 1992 film, said that “860” is a more emotionally demanding project. The title refers to the street number of his former house, which he and his family moved into in 1979. The show reflects on the devastation of losing that home after nearly 46 years and explores themes of family, resilience, and renewal.

During a conversation at the Paley Museum on October 12, where he received the inaugural PaleyFest Award recognizing his five decades of creative work, Crystal emphasized the support of his family—his wife of 56 years, Janice, and their two daughters, Jennifer and Lindsay—in navigating the traumatic experience. Janice Crystal also produces the show.

Crystal recounted that the family was home together when they were told to evacuate due to the advancing wildfire, which ultimately destroyed thousands of homes across the greater Los Angeles area, including theirs. He later learned of the loss through television reports and social media, a moment he described as painful. He also expressed frustration at media conduct, citing an incident in which a reporter crossed onto their property without permission.

Rather than dwell solely on loss, “860” conveys how the family came together in the aftermath, presenting a narrative about moving forward despite adversity. Crystal described the process of writing the 90-minute play as a means to transform his trauma into humor and connection. “It’s not just starting over. It’s moving forward,” he said.

For the production, Crystal collaborated closely with set designer Scott Pask to recreate his home office onstage, using photographs taken over the years. The set serves as both a comforting and bittersweet reminder of what was lost.

“860” will run through January 3, 2027, offering audiences an intimate portrait of loss, family unity, and resilience as experienced by one of America’s most enduring entertainers.