Billy Crystal says humor is how he got through a brutal stretch, and he is putting it on stage. In a CBS News “Sunday Morning” interview with Tracy Smith that aired October 11, Crystal talked about “860,” his new one-man Broadway show built around the Pacific Palisades home he lost in the January 2025 wildfire.
“860” is the street address of the house where the Crystals lived for 46 years. The show is in previews at the Imperial Theatre and officially opens October 21 for a limited run through January 3, according to CBS News and BroadwayWorld. Scott Ellis directs, and composer Marc Shaiman worked on the production. The set is an exact replica of Crystal’s home office.
“That’s what I do”
Asked how he finds comedy in dark times, Crystal answered, “That’s what I do! You have to, man… It’s a healer.” He recounts the morning of the fire in the show, including a joke about thinking of a half-eaten veal parmesan sandwich while his wife, Janice, thought about prescriptions.
Crystal also spoke about his friend Rob Reiner, who suggested the title and who was killed with his wife, Michelle, in December 2025. “It’s too big,” Crystal said of the loss. He told CBS that performing the show has already helped him heal, much as his 2004 Tony-winning solo show “700 Sundays” did.
What comes next
Crystal, 78, said he hopes to bring “860” to Los Angeles after the New York run ends. “I’m optimistic for what life is going to bring,” he told CBS. He also discussed the show on “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” earlier this month, as reported by TheWrap and BroadwayWorld.
