Billy Crystal Announces Broadway Play About Loss of L.A. Home

The one-man show '860' will explore the actor's personal experience with the California wildfires.

Apr. 15, 2026 at 7:10am

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An extreme close-up photograph of a lush, deep red velvet theater curtain, the fabric's fibers and weave visible in dramatic high-contrast lighting, conceptually representing the glamour and emotional resonance of a personal story being brought to the Broadway stage.The rich, textured velvet of a theater curtain evokes the emotional grandeur of Billy Crystal's personal story coming to Broadway.Altadena Today

Actor and comedian Billy Crystal is bringing a new one-man Broadway play to the stage this fall titled '860', which was inspired by the loss of his home in the 2025 California wildfires. The show, which Crystal wrote and will star in, is scheduled for a 12-week limited engagement at the Shubert Theater and will explore the personal impact of the devastating fires that destroyed thousands of homes in the Altadena and Pacific Palisades areas.

Why it matters

The California wildfires of 2025 were some of the most destructive on record, killing 31 people and destroying countless homes belonging to both regular residents and high-profile celebrities like Crystal. The play provides a personal perspective on the emotional toll of losing a long-time family home and the resilience required to move forward.

The details

Crystal's new play '860' is a one-man show that he wrote and will star in, directed by Scott Ellis. It is scheduled for a 12-week limited engagement on Broadway starting in October. The title refers to the address of the home Crystal and his wife Janice lost in the 2025 Palisades fires. The couple had lived in the home since 1979 and raised their family there. In a statement, Crystal said the play will share the 'funny and touching things' that happened in the home over the decades, and how 'with the love of family and friends and your inner strength, you can get through tough times.'

  • The California wildfires that destroyed Crystal's home occurred in January 2025.
  • Crystal's new Broadway play '860' is scheduled to begin preview performances in October 2026.

The players

Billy Crystal

An American actor, comedian, writer, producer, director, and television host who is bringing a new one-man Broadway play to the stage about the loss of his home in the 2025 California wildfires.

Janice Crystal

Billy Crystal's wife, who shared a statement with People magazine about the loss of the couple's home of 46 years in the 2025 Palisades fires.

Scott Ellis

The director of Billy Crystal's new Broadway play '860'.

James L. Nederlander

A theater owner who is producing Billy Crystal's new Broadway play '860'.

Larry Magid

A producer of Billy Crystal's new Broadway play '860'.

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What they’re saying

“I am thrilled to return to Broadway this fall with this challenging new show. '860' was the address of the home we lost in the Palisades fires. We lived there for 46 years. I invite you to come inside 860 and I'll tell you all the funny and touching things that happened there, not only in my career but to our family. It's a joyous and heartfelt visit, about how with the love of family and friends and your inner strength, you can get through tough times. I look forward to returning to Broadway and welcoming audiences to 860.”

— Billy Crystal

“Janice and I lived in our home since 1979. We raised our children and grandchildren here. Every inch of our house was filled with love. Beautiful memories that can't be taken away. We are heartbroken of course but with the love of our children and friends we will get through this.”

— Billy Crystal

What’s next

Previews for Billy Crystal's new Broadway play '860' are scheduled to begin in October 2026, with the show's official opening night to follow.

The takeaway

The loss of a long-time family home to natural disaster can be a deeply personal and emotional experience, even for high-profile celebrities. Crystal's new Broadway play provides a platform for him to share his own story of resilience and the importance of community support in the face of such tragedy.