Interludes

VIEWPOINTS – Celebrity solo shows worthy of the buzz: Billy Crystal wistfully goes down memory lane in 860, Andrew Scott devastates in the incisive SEA WALL

• By drediman
• November 2, 2026
• No Comments

This fall, there are a pair of celebrity solo shows that I’m happy to report were worthy of the buzz, if not necessarily their hefty price (at least as it relates to one of them; hint, it’s the one that closed). These would be Billy Crystal in his theatrical memoir 860 on Broadway and Andrew Scott in Simon Stephens incisive theatrical monologue Sea Wall Off-Broadway at Studio Seaview. As always, read on for my thoughts on these in-demand performances.

BILLY CRYSTAL: 860
Imperial Theatre
Through February 14

This fall, Billy Crystal has returned to the Great White Way in his new one man show 860 (RECOMMENDED) at the Imperial Theatre. Instigated by the devastating destruction of his family’s longtime home in the Los Angeles area as a result to the increasingly severe wild fires in the area, the production begins as a chronicle of the star’s history with the house as a struggling young entertainer (the show’s title refers to the house’s street number), as well as the home’s own fascinating association with show business (e.g., Will Rogers was once a guest there). Then after spending arguably a majority of the play going down memory lane reminiscing through his parade of notable career achievements, the show transitions gracefully to conclude on a reflective meditation on time and mortality, as well as the grounding effect of a healthy family life. Despite the occasional cussing, 860 is ultimately a wholesome show, both as accessible entertainment, as well as a more philosophical meditation on a holistic approach to life. The show makes for a fascinating companion piece to 700 Sundays, the comedian’s well-received 2004 theatrical memoir recounting Crystal’s childhood and the vivacious characters that shaped it. The production has been staged smoothly by veteran director Scott Ellis with the aid of some wonderfully illustrative projections. Simultaneously crowd-pleasing and genuinely heart-warming, 860 is a testament Crystal’s enduring appeal and his singular talent to intimately hold court in a room of any size.

SEA WALL
Studio Seaviw
Closed (film forthcoming)

Then there was the fascinating, recently-shuttered return of Simon Stephens stealthy, quietly devastating one man play Sea Wall (HIGHLY RECOMMENDED) about an everyman trying — and failing — to cope with the tragic death of his young daughter. Presented by the savvy folks over at Studio Seaview and starring brooding film star Andrew Scott — for whom the play was originally written (although the compact piece was previously seen in New York in the solo show doubleheader Sea Wall/A Life instead starring Tom Sturridge and Jake Gyllenhaal, respectively) — the revival’s 19 performances were filmed for a future studio release that allegedly encompasses both the play itself and the theatrical process/experience. Perhaps best known as the “hot priest” in the television series adaptation of Phoebe Waller-Bridge’s seminal Fleabag, the actor showcased his signature ability to dive deep into characters with frightening intensity, a quality that made his solo Vanya — in which he played every single role in Chekhov’s seminal play Uncle Vanya with extraordinarily sensitive empathy — one of the hottest tickets in town a few seasons back, as this production was. Indeed, Scott felt every single moment of Simons’ poetic, keenly observant text, unafraid of elongating emotional crescendos while boldly staring down existential crisis, yet was also unafraid to indulge in some meta-theatrical, fourth wall-busting play. The production was staged by director Tina Satter on an essentially bare stage with a stark austerity that bordered on unnerving.