B'way Update: Paddington, Billy Crystal

Paddington the Musical will
make the transatlantic leap this spring.
Credit: Johann Persson

At this year's Tony Awards, Neil Patrick Harris brought a teddy bear onstage during the opening number and hostess P!nk said, "That's next season." For those viewers who do not obsessively follow theater news, they were referring to a rumored Broadway transfer of Paddington the Musical, a hit London tuner based on the beloved stuffed bear and hero of a series of books and movies. Producer Sonia Friedman just made it official, the Olivier Award-winner will begin performances at the Al Hirschfeld Theater on March 30, 2027 and open on April 18. The score is by Olivier winner Tom Fletcher, book by Olivier winner Jessica Swale and direction by Olivier winner Luke Sheppard. 

Producers Sonia Friedman and Eliza Lumley said, "Producing Paddington The Musical with our extraordinary writing and creative team has been an immense privilege. Paddington Bear has endured for generations because he reminds us of the best of ourselves: kindness, curiosity, empathy and the belief that everyone deserves to belong. Wrapped inside a joyful theatrical adventure, with Tom Fletcher’s exceptional score at its heart, is a story about finding home, family and community in unexpected places. We have been genuinely blown away by the response to the production so far and are thrilled to be bringing it to Broadway. As the home of so many of the world’s great musicals, there is no more exciting place to produce new work than New York, and we cannot wait to share Paddington’s world with Broadway audiences.”

Billy Crystal's 860 will play the Imperial
this fall

Meanwhile, Billy Crystal's solo show 860, centered around the home he lost in the Palisades fire and directed by Tony nominee Scott Ellis has announced dates and a theater. Previews begin Oct. 1 at the Imperial prior to an Oct. 21 opening for a limited 14-week run through Jan. 3, 2027.

B'way Update: Billy Crystal in 860

Billy Crystal

Tony and Emmy winner Billy Crystal will return to Broadway in 860, a new solo show which he also wrote. Olivier Award winner Scott Ellis directs. Performance begin in the fall at a Shubert theater to be announced. 

"I am thrilled to return to Broadway this fall with this challenging new show," says Crystal in a statement. "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."

Crystal previously appeared on Broadway in 700 Sundays in which he recounted stories of his childhood and his relationship with his father. He won a Tony Award for the show for Best Special Theatrical Event as well as the Drama Desk and Outer Critics Circle awards for Outstanding Solo Performance. In 2022, he starred in a musical version of Mr. Saturday Night, based on the 1992 film in which he starred. Crystal also co-authored the book with Lowell Ganz and Babaloo Mandel.

B'way Update: Billy Crystal and Audra McDonald Return to the Stage

Billy Crystal and Audra McDonald will return to Broadway after long absences. Crystal will star in and co-author Mr. Saturday Night, a new musical based on the 1992 film comedy in which he played Buddy Young, a once famous TV comedian looking for a comeback in his old age. The musical, featuring music by Jason Robert Brown, lyrics by Amanda Greene and a book by Crystal, Lowell Ganz, and Babaloo Mandel (who also collaborated on the screenplay) will begin previews at the Nederlander Theater on March 1 with an opening on March 31. David Paymer will recreate his Oscar-nominated role as Buddy's brother and manager. Also starring will be Tony winner Randy Graff (City of Angels, Fiddler on the Roof) and Chasten Harmon (The Good Fight, Elementary). Tony winner John Rando (Urinetown) directs. The show recently had a presentation at the Barrington Stage Company in Massachusetts.