Billy Crystal’s hit show returns to Broadway

There are apparently a few more Sundays left in Billy Crystal.

The star of City Slickers and When Harry Met Sally says he will reprise his funny and poignant one-man autobiographical show 700 Sundays on Broadway for a 9-week stand this winter.

700 Sundays was a Broadway success during the 2004-2005 season, playing to sold-out houses and winning a Tony Award for special theatrical experience. Crystal took it on the road, both in America and abroad.

Previews of its return will begin on November 5 at the Imperial Theatre, with an opening night set for November 13. The final performance is scheduled for January 5.

In a statement, the New York-bred Crystal said the show – which makes its first return to New York since its Broadway debut – will mark its final performances.

“I’ve now decided to tell this story one last time in my own backyard, where it all took place,” he said. “It is a privilege to return to Broadway to say goodbye to one of the greatest thrills of my life.”

Loss triggers the stories in 700 Sundays, the centrepiece being the death of Crystal’s father, Jack, who died of a heart attack at age 54 when his son, Billy, was 15.

The show’s title comes from a calculation by Crystal that father and son spent that many Sundays together before Jack Crystal died. Sunday was the one day of the week the two had to enjoy each other’s company since Jack Crystal always held two or three jobs.

Other relatives from Crystal’s suburban Long Island childhood pop up too: Uncle Milt, who founded the legendary Commodore Records; Uncle Berns and Aunt Sheila, among others.

The show, written with good friend Alan Zweibel, will also feature its original director, Des McAnuff. It became the highest grossing non-musical in Broadway’s history.

In 2009, Crystal reprised the show with engagements in six major cities, including Philadelphia, Dallas, Miami, Atlanta and Washington DC. The work was also turned into a book.