Crystal Delivers Witty Monologue at Hollywood Bowl Premiere
Veteran comedian Billy Crystal entertained a packed Hollywood Bowl on Saturday, hosting the opening night of the venue’s 2026 season. The 78-year-old performer, a New York City native, embraced the enthusiastic reception, quipping, “Welcome to the 2026 opening night of the Hollywood Bowl.” He then pivoted to political humor, referencing recent events with a jab at former President Donald Trump.
Crystal remarked, “I haven’t heard excitement like that since they took Trump’s name off the Kennedy Center – unbelievable.” This comment followed a federal court order last month by U.S. District Judge Christopher Cooper, which mandated the removal of Trump’s name from the building, citing procedural violations by the board that approved the renaming.
In a statement to the federal court, the venue’s executive director, Matt Floca, confirmed that “all physical signage on the Kennedy Center building and grounds… that purports to rename the Kennedy Center after President Trump” had been dismantled by workers. Crystal, a nine-time Academy Awards host, also turned his attention to local Los Angeles politics.
Jabs at LA Mayoral Race and Ballot Counting
Addressing the atmosphere in Los Angeles, Crystal, as reported by The Wrap, observed, “The stars are out, the music’s alive, there’s pollutants in the air – what an L.A. night.” He continued with a quip about the city’s notorious traffic, linking it to the extended ballot counting process. “Traffic moves so slowly. I got here yesterday, I thought I’ll beat it everything’s slow here – that’s how we count our mail-in ballots – very slow.”
His remarks came after a prolonged election period that saw City Council member Nithya Raman competing against Republican Spencer Pratt, with the winner slated to face incumbent Mayor Karen Bass in the upcoming fall election. Crystal also humorously referenced the 2003 California gubernatorial recall election, stating, “Right before I came out, they had the final results of the governor race, and Gray Davis is going to be in,” a nod to Arnold Schwarzenegger’s eventual victory.
Broadway and a UFC Dig
The evening’s theme was “The Best of Broadway.” Crystal, referencing a Trump-backed UFC event, lightheartedly stated, “It was either this or holding a UFC match here, and we decided that we would be classy and respectful.” The audience’s groans were met with Crystal’s reassurance, “I know. We’ll get through it.” He also took the opportunity to plug his upcoming Broadway show, “860,” asking the audience, “You love Broadway, I love Broadway – and speaking of Broadway, did I mention my new show a few minutes ago?”
Crystal concluded his set with another joke about Southern California’s traffic, pleading with the audience to “stay in your seat for about a minute or two” after the fireworks so he could make a swift exit. “It’s been an honor everybody,” he added.
Star-Studded Performances
The event featured performances from Broadway stars Halle Bailey, Darren Criss, Renée Elise Goldsberry, Brian Stokes Mitchell, and Lea Salonga, who presented “The Best of Broadway.” The Hollywood Bowl Orchestra, conducted by Thomas Wilkins, provided musical accompaniment, joined by singers from the Youth Orchestra of Los Angeles and California State University, Fullerton.
