by Liz Tramer of Skytram Express

Although this was a one-man show, his mannerisms and mimicry made the stage feel as packed as the house.

They say you can never go home again, but can you take your home on the road? In 700 Sundays (which just finished its run at the Winspear Opera House in Dallas), writer, comedian, actor, and master storyteller Billy Crystal gave a riveting performance by retelling (and re-enacting) stories from his childhood in Long Island, New York. Crystal’s hilarious impressions of family members, neighbors, and musicians were made more impactful by the creative stage set design -- the exterior of his childhood home -- making the impressions more vivid.

It became evident early on why Sundays won a 2005 Tony and was a New York theater sensation. Crystal opened the show at the Dallas Winspear Opera House by exiting his “home” and inviting attendees inside his childhood. Crystal lost his father at 15, and the impetus for the show was his realization that he only had 700 Sundays with his beloved dad. The show is a tribute to his life and the people who helped him succeed. Crystal began his monologue with images of his family members and vocal impersonations to add even more character to the characters in the show.

Crystal, the youngest of three sons, took attendees on a tour through his childhood, teens, and through adulthood. Although this was a one-man show, his mannerisms and mimicry made the stage feel as packed as the house. Crystal’s revelations included a personal history with jazz greats ranging from Earl Hines to Fats Waller. Billie Holiday referred to him as Mr. Billy, and he called her Ms. Billie. Images and footage were shown onstage, shot by Crystal’s father.

The humorous first act was followed up with an emotional second half. Sniffles could be heard throughout the house as audience members identified with his retelling of the loss of loved ones and the difficulties of aging. Crystal clearly showed that humor is the key ingredient to tackling everything life throws at you. By welcoming attendees across the globe into his life, he has shown that, even if you are not able to go home, you always take a piece of it with you.

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