The legacy of the 1987 classic film *The Princess Bride* continues to inspire laughter and nostalgia, as evidenced by an event marking the Broadway opening of Billy Crystal’s new show, *860*, on 21st October 2026. Among those in attendance was Carol Kane, who fondly recalled her experiences of working alongside Crystal on the beloved fantasy comedy.
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Kane, now 74 years old, spoke with enthusiasm about the film’s memorable moments, particularly highlighting an improvised scene featuring Crystal’s character, Miracle Max. The actress reminisced about the filming in London, where Crystal’s improvisation was so uproarious that it led to co-star Mandy Patinkin laughing uncontrollably. “He laughed so hard that he broke a rib trying to hold it in,” Kane shared, illustrating just how infectious Crystal’s comedic talent can be.
In *The Princess Bride*, Crystal portrays Miracle Max, an eccentric healer enlisted by Patinkin’s Inigo Montoya and André the Giant’s Fezzik to resuscitate Westley, played by Cary Elwes, who is left in a near-death state due to the nefarious actions of Chris Sarandon’s Prince Humperdinck. Kane’s character, Valerie, complements the scene with her own sharp wit, pushing her husband to assist the desperate visitors seeking help.
The hilarity of the sequence lies in Miracle Max’s absurd distinction between being “mostly dead” and “all dead”. Instead of taking a serious approach to Westley’s condition, Crystal’s character lightens the mood by asserting that “mostly dead” means there’s still a sliver of hope. This quirky explanation, punctuated by Crystal’s impeccable comedic timing, transforms a bleak situation into one of the film’s most entertaining exchanges. Kane noted that Patinkin’s challenges to suppress his laughter while filming contribute to the enduring behind-the-scenes stories that fans cherish.
The recent opening of *860* at the Imperial Theatre marks a new chapter for Crystal, moving away from the fantastical world of *The Princess Bride* to touch on more personal themes. The production, running until 3rd January 2027, delves into the impacts of life, loss, family, and friendship, particularly inspired by the traumatic experience of losing his longtime home in the wildfires of January 2025.
In an industry often dominated by extravagant productions, Crystal’s solo performance in *860* provides a refreshing perspective on storytelling. The show aims to weave together humour with profound reflections, illustrating that humour can act as a balm during even the most challenging experiences. The official synopsis states, “the power of laughter can overcome even the hardest of times,” resonating with audiences who appreciate both the heart and the humour in life’s journey.
Attending the Broadway opening, Kane expressed her joy at being able to celebrate Crystal’s new endeavour, which serves as a testament to his resilience and creativity. The camaraderie among the original cast members of *The Princess Bride* reflects not just their shared history, but also the bonds that have been forged through laughter and unforgettable moments.
As Crystal brings his life experiences to the stage, fans of *The Princess Bride* can take solace in the knowledge that the same spirit of joy and laughter that characterized the film lives on in his new work. With *860*, audiences are invited to reflect on their own relationships, illuminating the timeless truth that even during turbulent times, laughter remains an integral part of healing and connection.
Kane’s fond reminiscence of working on *The Princess Bride* serves as a reminder of cinema’s power not only to entertain but also to create lasting memories and strong bonds amongst its cast and audience alike. Crystal’s journey on Broadway with *860* encourages a celebration of both life’s joys and its sorrows, inviting viewers to cherish the moments that make life truly magical.