Billy Crystal kicked off the Hollywood Bowl’s 2026 season on Saturday with a Broadway-themed gala that mixed show-stopping performances and pointed political asides. His quips about former President Donald Trump and Los Angeles’ slow vote counts set a playful, topical tone for an evening that showcased some of theater’s most familiar voices.
Onstage, Crystal framed the night as a celebration of the “best of Broadway,” joking that the program could just as easily have been a different kind of spectacle — a remark that earned laughs and applause from the crowd. He also ribbed the city for its famously slow traffic and the recent, drawn-out tally that confirmed reality star Spencer Pratt would not advance to the mayoral runoff, drawing a parallel to past, high-profile vote recounts in California.
Broadway voices, popular songs
The lineup paired Broadway veterans with a rising-screen talent. Halle Bailey joined Tony winners Darren Criss, Renée Elise Goldsberry, Brian Stokes Mitchell and Lea Salonga for a program backed by the Hollywood Bowl Orchestra under conductor Thomas Wilkins, along with ensembles from the Youth Orchestra of Los Angeles and California State University, Fullerton.
Performances ranged from intimate ballads to full-voiced showstoppers, and several moments stood out for fans of musical theater and casual attendees alike.
- Darren Criss performed “Something’s Coming” from West Side Story and “The Music of the Night” from The Phantom of the Opera, and later duetted with Lea Salonga on “Suddenly Seymour” from Little Shop of Horrors.
- Halle Bailey sang “Part of Your World” — a song she recorded for Disney’s 2023 live-action Little Mermaid — and “Home” from The Wiz.
- Renée Elise Goldsberry revisited “Satisfied,” the powerful number she originated in Hamilton.
- Lea Salonga delivered a commanding “Defying Gravity” from Wicked, while Brian Stokes Mitchell performed “Wheels of a Dream” from Ragtime.
The performances balanced nostalgia with fresh interpretations, and orchestral arrangements added depth to many of the evening’s highlights.
Why this matters now
Beyond entertainment, the opening night underscored how cultural events increasingly reflect current political and civic conversations. Crystal’s references to national and local controversies reminded the audience that arts gatherings often serve as forums for communal reactions — blending humor, critique and shared relief.
For Los Angeles residents and visitors, the Hollywood Bowl’s summer slate remains a major cultural anchor. This season-opening concert not only launched the venue’s calendar but also signaled the kind of high-profile programming that will draw both theater aficionados and mainstream audiences through the summer months.
Expect more crossover moments as the season continues: star-driven shows, orchestral collaborations, and occasional commentary that keeps the performances tied to what’s happening across the city and the country.
