Billy Crystal on stage in NZ for first time

Veteran American comic Billy Crystal is to perform in New Zealand for the first time.

The 68 year-old comedian, best known for his many appearances as the host of the Academy Awards, as well as movies like When Harry Met Sally and City Slickers will be on stage of the Aotea Centre's ASB Theatre for two nights on Monday July 4 and Tuesday July 5.

The show is billed as "An Evening of Sit Down with Billy Crystal hosted by Andrew Denton" .
Denton, a veteran Australian television presenter and interviewer, will be prompting Crystal for stories about his life and career.

The show follows Crystal's Tony Award-winning 700 Sundays, an autobiographical one-man show, which toured Australia but not New Zealand.

"I'm absolutely delighted to bring my new show to New Zealand. I have visited this beautiful country before but I am particularly excited to perform there for the very first time," Crystal said.

"The show will be spontaneous, funny and unpredictable. I tell stories, I perform, we show film clips. And yes, I will stand up. It's not only a conversation with Andrew, it's with the audience as well."

Crystal was the Oscar host the night The Fellowship of the Ring swept the awards in 2004 prompting him to quip early in the ceremony: "It's official, there is nobody in New Zealand left to thank."

Tickets for the two shows go on sale on Monday April 18.