Broadway Shows with Long Runs

Broadway has long been a hub of theatre and culture with some of its most well-known productions have been running for decades. Most of the names on the list of Broadway's longest-running plays are familiar from billboards in Times Square. These longest-running Broadway shows have some interesting facts and backstories.

"The Phantom of the Opera" (January 26, 1988- present)

Andrew Lloyd Webber's The Phantom of the Opera is a film about a young soprano who falls obsessed with a deformed brilliant musician in Paris has been a love story for the ages on Broadway for 34 years and counting. Seven Tony Awards were presented to the production, including Best Musical.

"Chicago" (November 14, 1996-present)

Since the Kander and Ebb musical revival launched 26 years ago, "Chicago" has indeed painted the town. The play is set in Chicago during Prohibition and is a satire on the criminal court system's corruption and the concept of "famous" offenders. The show won six Tony Awards, including Best Musical, and has become a popular venue for big-name actors making their Broadway debuts.

"The Lion King"(Since November 13, 1997)

It is one of the highest-grossing Broadway show ever. "The Lion King" has been performed worldwide, and has been running strong for over two decades, winning six Tony Awards, including Best Musical. Over 60 million people for over 25 years have watched The Lion King's thrills, majesty, and uniqueness.

"Cats" (October 7, 1982-Sept. 10, 2000)

T.S. Eliot's "Old Possum's Book of Practical Cats" inspired the musical. Cats also won seven Tony Awards in 1983, including Best Musical. It has been produced in over the world and translated into twenty languages. Played for 18 years.

"Wicked" (October 30, 2003-present)

The Broadway hit "Wicked" has cemented its place for about 19 years now. The tales of how the witches of Oz went from being evil to being nice have captivated the hearts of women worldwide who want to be seen for more than their appearance.

"Les Misérables"(March 12, 1987-May 18, 2003)

The musical version of Victor Hugo's novel about a 19-year-old French peasant imprisoned in early 19th-century France for stealing a loaf of bread won eight Tony Awards. In 1988, the play won the Grammy Award for Best Musical Cast Show Album. The original Broadway production ended in 2003 after 16 years, and it has since been renewed twice, the most recent in 2014.

"A Chorus Line"(July 25, 1975-April 28, 1990)

With this seminal work, choreographer Michael Bennett set a precedent by having authentic dancers relate their tales and transforming them into a lovely musical about what we all do for love. The original Broadway production won nine Tony Awards, including Best Musical and the Pulitzer Prize for Drama. Played for 15 years

"Oh! Calcutta!"(September 24, 1976-Aug. 6, 1989)

A pleasant exception is always welcome. This musical revue, which premiered off-Broadway in 1969, contained sex-themed comedy and some nudity. The rebirth and we're still trying to figure out what has kept it going for the past 14 years.

"Mamma Mia!" (October 18, 2001-Sept. 12, 2015)

A more example of the jukebox's power. The longest-running jukebox musical is ABBA's smash hit for 14 years. The musical's title comes from the group's 1975 hit single "Mamma Mia." Ulvaeus and Andersson, the composers of ABBA's original music, were involved in the show's production.

"Beauty and the Beast"(April 18, 1994-July 29, 2007)

The fans go wild when Disney Theatricals takes one of its iconic franchises to the stage. It's an age-old story. This moving story about how love transcends appearances and family is defined by its members continued on Broadway for 13 years.

"Rent"(April 29, 1996-Sept. 7, 2008)

The Broadway performance created a movement of Rent-heads and innumerable renditions of "Seasons of Love" at high school graduations, despite the sorrow of composer Jonathan Larson's tragic death the night before the first preview. The show received four Tony Award nominations, including Best Musical and Pulitzer Prize for Drama. Was on air for 12 years.

"Jersey Boys"(November 6, 2005-Jan. 15, 2017)

For 12 years, the story of Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons captivated Broadway., proving that many performers can sing like the legendary Valli. With four Tony Awards, including Best Musical, "Jersey Boys" show that there is a market for jukebox musicals.