What are the Longest Running Broadway Shows? (2024)

FAQs

What are the longest running Broadway shows of all time? ›

The London production ran for 21 years and 8,949 performances, while the Broadway production ran for 18 years and 7,485 performances, making Cats the longest-running musical in both theatre districts for a number of years. Cats has since been revived in the West End twice and on Broadway once.

As the Guinness World Record holder for the most performances in the same Broadway show, George Lee Andrews thought he had seen it all during his 23 years in “The Phantom of the Opera,” including 12 different actors in the title role and the stunning metamorphosis of a once-seedy Times Square.

The Lion King sits at the top, with a Broadway gross of $1.9 billion. Dates refer to original Broadway productions, with notes added for future productions that outran the Broadway run. † Background shading indicates shows running in the week commencing 19 April 2024 in Broadway theatres.

On Broadway Apr 1988 - May 1988

The musical adaptation of Carrie is perhaps the most infamous failure in Broadway history. The show was such a failure that books have been written about just how terrible Carrie was. The musical was adapted from Steven King's hom*onymous novel, and the classic horror film that followed.

To give some context as to how the “Jellicle” name was invented, Robbie Fairchild answered the question saying, “A Jellicle cat is the way that toddlers to T.S. Elliot would say 'dear little cat. '” Rebel Wilson backed up the story, saying, “Yes, it's from a toddler that can't form words properly.”

Generally, the average Broadway salary for non-celebrity actors is between $45,000 and $220,000 per year, depending on the run of the show or their contract length in an ongoing production. The current Equity weekly minimum salary for Broadway actors is $2,439 per week.

How long did Les Misérables run on Broadway? ›

The Broadway production opened 12 March 1987 and ran until 18 May 2003, closing after 6,680 performances. At the time of its closing, it was the second-longest-running musical in Broadway history.

Under SAG-AFTRA and Equity contracts, actors are guaranteed a set rate of pay for both rehearsal and performance. The rate changes over time as union contracts are renegotiated, and it's influenced by the details of the production.

The actor who has appeared in the most Broadway plays and musicals combined is Chita Rivera. Chita Rivera is a legendary American actress, singer, and dancer who has had a prolific career on Broadway. She is known for her roles in musicals such as "West Side Story," "Chicago," and "The Rink," among others.

Beauty and the Beast opened on Broadway at the Palace Theatre on April 18, 1994. Disney Theatrical signed a 49-year revenue based lease for New Amsterdam Theatre in May 1995.

“The Mousetrap” is in the Guinness Book of World Records for the longest running play in the world.

Everybody knows that The Phantom of the Opera is the longest-running show on Broadway, but you might be surprised to learn the longest-running show at each of our 41 currently operating individual Broadway theatres.

The actor who has appeared in the most Broadway plays and musicals combined is Chita Rivera. Chita Rivera is a legendary American actress, singer, and dancer who has had a prolific career on Broadway. She is known for her roles in musicals such as "West Side Story," "Chicago," and "The Rink," among others.