- The Phantom of the Opera is Broadway’s longest-running musical, enchanting audiences since its debut in 1988 at the Majestic Theater.
- Andrew Lloyd Webber’s haunting love story, set in the Paris Opera House, features iconic songs like “The Music of the Night” and stunning stagecraft, including the famous chandelier drop.
- The showwon the Tony Award for Best Musical that year, with Michael Crawford also taking home the award for his iconic portrayal of the Phantom. The original Broadway production closed on April 16, 2023.
Long-running shows on Broadway in New York
Broadway’s long-running shows have become beloved icons of theater, captivating audiences year after year. These productions represent the best of Broadway, known for their unforgettable music, compelling stories, and phenomenal performances. Here’s a guide to some of the longest-running shows in Broadway history, followed by newer hits that are poised to entertain for years to come.
Broadway Legends: The longest-running shows that made history
The Phantom of the Opera
Chicago
- Opening in 1996 as a revival of its original 1957 run, Chicago has captivated audiences with its darkly glamorous take on crime, celebrity, and the justice system in 1920s America.
- Known for its jazz-infused score and choreography by Bob Fosse, it remains a must-see for musical theater lovers. It is currently playing at the Ambassador Theater.
- The revival received 8 Tony Award nominations, winning six, including the prestigious Best Revival award.
The Lion King
- Since its Broadway debut in 1997, The Lion King has thrilled audiences with its breathtaking puppetry and visuals that bring the African savannah to life.
- Elton John and Tim Rice’s music, including classics like “Circle of Life,” continue to make this show a family favorite. It is currently residing at the Minskoff Theater.
- The Lion King received eight Tony Award nominations and won five, including the coveted Best Musical award.
Cats
- Andrew Lloyd Webber’s *Cats held a special place on Broadway's* Winter Garden Theater since its opening in 1982**.
- Inspired by T.S. Eliot’s poetry, the show featured iconic songs like “Memory” and a unique style of dance that captivated audiences around the world.
- Cats received 11 Tony Award nominations and won in seven categories, including the award for Best Musical. The original Broadway production closed on September 10, 2000.
Wicked
- Debuting in 2003 at the Gershwin Theater, Wicked reimagines the Wizard of Oz through the story of the Wicked Witch of the West.
- With powerful songs like “Defying Gravity,” it has become a Broadway staple, known for its message of friendship and acceptance.
- Wicked earned 10 Tony Award nominations and won three, including Best Actress for Idina Menzel’s standout performance.
Les Misérables
- Based on Victor Hugo’s novel, Les Misérables opened in 1987 and returned for a revival in 2014 at the Imperial Theater.
- Known for its emotional score, including songs like “I Dreamed a Dream,” it’s a dramatic tale of revolution, redemption, and resilience.
- Directed by Trevor Nunn, Les Misérables won six of its 10 Tony Award nominations, including the award for Best Musical. The Broadway revival production closed on 4 September 2016.
A Chorus Line
- A Chorus Line held audiences’ attention with its unique look into the lives of dancers auditioning for a Broadway show.
- Opening in 1975, it offered a behind-the-scenes glimpse into the world of theater through dance and memorable songs, at the Shubert Theater.
- It featured a score by Marvin Hamlisch and Ed Kleban, along with a book by James Kirkwood and Nicholas Dante.
- The musical swept the Tony Awards that season, taking home 9 out of its 12 nominations, including the coveted Best Musical award. The original Broadway production closed on April 28, 1990.
Mamma Mia!
- Inspired by the music of ABBA, Mamma Mia! opened on Broadway in 2001 at the Winter Garden Theater.
- Set on a Greek island, this light-hearted musical combines romance and comedy, featuring hits like “Dancing Queen” and “Take a Chance on Me.”
- Mamma Mia! was nominated for five Tony Awards on Broadway, including Best Musical. The original Broadway production closed on September 12, 2015.
Broadway's new generation of long-running hits
These recent Broadway hits may not have been running for decades yet, but they continue to draw audiences and are expected to be part of Broadway’s future for years to come.
Aladdin
- This Disney musical, which opened in 2014, brings Agrabah to Broadway's New Amsterdam Theater with vibrant colors, beloved characters, and classic songs like “A Whole New World.”
- Its elaborate staging and the Genie's dazzling performance make Aladdin a family favorite.
Harry Potter and the Cursed Child
- A spellbinding continuation of J.K. Rowling’s beloved series, Harry Potter and the Cursed Child invites audiences into a magical world set 19 years after the original books.
- The play’s stunning effects and engaging story have made it a Broadway phenomenon, opening in 2017 at the Lyric Theater.
- Harry Potter and the Cursed Child on Broadway is a must-watch, having won 6 Tony Awards, including Best Play.
Back to the Future: The Musical
- The Broadway musical Back to the Future has electrified New York at the Winter Garden Theater with its thrilling sci-fi narrative and charmingly quirky characters, since its premiere in 2023.
- Inspired by the iconic 1985 film, Back to the Future: The Musical promises to keep you on the edge of your seat as it transports you through time—past, present, and future.
- Featuring hit songs like "The Power of Love," "Back in Time," and "Johnny B. Goode", this stage adaptation is also a 2024 Tony Award nominee.
Moulin Rouge! The Musical
- Experience the 10-time Tony Award-winning production of Moulin Rouge! The Musical on Broadway, which opened in 2019 at the Al Hirschfeld Theater. Baz Luhrmann's iconic film comes to life through stunning sets, dazzling costumes, and dynamic performances, in this groundbreaking spectacle.
- The show features a spectacular 70-song medley, blending timeless hits from the past five decades, along with beloved tracks from the original film.
- Directed by Tony Award winner Alex Timbers, with a book by John Logan, this musical is a true masterpiece of creativity.
Hamilton
- Lin-Manuel Miranda’s groundbreaking musical Hamilton fuses hip-hop, jazz, and R&B to tell the story of American founding father Alexander Hamilton.
- Since its debut in 2015 at the Richard Rodgers Theater, it has become a cultural phenomenon, beloved for its innovative storytelling and music.
- Experience the magic as the Tony, Grammy, and Emmy Award-winner captivates on stage, brought to life by Tony Award nominee Thomas Kail's dynamic direction.
