Broadway By the Numbers - The Longest Runners

With the news that Harry Potter and the Cursed Child just became the third longest-running play in Broadway history, I was curious about other long-running shows. I mean we all know about The Phantom of the Opera and the current revival of Chicago, but what about others?

Broadway By the Numbers:

The Longest Runners

The most surprising thing to me was the fact that over the years and thousands of productions there are only 127 shows that have played 1,000 performances or more!

NOTE: For the rest of these stats, I only considered the 100 longest-running shows as of August 31, 2025.

• The first Broadway show to reach 1,000 performances was a play from 1918 called Lightnin', which played a total of 1,291 shows.
• The bottom spot is currently a tie between the original production of Cabaret and & Juliet, both with 1,165 performances. (By the time you read this, & Juliet will be #99 and climbing, with Cabaret a solid #100.)
• Of the 100 productions: 5 are Musical Revivals, 21 are Plays, and 74 are Musicals.
• 42 won either the Best Play, Best Musical or Best Revival Tony Awards.
• 12 were not Tony Award eligible.

The 1910s - 1 Top 100

    Longest Running: #86: Lightnin' 1,291 performances (play)

The 1920s - 1 Top 100

    Longest Running: #34: Abie's Irish Rose 2,327 performances (play)

The 1930s - 3 Top 100

    Longest Running: #20: Life With Father 3,224 performances (play)

The 1940s - 7 Top 100

    Longest Running: #36: Oklahoma! 2,212 performances (musical)

The 1950s - 6 Top 100

    Longest Running: #23: My Fair Lady 2,717 performances (musical)

The 1960s - 14 Top 100

    Longest Running: #19: Fiddler on the Roof 3,242 performances (musical)

The 1970s - 18 Top 100

    Longest Running: #7: A Chorus Line 6,137 performances (musical)

The 1980s - 8 Top 100

    Longest Running: #1: The Phantom of the Opera 13,981 performances (musical)

The 1990s - 11 Top 100

    Longest Running: #6: Chicago 11,329 performances (musical revival)*

The 2000s - 15 Top 100

    Longest Running: #3: Wicked 8,490 performances (musical)*

The 2010s - 13 Top 100

    Longest Running: #11: The Book of Mormon 5,343 performances (musical)*

The 2020s - 3 Top 100

    Longest Running: #65: Six 1,618 performances (musical)*

* - still running

Friday 5: 5 Iconic Props of the 2024-2025 Season

If I said, "rolling pin and chaste silver razor" or "a cow as white as milk, a cape as red as blood, hair as yellow as corn, a slipper as pure as gold," you'd probably know right away what Broadway show to which I am referring. These props have become synonymous with their respective productions. 

Over the years there have been many. Heck, just looking over the shows currently playing there are several. The genie's lamp is so iconic it is part of Aladdin's logo. Hadestown goes even farther - that red flower is not only on the Playbill cover, it adorns the outside of the Walter Kerr Theater! Then there's the golden quill from & Juliet, the green elixir from Wicked, Eliza's letter from Hamilton, and Ponyboy's journal from The Outsiders. At least some of those have achieved Sweeney Todd levels of notoriety, right?

Each season, I am always curious to see what will become the latest additions to the "Broadway's Iconic Props" list. Here's what I think they might be from the season just ended:

5 Iconic Props of the 2024-2025 Season

5. John Proctor is the Villain: Copies of The Crucible: Since Arthur Miller's classic figures so prominently in this play (and its title), it would seem odd not to have the scripts appear in the show. Every character in the play has a copy in their hands at least once. Very meta. 

4. Oh, Mary!: The Bucket: Ok, so it is gross, but completely necessary in this zany Tony-winning play. I won't go into details here, but if you know, you know!

3. Sunset Blvd.: The cameras: Everyone in the show had to be ready for their close-up! Given the way this revival is presented, this inclusion shouldn't be a surprise. I'll admit that before I saw it, I was prepared to be annoyed by them getting in the way. Now I can't imagine it without them. 

2. Death Becomes Her: The Potion Vail: This little purple vial is so important to this show, it not only appears in the show, and is part of the show logo, but it later shows up as a big set piece! Did the Wicked vial walk so this one could run?

1. Maybe Happy Ending: The Firefly Jar: That big jar starts out as a money holder, then transforms into a habitat for Claire's beloved fireflies. It is part of one of the most beautiful scenes of the entire season. I love that this is Claire's connection to nature, just as HwaBoon is Oliver's. Even Helperbots need life to make them feel whole.

A Special Note About HwaBoon: I'm betting many of you are thinking, "Jeff, how could you not pick the breakout prop of the year, HwaBoon?" Well, that's because he's come out as a character, NOT a prop. He even posted a pic from his dressing room with his script (left). You may have seen that he's also been getting around town, visiting Audrey II at Little Shop of Horrors, and as recently as last week, he visited the grasslands at The Lion King. I'd like to see Mrs. Lovett's rolling pin do that!

Friday 5: Two Ladies: Shows With 2 Female Leads

"Bee-dle-dee dee dee dee, I like it, Bee-dle-dee dee dee dee, We like it, Bee-dle-dee dee dee dee, This two for one!"

So sings the giddy Emcee in Cabaret. We all know what that song suggests. But there is another way we like to enjoy two ladies - when they are the leads in a big Broadway show! Here are Friday 5 of our favorites!

Two Ladies: Shows with 2 Female Leads

Chicago (1975-76 & 1996-97*) Velma Kelly and Roxie Hart In 1975, Bob Fosse brought his musical vaudeville to Broadway with two legends in the starring roles - Gwen Verdon as Roxie and Chita Rivera as Velma, and the rest is history. Well, that is until the show came back in the mid-90s with Ann Reinking as Roxie and Bebe Neuwirth as Velma. The two Merry murderesses have been hoofing it on the Great White Way ever since, and the show is now the 2nd longest running show in Broadway history! Nowadays and forever it would seem.

Death Becomes Her (2024-25*) Madeline Ashton and Helen Sharp The newest dynamic duo to hit the Rialto, Megan Hilty (as Madeline) and Jennifer Simard (as Helen) bring new meaning to "dueling divas." These two spar (literally and figuratively), and go head to head in vocal pyrotechnic sing-offs and pure comic genius. Together, they are a riot, on stage and off. And we are all the better for it.

Side Show (1997-98 & 2014-15) Violet and Daisy Hilton One of my favorite shows of all time, this riveting near pop opera tale of real-life conjoined twins was a hard sell both times it has been on Broadway, but those luck enough to see it had to be as dazzled by the women in those roles as I was. The originals, Alice Ripley (as Violet) and Emily Skinner (as Daisy) made history when they were co-nominated for Best Actress in a Musical at the 1998 Tony Awards. Both Erin Davie (as Violet) and Emily Padgett (as Daisy) also made their mark in the revised revival version of the show. In both cases, I couldn't imagine one without the other.

The Rink (1983-84) Anna and Angel Though I never saw the show on Broadway, I adore the score, and really enjoyed a college production I saw of it. When it opened at the Martin Beck Theatre in early 1984, even the great Chita Rivera (as Anna) and legendary Liza Minnelli (as Angel) couldn't help the show overcome mostly negative reviews. That said, they sang the hell out of the emotional Kander and Ebb score, and Rivera won her first Tony Award for it. It's a show with great roles for two powerhouse women, and I'd love to see it with a revised book and maybe a female director some day.

Wicked (2003-04*) Glinda and Elphaba Definitely the most successful musical of the 21st century, this show takes girl power to all new levels! Despite mixed reviews, audiences (myself included) have been flocking to the Gershwin Theatre for more than 2 decades now. From the original Glinda (Kristin Chenoweth) and Elphaba (Tony-winner Idina Menzel) and through dozens of subsequent pairings, we've thrilled to the magical relationship these two share. Some of Broadway's greatest new talent has taken on these giant roles, and I'm sure more superstars of tomorrow are on the way.

* - Show is currently running.

Friday 5: 5 Broadway Props

If you think about it, the story of Into the Woods hinges on four central props: a cow as white as milk, a cape as red as blood, hair as yellow as corn, and a slipper as pure as gold. Broadway shows are full of iconic props and scenery pieces, from Eliza Doolittle's flower basket to a can of Ultra Clutch from Hairspray, sometimes props are so integral to the storytelling that they become iconic. Today, we share 5 that we remember fondly

Friday 5: 5 Broadway Props

1. HwaBoon - Maybe Happy Ending

On the theater scene for just a few months now, HwaBoon has become an internet sensation (and my obsession). Whether co-starring as the 5th character in MHE, or stealing away to visit his friend, Audrey II, over at Little Shop of Horrors, or causing jealousy between the HelperBots, this plant is already big and destined to become even bigger!

2. The Enchanted Rose - Disney's Beauty and the Beast

Maybe HwaBoon gets some of his Broadway swagger from a relative, the enchanted rose. Even if you knew the story, that floating bloom had us on the edge of our seats, gasping each time a petal fell, worried that this time the Beast would lose our and love would not transform him into the prince. It was pure Disney magic.

3. The Barber's Chair - Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street

There are a lot of really important props in this musical - meat pies, miracle elixirs, silver handled razors. But it is Sweeney's chair that captivates us. Practical for giving close shaves, and flexible enough to dispatch a dead body to the basement with a click and a swoosh. It plays a big part in the Act Two opener, "God, That's Good," and a thrilling series of murders throughout the rest of the show. Every time I get a haircut, I think of the show, and take a quick look at the floor for a trap door.

4. The Pineapple - Cabaret

The beautiful symbol of romance in hard times in Cabaret is a small item but a grand gesture. A gift from Herr Schultz - a poor, but kindly fruit seller - brings his most exotic offering to his lady love, Fraulein Schneider. There's even a song about it, "It Couldn't Please Me More (A Pineapple)." Most people think about Hawaii or tropical drinks when they see that spiny fruit. Me, I think of the Kit Kat Club.

5. Elphaba's Broom - Wicked

Here's another show with lots of iconic props. There's Glinda's wand, the green elixit bottle, the wizard's "wizard." But is there anything better in Wicked than that magical broom? As Elphaba defiantly raises the stick, she takes flight, defying gravity and thrilling all of us as she wails her battle cry and raises that broom even higher. Just the sight of it makes my heart soar.

Broadway Games: Where Haven't We Seen You Before III: Wicked Edition

Broadway Games:

Where Haven't We Seen You Before III

Wicked Edition

Pick the one show each Wicked cast member hasn't been in:

1. Eden Espinosa (former Elphaba)

    A. Broadway: Brooklyn

    B. Broadway: Lempicka

    C. Broadway: In the Heights

    D. Broadway: Rent

2. Stephanie J. Block (former Elphaba)

    A. Kennedy Center: Sunset Boulevard

    B. Broadway: Kiss Me, Kate

    C. West End: Kiss Me, Kate

    D. Broadway: 9 to 5

3. Megan Hilty (former Glinda)

    A. Broadway: Smash

    B. TV: Smash

    C. Broadway: Noises Off

    D. Broadway: 9 to 5

4. Alli Mauzey (former Glinda)

    A. Broadway: Hairspray

    B. Broadway: Kimberly Akimbo

    C. Broadway: Cry-Baby

    D. Broadway: Funny Girl

5. Kevin Chamberlin (former Wizard of Oz)

    A. Broadway: Seussical

    B. Disney Channel: Jesse

    C. Disney Channel: Bunk'd

    D. Broadway: Disaster!

6. Ryan McCartan (former Fiyero)

    A. Disney Channel: High School Musical

    B. Off-Broadway: Heathers

    C. Broadway: Frozen

    D. Disney Channel: Liv and Maddie

7. Kyle Dean Massey (former Fiyero)

    A. Off-Broadway: Lucky Guy

    B. Broadway: Next to Normal

    C. Broadway: Spider-Man: Turn Off the Dark

    D. Broadway: Company

8. Zachary Noah Piser (former Boq)

    A. Broadway: Spider-Man: Turn Off the Dark

    B. Broadway: KPOP

    C. Broadway: Dear Evan Hansen

    D. Off-Broadway: Sweeney Todd

9. Rue McLanahan (former Madame Morrible)

    A. Movie: Nunsense

    B. Broadway: Lost In Yonkers

    C. TV: The Golden Girls

    D. TV: Maude

10. Sheryl Lee Ralph (former Madame Morrible)

    A. Broadway: Dreamgirls

    B. Broadway: Thoroughly Modern Millie

    C. TV: Abbott Elementary

    D. Broadway: Ma Rainey's Black Bottom

STOP SCROLLING NOW

UNLESS YOU ARE READY TO

SEE THE ANSWERS!

1. C

2. B

3. A

4. D

5. C

6. A

7. C

8. A

9. B

10. D

 

Friday 5: 5 Wicked Thoughts (A Sort of Review)

5 Wicked Thoughts

After months of movie hype, we finally saw Wicked (Part 1). Did it live up to the hype? Was it as good as the Broadway show? Was it better? We have thoughts on that... and they may contain spoilers.

1. I loved the nods to The Wizard of Oz.

From the direct references to the film to the explanations of why things are the way they are in the original story, Wicked is both a tribute and an education! Among my favorites are the use of the original film's title font for this film, explaining why the brick road is yellow, and having Elphaba ride a bicycle with a basket that looks a lot like Miss Gulch in the MGM classic.

2. It features some great cameos.

Aside from a main cast full of Broadway people, there are some great cameos for the eagle-eyed theater fan. Both the show's composer and book writer pop up in Emerald City. Did you catch Stephen Schwartz and Winnie Holzman  in "One Short Day"? Or how about former Elphaba Stephanie J. Block greeting Glinda in Munchkinland? Of course, the best cameos - which were really small roles - were Broadway originals, Kristin Chenoweth and Idina Menzel as the stars of "Wizomania."

3. Excellent expansion of the stage version.

Speaking of "Wizomania," I loved the way the "show" became a centerpiece of "One Short Day." Kristin and Idina were delightful, and their chemistry was remarkable. They have not lost a thing in the intervening 20 years - Idina's battle cry was a thrill. But the number also provided more backstory on what the Ozians believe about the Wizard's mythology. Another expansion I loved was the whole story and flashback to Elphie's childhood. It explains so much and deepens the characters of both Elphaba and Nessarose (and also their father). Then there's the fuller details and use of the Grimmerie that really heightens our understanding of her powers. There are many things added that genuinely enhanced the whole story, and especially some of the darker themes (the rise of fascism, racism, and a dangerous "other"ism) that would have made the stage version even more compelling. Plot holes are filled, and I think (so far, anyway) I much prefer the film to the show. It didn't feel like 2 hours and 40 minutes to me.

4. The score has never sounded better.

I guess it's not really fair to compare a 23 piece pit orchestra with a symphony orchestra with a 100+ members. Jonathan Beard's orchestrations are gorgeous and the end credits scoring is truly beautiful.

5. The intensity of the film made it feel like an adventure film as much as a musical.

There were several scenes that were very intense in tone, content and visuals. The "No One Mourns the Wicked" sequence was pretty frightening. The intense screams of the Munchkins and the burning of the Wicked Witch in effigy raised the hair on the back of my neck. Then there's the transformation of Chistery into a flying monkey (and all of the others), and Madame Morrible's (Michelle Yeoh) full reveal as an evil sorceress. But I especially loved the build up and filming of the "Defying Gravity" sequence. I think I held my breath through the whole thing!

I could do another Friday 5 on just the cast (I may just do that) - heck, I could do 5 on Jonathan Bailey all by himself. Thanks for reading!