On April 16, 2023, before a full house of invited guests, the iconic chandelier of The Phantom of the Opera descended for the final time onto the stage of Broadway’s Majestic Theater. With this closing, the curtain fell on a remarkable 35-year run comprising 13,981 performances, setting a record likely to endure for at least a decade.

To describe the success of Broadway’s Phantom as extraordinary would be an understatement. Over its tenure, it entertained more than 20 million attendees and amassed a staggering gross of $1.36 billion, surpassing the earnings of blockbuster films like Frozen, The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King, Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone, and Skyfall, as reported by The New York Daily News.

However, despite weathering Broadway shutdowns due to union strikes, the 9/11 tragedy, various blizzards, and enduring an 18-month pandemic hiatus, inflation and a hesitant post-COVID audience signaled the end for Phantom. The Majestic Theater, now undergoing extensive multi-million dollar renovations ahead of its centennial in 2027, bids farewell to its Phantom.

Will another production claim Phantom’s record? Only time will reveal the answer, but several contenders are poised for the spotlight.

Chicago (revival)

With nearly 10,500 performances and a star-studded cast roster, Chicago’s tale of “murder, greed, corruption, violence, exploitation, adultery, and treachery” maintains its momentum as Broadway’s longest-running show.

The Lion King:

Disney’s theatrical masterpiece, boasting over 25 years on Broadway, not only ranks as the second longest-running show but consistently dominates the box office, grossing over $2 million weekly.

Wicked

Despite film adaptation delays, Broadway enthusiasts can still catch the live rendition of Wicked’s Oz saga, drawing packed houses at the Gershwin Theater since 2003.

The Book of Mormon

A comedic tour de force blending missionary zeal with irreverent humor, courtesy of South Park and Avenue Q creators, continues to shock and delight audiences after a decade.

Aladdin

Disney’s magical retelling of the beloved animated classic continues to enchant families and fans alike, ensuring its enduring popularity on Broadway.

Broadway’s Timeless Triumphs:

• Hamilton: Lin-Manuel Miranda’s groundbreaking hip-hop history lesson remains a hot ticket at the Richard Rogers Theater.
• The Lion King: Disney’s visual spectacle continues to mesmerize audiences with over two decades of enchanting performances.
• Wicked: Despite delays in its film adaptation, the Broadway version continues to draw crowds with its timeless tale.
• The Book of Mormon: This irreverent comedy by the creators of South Park continues to shock and delight audiences after a decade.

Hamilton

Lin-Manuel Miranda’s groundbreaking historical saga, delivered through the lens of hip hop, consistently exceeds capacity at the Richard Rogers Theater, showcasing a unique blend of entertainment and education.

Harry Potter and the Cursed Child

As the longest-running non-musical on Broadway, this London import underwent significant revisions post-pandemic, streamlining its presentation into a single, magical sitting, delighting audiences with its captivating storytelling and theatrical wizardry.