The Longest Runners And Riders on Broadway 2024

From the Merry Murderesses of Cook County Jail to the continued adventures of the Boy Who Lived, Broadway's long-running shows look a little different post-Phantom's closure, but who's on the list this year?

Chicago The Musical
Ambassador Theatre
Opened November 1996
Start the car, we know a whoopie spot! Kander and Ebb's deliciously devilish musical about the Merry Murderesses of Chicago's Cook County jail has now been pleasing the crowds for 22 years! Full to the brim with some of musical theatre's most recognizable tunes and iconic choreography, Chicago is the gift that keeps on giving. Staying relevant by a revolving door system of stunt casting, recent stars to step in include Pamela Anderson, Mel B, Wayne Brady, and Jinkx Monsoon!

The Lion King
Minskoff Theatre
Opened November 1997
Currently the biggest live-action musical earner in the world with profits in the billions, this adaptation of Disney's 1994 film, with music and lyrics by Elton John and Tim Rice, still garners a breathless reception to this day. From the magnificent opening act to the joyful finale, its superb theatrical design, puppetry and soaring score create a very special live experience - the perfect way to introduce your little ones to the magic of live theatre!

Wicked
Gershwin Theatre
Opened October 2003
With a starry film adaptation on the way, the enchantment of Wicked shows no sign of wearing off yet! Created by Stephen Schwartz of Godspell and Pippin fame, Wicked is based on Gregory Maguire's 1995 novel of the same name. Telling the story of the Wicked Witch of The West's university years, it represents a return to the world of Oz, created by Frank L. Baum. A blockbuster musical that represents the best of Broadway, Wicked is a modern classic that resonates particularly with teens and young adults.

The Book of Mormon
Eugene O'Neill Theatre
Opened September 2011
A game changer in the world of theatre, Trey Parker and Matt Stone's brash, buoyant and sometimes genuinely touching lampooning of the Mormon Missionary tradition remains a divisive show to this day. While some may be turned off by its 'equal opportunity' approach to causing offence, it also represents a fantastic understanding and love of musical theatre from its creators, with many of the songs parodying classic musical moments, such as the belter 'I Believe' - a mirror to Maria's 'I Have Confidence' in The Sound of Music.

Aladdin
New Amsterdam Theatre
Opened March 2014
Disney's second inclusion on this list, this big-budget reimagining of the 1992 animated feature will soon celebrate its first decade on Broadway! With music from by Alan Menken and lyrics from Howard Ashman and Tim Rice, Aladdin remains a draw for families, transporting them to the fantasy land of Agrabah where the 'street rat' Aladdin makes it big with a little help from a bombastic Genie. Entertaining and escapist, we're sure the magic carpet will fly on for a few years yet.

Hamilton
Richard Rodgers Theatre
Opened August 2015
Hamilton's place in the record books is already assured and it's catching up to the history books too! Now eyeing 9 years on the Great White Way, Lin-Manuel Miranda's juggernaut is credited with revitalizing musical theatre, refreshing the genre for a new generation as it tells the story of Alexander Hamilton through a heady mix of rap, hip-hop, and R&B, infused with a pinch of Broadway pizzaz! With a sister production in London's West End and a huge national tour, in addition to past runs in Chicago, Los Angeles, Hamberg, Australia, and Puerto Rico, its appeal seems universal.

Harry Potter And The Cursed Child
Lyric Theatre
Opened April 2018
First seen in two mind-bending parts, (now thankfully in one just as amazing production) Harry Potter And The Cursed Child represents one of the most awe-inspiring theatrical experiences available today. Stunning stagecraft and breathtaking special effects combine to tell this new chapter in the story of the Boy Who Lived. Still drawing audiences after six incredible years and with a national tour on the horizon, it proves that the Wizarding World is still one of our favorite places to visit.

Hadestown
Walter Kerr Theatre
Opened April 2019
Roll up and head on down to the underworld in Rachel Chavkin and Anas Mitchell's folksy retelling of the Ancient Greek myth of Orpheus and Eurydice. The recipient of eight Tony Awards and the 2020 Grammy for Best Musical Theatre Album, this delightfully intimate musical has been making waves in its five-year run, with both a national tour and a West End production steadily building its fan base. With over 1000 performances under its belt, it's officially the Walter Kerr Theatre's longest-running show - long may it last!

Moulin Rouge!
Al Hirschfield Theatre
Opened July 2019
Finally on our list for 2024's longest runners is this absolutely bonkers yet thrillingly entertaining adaptation of Baz Luhrmann's 2001 movie musical. Like its predecessor, it's a heady blend of music and melodrama that makes for a more than satisfying night out. While some of it hews close to the film, there are a few refreshed touches, including mash-ups of more up-to-date songs. Come What May, we're not sure how long it will last, but we recommend at least one trip for the scenery alone!