Longest Running Broadway Musicals

1–10 I count them down

I love Broadway musicals. Let’s be frank, I like pretty much all musicals Broadway or not, but I got to wondering, “what are the longest-running Broadway musicals?” You know, the ones that remain popular, and revival after revival are made of them.

So thanks to Wikipedia, I have my answer. Following are the top ten with a brief synopsis of the show, along with what I think is the most popular song and my favorite song. Okay, folks, let’s raise the curtain on the top ten.

1. The Phantom of the Opera — 13,893 performances!

The Phantom of the Opera is about a mysterious phantom who haunts the Paris Opera House circa the late 1800s (I think). Unfortunately, he falls for his young protege, who loves someone else. While all this is happening, things at the opera house aren’t going so well, as the new owners refuse to follow the phantom’s instructions. All of this eventually comes to a head.

My take: this is an incredible show. There are so many special effects, beautiful songs, and an almost heartbreaking story that I sat enthralled through the entire thing. If you have the chance, see it.

The most famous song is a tough call, but going with “Phantom of the Opera.”

My Favorite: “All I Ask of You.” There is a moment in the beginning where the violins swell; it is one of my favorite instrumental moments.

2. Chicago — 10, 249 performances