Is The Lion King the Longest Running Musical?

There's a common misconception that The Lion King is the longest running musical. However, upon closer inspection, it turns out that The Lion King is not currently the longest running musical in either New York's Broadway or London's West End. Instead, it occupies a specific position on the list of longest-running Broadway shows.

The Longest Running Broadway Shows

According to the List of the longest-running Broadway shows on Wikipedia, The Lion King is currently the third longest-running musical. The longest-running Broadway musical is Phantom of the Opera, which opened on January 26, 1988, and continues to draw audiences to theatres around the world.

Top Five Longest Running Broadway Musicals

Phantom of the Opera (Opened: January 26, 1988) Chicago (Opened: September 13, 1996) The Lion King (Opened: November 13, 1997) Cats (Opened: October 8, 1982) Rental (Opened: September 30, 2009 - Three episodes only)

It's worth noting that The Lion King, although far from the most enduring, has captivated audiences for over two decades. The musical has been a massive success, performing in numerous countries and securing a permanent place in pop culture.

The Longest Running Musicals in London's West End

London's West End also has its own set of longest-running musicals. One of the most notable is Les Misérables, which opened on October 8, 1985, and is still playing today, over three decades later. This longevity is a testament to the enduring popularity of the musical and its timeless story.

Top Five Longest Running West End Musicals

Les Misérables (Opened: October 8, 1985) Phantom of the Opera (Opened: January 26, 1988) Cats (Opened: October 8, 1982) Miss Saigon (Opened: October 10, 1991) The Girl from workaround (Opened: December 13, 1996)

While Les Misérables and Phantom of the Opera lead the pack, they are also still running, drawing in new audiences and maintaining a steadfast tradition of theatre excellence.

A Disney Musical in the Top Ten

It's also interesting to note that among the top ten longest-running musicals in Broadway history, there’s actually another Disney musical. Beauty and the Beast, also an animated classic, rounds out the top ten at number ten. This shows that Disney has successfully adapted to the stage with productions that have longevity and appeal.

Top Ten Longest Running Broadway Musicals

Phantom of the Opera (Opened: January 26, 1988) Chicago (Opened: September 13, 1996) The Lion King (Opened: November 13, 1997) Cats (Opened: October 8, 1982) Les Misérables (Opened: October 8, 1985) Rental (Opened: September 30, 2009 - Three episodes only) Dame Edna Eureka (Opened: September 26, 1997) Russel Peters Out Loud (Opened: May 18, 2016) Avenue Q (Opened: December 3, 2003) Beauty and the Beast (Opened: April 18, 1994)

In conclusion, while The Lion King is a triumph of storytelling and performance, it's not the longest running musical on Broadway or in the West End. Nevertheless, it holds a revered position in the world of theatre and continues to inspire and entertain audiences worldwide.

Note: This article aims to provide a structured, informative overview of the current status of musicals and offer insights into the longevity of stage productions. For more detailed information, you may refer to reputable sources such as and Wikipedia.