Ever sat down before a Broadway show wondering how long you’re really signing up for? You’re not alone. Whether you’re planning a date night, squeezing in a show between flights, or taking your kids to their first musical, knowing the exact length helps you plan better. The truth? Most Broadway shows run between two and a half to three hours - but that’s not the whole story.

What’s the Average Length of a Broadway Show?

The average Broadway show runs about 2 hours and 45 minutes, including one intermission. That’s roughly the same as watching two back-to-back episodes of your favorite TV series - but with live singing, dancing, and stage magic. Most musicals fall in this range. For example, Hamilton runs 2 hours and 40 minutes, The Lion King is 2 hours and 30 minutes, and Wicked clocks in at 2 hours and 45 minutes.

Plays, on the other hand, tend to be shorter. The Book of Mormon is a musical, so it runs long, but a straight play like The Lehman Trilogy runs just 2 hours and 50 minutes with no intermission. Some newer plays, like Appropriate, run under two hours. So if you’re looking for something quicker, plays are your best bet.

Why Do Broadway Shows Last So Long?

It’s not just about the script. A Broadway show is a full sensory experience. There are scene changes that take minutes - think massive set pieces rotating, lighting shifts, and costume changes happening live behind curtains. A single costume change might involve five people and 90 seconds of precise timing. All of that adds up.

Then there’s the music. A Broadway musical isn’t just songs slapped into a story. Each number is carefully built to advance the plot, reveal character, or create emotion. That means longer numbers, extended solos, and full ensemble dance sequences. In Hadestown, the reprise of Wait for Me lasts nearly six minutes - and it’s one of the most powerful moments in the show.

Intermissions aren’t just breaks. They’re part of the rhythm. Most shows include one 15-minute intermission, usually after Act I. This gives audiences time to stretch, use the restroom, or grab a drink without losing momentum. Some shows skip it - like Hadestown or Dear Evan Hansen - and run straight through. Those can feel longer because there’s no reset.

How Early Should You Arrive?

Don’t show up five minutes before curtain. Broadway theaters start seating 30 minutes before the show, and many people arrive early to find good seats, take photos outside the theater, or grab a snack. The house closes 10 minutes before the show starts. If you’re late, you won’t be seated until a designated break - usually after the first song or scene. That means you could miss the opening number, which often sets the tone for the whole show.

Pro tip: If you’re bringing kids, plan for extra time. Restrooms can have long lines. And if your child needs a snack or a quiet moment, you’ll want to use the lobby before the lights go down.

Do All Shows Have Intermissions?

No. While most musicals include one intermission, some don’t. Shows with no intermission are usually shorter - under two hours - or designed to feel like one continuous experience. Harry Potter and the Cursed Child is split into two parts, each with its own intermission. Fun Home runs 1 hour and 40 minutes with no break. And Hadestown runs 2 hours and 20 minutes straight through.

Shows without intermissions can feel intense. There’s no chance to reset. You’re in it from start to finish. Some people love that. Others find it draining. Check the show’s official website before you buy tickets. Most list run time and intermission info clearly.

What About Encore Performances and Curtain Calls?

After the final song, the cast comes out for a curtain call. This usually lasts 3 to 8 minutes. Sometimes it’s just a bow. Other times, the whole cast sings a reprise or dances again. In Wicked, the final curtain call includes the entire cast on stage singing For Good one last time. It’s a moment fans wait for.

Don’t rush out. The cast often stays on stage for applause. And if you leave too early, you might miss a surprise - like a solo bow from the lead actor or a special shout-out to the crew.

How Does This Compare to Other Shows?

Compared to other live performances, Broadway shows are on the longer side. A West End show in London? About the same length - maybe a few minutes shorter. Off-Broadway? Often 90 minutes to 2 hours, with no intermission. Regional theater? It varies. Community theater might cut scenes to keep things under two hours.

Opera is longer - La Traviata runs 3 hours and 15 minutes. Ballet? The Nutcracker is about 2 hours. Even concert performances, like a rock band’s tour, rarely last longer than 2 hours and 15 minutes. So Broadway is definitely in the top tier for length.

What If You Can’t Sit Through a 3-Hour Show?

You don’t have to suffer through a show that’s too long for you. There are plenty of shorter options. Look for:

• One-act plays - often under 90 minutes
• Off-Broadway productions - many are 1 hour 30 minutes or less
• Children’s theater - shows designed for younger audiences usually run 45 to 75 minutes
• Immersive or site-specific shows - like Then She Fell or Sleep No More - where you can come and go within a set window

Check the show’s official website for the exact runtime. Don’t rely on third-party ticket sites - they sometimes get it wrong.

Can You Skip the Intermission?

Technically, yes - but you shouldn’t. Intermissions aren’t just for rest. They’re built into the storytelling. Act I ends on a cliffhanger. Act II picks up with new energy. Skipping it means you lose the emotional reset. And if you leave your seat during intermission, you might not get back to your original seat. Theaters reassign seats if you’re gone too long.

Also, the lights dimming for intermission is a cue - for the audience, for the crew, for the cast. It’s part of the ritual. Don’t rush it.

What’s the Longest Broadway Show Ever?

The longest-running Broadway show is The Phantom of the Opera, which opened in 1988 and ran for 34 years. Its runtime? 2 hours and 30 minutes - including intermission. That’s not the longest runtime, though.

For length per performance, Harry Potter and the Cursed Child holds the record. Each part runs about 2 hours and 40 minutes, and you need to see both parts to get the full story. That’s nearly 6 hours total. Most people book both parts on the same day - but it’s a marathon.

Other long shows: Les Misérables (2 hours and 50 minutes), Miss Saigon (2 hours and 55 minutes), and The Lion King (2 hours and 30 minutes). All are worth every minute - but plan your day around them.

Final Tip: Know Your Show Before You Go

Don’t guess. Before you buy tickets, visit the official show website. Look for the ‘Runtime’ or ‘Show Info’ section. Most list:

• Total run time
• Number of acts
• Intermission length
• Age recommendations
• Language or content warnings

That’s your best tool for planning. Whether you’re bringing a toddler, a grandparent, or just yourself - knowing the length helps you enjoy the show without stress.