Broadway runtime: How Long Do Shows Last and What Affects Duration?

When you think about Broadway runtime, the total time a musical or play runs from opening curtain to final bow. Also known as show length, it’s not just about how many songs are sung or lines are spoken—it’s about pacing, scene changes, intermissions, and audience energy. Most Broadway shows today run between 2 and 2.5 hours, including one intermission. But that’s not a rule—it’s a pattern. Some shows zip by in 90 minutes without a break. Others stretch past three hours, pulling you deeper into the story. The Broadway runtime isn’t random. It’s shaped by the story, the music, the stage mechanics, and even union rules about actor breaks.

The longest-running Broadway show, The Phantom of the Opera, which played for 35 years and over 13,900 performances, had a runtime of about 2 hours and 30 minutes, including intermission. That’s typical for a big, elaborate musical. But then there’s The Lion King, another long-running hit that runs close to 2 hours 30 minutes with no intermission, proving you don’t need a break to keep people hooked. On the other end, plays like The Play That Goes Wrong or Harry Potter and the Cursed Child (which is split into two parts) show how structure can stretch or shrink time. Some shows cut intermissions to keep momentum; others add them because the story needs breathing room. And don’t forget the Broadway actor salary, which is tied to performance hours under union contracts. Longer shows mean more pay, which influences how producers schedule and structure the night.

Knowing the Broadway runtime helps you plan better. If you’ve got kids, a 3-hour show with an intermission might be a stretch. If you’re heading to dinner afterward, a 90-minute play gives you more time to relax. And if you’re comparing shows, runtime can be a deciding factor—especially when tickets cost the same. You’re not just buying a story. You’re buying time. And time matters. Below, you’ll find real examples of how different shows handle length, why some run longer than others, and what to expect when you sit down in that Broadway seat.