When you think of Les Misérables, a sweeping musical adaptation of Victor Hugo’s novel about justice, redemption, and revolution in 19th-century France. Also known as Les Mis, it’s not just a show—it’s a cultural landmark that redefined what musical theater could be. Since it opened on Broadway in 1987, it hasn’t just played to crowds—it’s held them. People don’t just watch it. They feel it. The music, the stories, the raw emotion—it sticks with you long after the final note.
It’s not just another musical. It’s the longest-running Broadway show, a record-setting production with over 13,900 performances before closing in 2023. It outlasted Cats, Chicago, and even The Phantom of the Opera in total runs. Why? Because it doesn’t rely on flashy tricks or celebrity names. It’s built on human stories—poverty, sacrifice, rebellion, hope. You don’t need to know French history to get it. You just need to care about people. And that’s why it still sells out. It’s the kind of show that brings families, students, and first-timers to the theater, and makes them come back years later.
It’s also the show that taught theaters how to handle massive emotional moments. The barricade scenes, the choir singing "Do You Hear the People Sing?"—these aren’t just stage effects. They’re moments that turn audiences into participants. You don’t just sit there. You stand with them. That’s why so many people list it as their first Broadway show, a powerful, accessible entry point into live theater. And if you’ve never seen it live, you’re missing one of the few productions that actually changed how theater is made.
What you’ll find below are posts that dig into what makes shows like Les Misérables work—their length, their impact, their place in theater history. You’ll read about how long Broadway shows run, what makes a musical unforgettable, and why some shows become legends while others fade. Whether you’re planning your first trip to the Great White Way or just curious why this one show still dominates the conversation, the answers are here.
The big three musicals-Les Misérables, The Phantom of the Opera, and Cats-changed theatre forever. Discover why these three shows still dominate stages worldwide decades after they debuted.