Show Duration: How Long Do Broadway Shows, Escape Rooms, and VR Experiences Last?

When you plan a night out, show duration, the total time a live or immersive experience runs from start to finish. Also known as performance length, it’s one of the first things you should check before buying tickets—because nothing kills a good evening like being stuck for three hours when you only had two to spare. Whether you’re heading to Broadway, trying an escape room, or putting on a VR headset, knowing how long you’ll be locked in (literally or figuratively) makes all the difference.

Take Broadway shows, live theatrical performances staged in New York’s theater district, often musicals with elaborate sets and professional casts. Also known as stage productions, they typically run between 2 and 3 hours, including one intermission. The longest-running Broadway hit, The Phantom of the Opera, clocked in at 2 hours 30 minutes per show over 13,900 performances. Meanwhile, newer hits like Hadestown or Wicked stick close to that standard. But if you’re a first-timer, don’t assume all shows are the same—some comedies or one-person acts might last just 90 minutes, while epic operas can stretch past 4 hours. Knowing this helps you plan dinner, transport, and even bathroom breaks. Then there’s escape rooms, physical adventure games where teams solve puzzles to escape a themed room within a time limit. Also known as puzzle rooms, they’re designed to last exactly 60 minutes. But here’s the catch: the actual time you spend is longer. Add a 10- to 15-minute briefing, a 5-minute debrief, and maybe a photo op, and you’re looking at 80 minutes total. Some venues offer 45-minute rooms for kids or fast-paced teams, while others go up to 90 minutes for complex storylines. If you’re new, don’t pick the longest one—start simple. And if you’re into VR experiences, immersive digital environments accessed through headsets that simulate real or fictional worlds. Also known as virtual reality sessions, they’re trickier to time. Most VR games last 20 to 40 minutes before your eyes or body start to feel the strain. Health experts and manufacturers recommend limiting sessions to 30 minutes for kids and 60 minutes for adults, with breaks in between. A 90-minute VR theme park ride? That’s usually broken into three 30-minute segments with rest periods. Pushing past that risks headaches, dizziness, or even motion sickness.

So why does any of this matter? Because show duration isn’t just about time—it’s about energy, focus, and enjoyment. A 90-minute escape room might feel endless if you’re tired. A 3-hour Broadway show could be magical if you’re rested and ready. And a 45-minute VR session might be the perfect pick-me-up after work. The best experiences match your mood, your schedule, and your stamina. Below, you’ll find real guides that break down exactly how long these activities take, what affects the timing, and how to pick the right one for your group—whether you’re a family with kids, a couple on a date, or someone testing VR for the first time.