Broadway shows are a must do as a form of entertainment on visits to New York, as they are for New Yorkers. Broadway Shows can be musicals or plays that are performed in theaters with 500 or more seats in Manhattan, and tend to be big productions given the size of the theater they are performed in. But how long is a Broadway Show? And when should you arrive at the theater for it? There is no one size fits all answer to the length of a Broadway Show as I have been to shows that vary from 90 minutes to over five hours, and even shows that are performed in separate parts so you need to go back to the theater multiple times to see the full show.
The length of a show varies depending on a number of factors, including the genre of the show, the number of acts, and whether or not there is an intermission. Generally speaking, most Broadway shows last between two and three hours, including intermission. However, some shows may be shorter, lasting only 90 minutes or so, while others may be longer, lasting up to four hours.
Understanding Broadway Shows
Broadway shows are a significant part of New York City’s entertainment industry, and are popular with New Yorkers and visitors alike. Broadway shows, which can be plays or musicals, are theatrical productions that are performed in one of the 41 theaters in New York City that qualify as Broadway theaters, which have 500+ seats along what is called the Great White Way. The largest Broadway theater is the Gershwin Theatre, which has a seating capacity of 1,933. The smallest Broadway theater is the Hayes Theatre with 597 seats.
Some Broadway shows may not be suitable for children due to their content, so it is important to check the show’s rating if you plan to attend with children. Shows that are child friendly have booster seats to give kids a clear view of the stage so their view is not blocked with someone taller sitting in front of them, so be sure to ask the ushers for booster seats if needed.
Tickets for Broadway shows can be purchased in many ways including online, at the box office, through TKTS booths, through a ticket broker etc. It is essential to purchase tickets in advance as shows can sell out quickly based on the cast, season and play reviews. Limited engagement Broadway shows tend to have well known theater and film personalities, and these can be harder to get as the shows may run for as little as 12 to 16 weeks only. Prices for tickets do vary depending on the show, day of the week and the seating location.
How Long is a Broadway Show?
Broadway shows are big productions known for their spectacular performances, cast, music, and/or sets. However, the length of a Broadway show can vary significantly from one show to another based on the production, and some are even performed in multiple parts.
Broadway shows offer a range of performances, from musicals to plays, and are typically between 90 minutes and 3 hours long. Broadway shows that run up to 90 minutes are usually have one act with no intermission. Shows longer than 90 minutes usually have an intermission lasting around 15-20 minutes in between the beginning of the show and the end, and some may have even two or more intermissions. The exact length of a specific Broadway show, and its intermissions, can be found on the show’s website, or on most places where you are buying the tickets from.
Intermissions during Broadway shows usually last for 15-20 minutes, and give the audience a chance to stretch their legs, use the restroom, and grab a snack or drink.
It is also important to arrive at the theater in time to allow time for parking if needed, security checks, and finding your seat. You should ideally be seated at least 5 minutes before the start time as people sitting around you may already be at their seats and will need to get up for you to get to your assigned seats. Most Broadway shows start 5-7 minutes after the start time to give time for everyone to be seated before they start.
Broadway Show Intermissions
Most Broadway shows with a running time that exceeds 90 minutes will include an intermission. Intermissions can be anywhere from 10-20 minutes, with 15-minute breaks being by far the most common.
During the intermission, audience members can stretch their legs, have a snack and a drink, stroll to the restroom, and return to their seat. It is recommended to use the restroom during the intermission, as most shows do not allow late seating or re-entry since there isn’t a designated break in the action.
Food and drink is available for purchase during intermissions, and most theaters allow this to be carried to the seats. It is highly recommended to finish eating crunchy snacks such as potato chips before the show resumes after intermission as the sound of eating these is very loud and carries in the theater while the show is on.
It is important to note that not all Broadway shows have intermissions. Typically, shows that run shorter than 2 hours will be performed without an intermission. Shows without intermissions are particularly important to arrive early for, as pre-show is the only opportunity to use the bathroom and get concessions.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the typical length of a Broadway show?
The typical length of a Broadway show is around 2 hours and 30 minutes, including intermission. However, some shows may be shorter or longer depending on the production and the type of show, and can range from 90 minutes to 3+ hours.
How long does a Broadway show usually run?
A Broadway show usually runs for several months to a few years, depending on its popularity and ticket sales. Some shows may have shorter runs, while others may run for several years.
How long is the average runtime of a Broadway production?
The average runtime of a Broadway production is around 2 hours and 30 minutes, including intermission. However, this can vary depending on the show and its production, and can range from 90 minutes to 3+ hours.
What is the duration of a typical Broadway performance?
The duration of a typical Broadway performance is around 2 hours and 30 minutes, including intermission. This can vary depending on the show and its production, and can be shorter at 90 minutes or run to over 3 hours.
How long can I expect a Broadway show to last?
You can expect a Broadway show to last around 2 hours and 30 minutes, including intermission. However, some shows may be shorter or longer depending on their production and the type of show.
What is the usual length of a Broadway play?
The usual length of a Broadway play – as compared to a Broadway musical – can be anything between 90 minutes to over 2 hours and 30 minutes, including intermission. Broadway plays could even be performed in multiple parts which are completely separate performances.
Does Broadway Run Time Include Intermission?
Yes, Broadway runtime includes intermission. For instance, if a show runs for 2 hours 30 minutes with one 15 minute intermission, the 15 minute break is included in the total runtime of 2 hours 30 minutes. However, it usually takes another 10-15 minutes to actually get out of the theater depending on where you are seated in the theater, and how long it takes for the audience to celebrate the artists and their performance with clapping after a show.
