Long-running plays

This is a selected list of the longest-running plays, that is non-musical theatre productions, in history. +TitleCreatorPerformancesYear OpenedYear ClosedCountryLocationCommentsThe Bald Soprano / The LessonEugène Ionesco20,000+1957currently runningParis,Théâtre de la Huchette Theatre of the AbsurdHorn in the WestKermit Hunter1952currently runningBoone, North Carolinaoutdoor drama; performed each summerLife with FatherHoward Lindsay and Russel Crouse3,22419391947New York City, Broadway, Empire Theatre longest running straight play in Broadway history; premiered at Empire Theater and also played at Bijou Theatre (1945–1947) and Alvin Theatre (1947)LineIsrael Horovitz3,300+19742018New York City, Off-off-Broadway, 13th Street Repertory Theatre absurdist drama; only played once or twice a week with an irregular scheduleThe Lost ColonyPaul Green5,000+1937currently runningManteo, North Carolina outdoor drama; performed each summerThe MousetrapAgatha Christie30,000+1952currently runningWest End, London, St Martin's Theatremurder mystery; longest running play in world history; Previously played at the Ambassadors Theatre (1952–1974) Oberammergau Passion PlayRochus Dedler, Eugen Papst, and others1634currently runningOberammergau, Bavaria, Germanypassion play; performed in summer each decadal year since 1680 with a few exceptions. Perfect CrimeWarren Manzi15,000+1987currently runningNew York City, Off-Broadway, The Theater Centermurder mystery; lead Catherine Russell has performed in the play since 1987 and has only missed four performances.The Ramona PageantHelen Hunt Jackson1923currently runningHemet, Californiaoutdoor drama; runs each April and May on weekendsShear MadnessPaul Pörtner12,58019802020Boston, Massachusetts, Charles Playhouse Stage IIinteractive whodunit Shear MadnessPaul Pörtner14,73719872026Washington, DC, John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, Theater Lab interactive whodunit; longest running play in American historyUnto These HillsKermit Hunter; Hanay Geiogamah1950currently running Cherokee, North Carolinaoutdoor drama; performed each summer

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