The Profitable Off-Broadway

What is currently the longest running Off-Broadway production? (No, The Fantasticks doesn't count. That's in a league of its own.)

Here are a couple hints. It's had 8168 performances. It's not a musical or 'gimmick' show. It's starred the same actress, Catherine Russell, for its entire twenty year run. Tickets are between $41-$51. The New York Times called it "Wonderfully puzzling! A crackling thriller! Sends electric thrills up the spine!". And it's so popular, not only does it not advertise in Time Out, it's not even in the listings. (to be fair, only one of the top five advertise and are listed)

Guessed yet? It's everyone's favorite show: Perfect Crime.

Coming in close second is Blue Man Group: Tubes, costing between $69-79 (and is listed in 'Burlesque & Variety' in TONY). Third is Stomp costing $37 or $65 . Fourth is Tony & Tina's Wedding, costing $87 or $125 (and it comes with dinner). Fifth is I Love You, You're Perfect, Now Change costing $75 (and until June 3, in Mandarin). And let's not forget Nunsense and De La Guarda.

Has anyone seen any of these? I've seen Blue Man Group twice in New York and once in Chicago, but that's because my best friend's wife works for them. My inner theatre snob wants to make fun of the shows above, but, since I haven't seen them, I can't be too quick to judge. They must be doing something right. The producers clearly have found a brilliant way to keep packing them in. I guess the biggest thing of all is that none of them are non-profit. Will all of Off-Broadway soon be as commercial as the Great White Way? We can be certain Altar Boyz isn’t going away anytime soon.