Wicked becomes 10th longest running show

History was made yesterday at the George Gershwin Theatre where the musical Wicked became the 10th longest running show in Broadway history as it it played its 5,124th performance, surpassing the original production of Rent which previously held the title.

Idina Menzel starred in the original productions of both hit musicals, creating the role of 'Maureen' in Rent and 'Elphaba' in Wicked.

The international hit musical originally opened on Broadway on 30 October 2003, and is currently playing in London's West End at the Apollo Victoria Theatre.

Featuring music and lyrics by Stephen Schwartz and a book by Winnie Holzman, the musical is based on the novel by Gregory Maguire. The current Broadway cast includes Rachel Tucker (Elphaba), Carrie St. Louis (Glinda) and Jonah Platt (Fiyero).

The list of top 10 longest running Broadway musicals as of 15 February 2016 currently includes:

1. The Phantom of the Opera: 11,670 performances.
2. Chicago: 7,995 performances.
3. The Lion King: 7,593 performances.
4. Cats: 7,485 performances.
5. Les Miserables: 6,680 performances.
6. A Chorus Line: 6,137 performances.
7. Oh, Calcutta!: 5,959 performances.
8. Mamma Mia!: 5,758 performances.
9. Beauty and the Beast: 5,461 performances
10. Wicked: 5,125 performances.