'Chicago' sets Broadway run record

NEW YORK, Aug. 30 (UPI) -- "Chicago" has set a record as the longest-running American show in Broadway history, the revival's producers announced Tuesday.

The celebrated revival of John Kander, Fred Ebb and Bob Fosse's Tony Award-winning musical "Chicago" surpassed "A Chorus Line" Monday night with a total of 6,138 performances.

The show also made "Chicago" the fourth-longest running show in Broadway history.

Broadway's top three longest-running shows are all British imports.

As of Monday, the top 5 Broadway productions of all time are: "The Phantom of the Opera" with 9,810 performances, "Cats" with 7,485 performances, "Les Miserables" with 6,680 performances, "Chicago" with 6,138 performances and "A Chorus Line" with 6,137 performances.

"What a momentous occasion this is," producer Barry Weissler said in a statement.

"Of course, we're thrilled to take the No. 4 position in the list of long-runners, but to also celebrate the fact that 'Chicago' is now the longest-running American musical in Broadway history makes it all the more spectacular. And just as Velma Kelly sings, we couldn't have done it alone. "This milestone would never have happened without the amazing group of people who've lent their talents and expertise to our production over the past 15 years -- the phenomenal cast, crew, production team, stage managers, advertising and marketing executives, business managers, casting directors, ushers, musicians, dance captains...and the list goes on.

"And of course, our incredible and enthusiastic audiences. Over 5 million people have seen 'Chicago' on Broadway to date, and they just keep coming. It's truly a phenomenon worth celebrating."