The Broadway production of Les Miserables will lower its curtain for the last time in March 2003, ending the award-winning musical's 16-year run.

The New York performance, based on Victor Hugo's French revolution classic, has grossed more than $390m (�248m) and been watched by 9 million people.

I am very grateful to American audiences for embracing such a different kind of musical in such an overwhelming way

Cameron Mackintosh, Producer

It will close on 15 March after 6,612 performances, making it Broadway's second-longest show after Cats, which gave 7,485 performances.

"I never dreamed that a musical like Les Miserables could become one of the longest-running shows of all time," producer Cameron Mackintosh said in a statement.

"I am very grateful to American audiences for embracing such a different kind of musical in such an overwhelming way."

Award winner

Les Miserables opened at The Broadway Theatre on 12 March 1987, and went on to win eight Tony Awards, including best musical.

In the UK, the London version of the show is now in its 17th year.

The show netted eight Tony awards

Broadway Les Mis fans wishing to revisit the show will be able to watch one of the final performances at a discounted rate.

During the next eight weeks, tickets will revert to their 1987 prices, with the best seats on sale for $47.50 (�30.25) for Monday to Friday performances.

Les Miserables has been seen by more than 49 million people worldwide, and taken more than �1.2bn.

There have been 54 different productions of the show in 35 countries around the world, performed in 21 languages.