NEW YORK, NY – Broadway producers, long accustomed to the quaint notion of a fixed run, have officially updated their definition of a “limited engagement” to reflect current market realities. The move comes after the critically acclaimed revival of 'Ragtime' announced yet another extension, pushing its supposed 14-week run well into its second year, much to the chagrin of calendar manufacturers.

“Frankly, we had no idea people would actually *want* to see a show about early 20th-century American history with complex musical numbers,” stated Biff Goldfarb, a spokesperson for the newly formed 'Elastic Engagement' Producers Guild. “Our initial 'limited engagement' was based on the standard industry projection that audiences would tire of quality storytelling after approximately three months. We clearly underestimated the public’s capacity for sustained enjoyment, or perhaps, their inability to read a calendar.”

The phenomenon, dubbed 'The Ragtime Ripple,' has sent shockwaves through the theatrical community. Understudies, who had meticulously planned their post-run unemployment, are reportedly “losing their minds” as their temporary gigs become increasingly permanent. “I bought a one-way ticket to Bali for August,” lamented one ensemble member, who wished to remain anonymous. “Now I’m just… here. Still singing about coal barons.”

Industry analysts suggest the new definition will see all future Broadway productions initially advertised as 'limited engagements' until box office receipts indicate a more definitive end. “It’s simply more honest,” added Goldfarb. “Why lie to the public about our intentions when we can simply adapt our terminology to mean 'until we stop making ludicrous amounts of money'?”

Critics are now speculating that 'Hamilton' might retroactively declare its opening night a 'limited engagement' that simply hasn't ended yet.