Jaw-Dropping Adaptation of The Lost Boys Takes Broadway By Storm in Explosive New Musical
By Kiersten Bjork (April 26, 2026)
From the very first downbeat, one thing is clear: heart-pounding, jaw-dropping, spectacle-filled Broadway is back–and better than ever.
The Lost Boys, the musical adaptation of the 1987 comedy/horror film, closes out the Broadway season on a high note. The team took a risk on this one–no out of town try out, and a streak of Broadway vampire shows that closed quickly–but that risk has paid off, big time.
From the very first downbeat, one thing is clear: heart-pounding, jaw-dropping, spectacle-filled Broadway is back–and better than ever.
The Lost Boys, the musical adaptation of the 1987 comedy/horror film, closes out the Broadway season on a high note. The team took a risk on this one–no out of town try out, and a streak of Broadway vampire shows that closed quickly–but that risk has paid off, big time.
LJ Benet, Ali Louis Bourzgui, and the company of The Lost Boys on Broadway (Matthew Murphy)
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Ali Louis Bourzgui and Dean Maupin in The Lost Boys on Broadway (Matthew Murphy)
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The Lost Boys follows the Emerson family–mom Lucy, and sons Michael and Sam–as they move to Santa Carla to start a new life. Unfortunately, Santa Carla just happens to be the “Murder Capital of the World,” and home to a band–literally–of vampires.
With a book by David Hornsby and Chris Hoch, and music and lyrics by The Rescues, this script and score have it all. It’s a rock concert, yet it’s an anthem of belonging and an ode to family. Michael Arden once again works his theatrical magic in the director’s seat, crafting an explosive production that blends both spectacle and heart. The choreography, aerial and otherwise, by Lauren Yalango-Grant and Christopher Cree Grant, is precise, powerful, and packed with a raw undercurrent that is infused in every layer of the show.
The Lost Boys is electric. It raises the hairs on the back of your neck. It makes you audibly gasp. It steals your breath, then captures your heart, from one moment to the next. It takes a moving story of finding who you are and where you belong, of finding your people, and it sets it all against an epic score, and one of the most impressive designs across departments that I have seen in a long time–not to mention the absolute powerhouse of a cast bringing this story to life at the Palace Theatre.
With a book by David Hornsby and Chris Hoch, and music and lyrics by The Rescues, this script and score have it all. It’s a rock concert, yet it’s an anthem of belonging and an ode to family. Michael Arden once again works his theatrical magic in the director’s seat, crafting an explosive production that blends both spectacle and heart. The choreography, aerial and otherwise, by Lauren Yalango-Grant and Christopher Cree Grant, is precise, powerful, and packed with a raw undercurrent that is infused in every layer of the show.
The Lost Boys is electric. It raises the hairs on the back of your neck. It makes you audibly gasp. It steals your breath, then captures your heart, from one moment to the next. It takes a moving story of finding who you are and where you belong, of finding your people, and it sets it all against an epic score, and one of the most impressive designs across departments that I have seen in a long time–not to mention the absolute powerhouse of a cast bringing this story to life at the Palace Theatre.
LJ Benet and Maria Wirries in The Lost Boys on Broadway (Matthew Murphy)
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Shoshana Bean, Benjamin Pajak, and LJ Benet in The Lost Boys on Broadway (Matthew Murphy)
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LJ Benet makes a Broadway debut for the ages as Michael Emerson. The older of Lucy’s two sons, Michael is searching for belonging and finds it among the blood-drinking band of vampires known as “The Lost Boys.” Benet balances the grit of that searching, lost soul with the charm of a boy in love, delivering a star-making performance from start to finish. I’ve had “Belong to Someone” on repeat since “The Santa Carla Sessions” debuted, and witnessing Benet pour his literal soul out in that number onstage is incredible.
With several award nominations already under his belt for the role, Ali Louis Bourzgui is to-die-for as the charismatic vampire leader David. Equal parts seductive and dangerous, Bourzgui commands the stage with a powerful presence, drawing you in from his very first entrance. From “Have to Have You” to “Time to Kill” and beyond, his vocals are off the charts in what already feels like a Tony-worthy performance.
At his side are Brian Flores as Marko, Sean Grandillo as Dwayne, and Dean Maupin as Paul. These three are rockstars, through and through. From deceptively playful to downright vicious, they embody the three iconic vampires with both strength and finesse. In one moment they may be rocking out on their respective instruments, and in the next, soaring through the air with predatory grace. As a collective, Bourzgui, Flores, Grandillo, and Maupin possess a bond that is clear onstage, evoking the brotherhood that connects these vampires. Some of the most touching moments are when we see the ties of family–chosen family–that they share.
Maria Wirries plays Star, the new half-vampire of the group, and she is just that–a star. There is a dazzling charisma about Wirries that fuels the chemistry between her and Benet as Michael. Her stage presence is impressive, and her vocals are on another level. “War” is set to be an anthem the moment the cast album drops, and her duet with Benet on “Now, Forever,” is breathtaking.
With several award nominations already under his belt for the role, Ali Louis Bourzgui is to-die-for as the charismatic vampire leader David. Equal parts seductive and dangerous, Bourzgui commands the stage with a powerful presence, drawing you in from his very first entrance. From “Have to Have You” to “Time to Kill” and beyond, his vocals are off the charts in what already feels like a Tony-worthy performance.
At his side are Brian Flores as Marko, Sean Grandillo as Dwayne, and Dean Maupin as Paul. These three are rockstars, through and through. From deceptively playful to downright vicious, they embody the three iconic vampires with both strength and finesse. In one moment they may be rocking out on their respective instruments, and in the next, soaring through the air with predatory grace. As a collective, Bourzgui, Flores, Grandillo, and Maupin possess a bond that is clear onstage, evoking the brotherhood that connects these vampires. Some of the most touching moments are when we see the ties of family–chosen family–that they share.
Maria Wirries plays Star, the new half-vampire of the group, and she is just that–a star. There is a dazzling charisma about Wirries that fuels the chemistry between her and Benet as Michael. Her stage presence is impressive, and her vocals are on another level. “War” is set to be an anthem the moment the cast album drops, and her duet with Benet on “Now, Forever,” is breathtaking.
LJ Benet and Ali Louis Bourzgui in The Lost Boys on Broadway (Matthew Murphy)
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Shoshana Bean in The Lost Boys on Broadway (Matthew Murphy)
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Shoshana Bean’s Lucy is so incredibly relatable, though I'm sure we all wish we could belt “Wild” to the third story of the set as effortlessly as she does. Bean gives us a Lucy who is worn, but who loves fiercely–weary, but who is dreaming of a world where she can be all she wants, while also being there for the ones who need her most. “Wild” is a masterclass in building through a song, and Bean delivers nothing but the best the entire show.
Benjamin Pajak is a delight as young Sam Emerson. Pajak, along with Jennifer Duka and Miguel Gil as Alan and Edgar Frog, brings much of the comedic moments to the production. Pajak is endearing and hilarious as he discovers that his “Brother Is A…,” and really shines as he leads “Superpower” in the second act. Duka and Gil are exactly the sort of chaotic that we need from the Frog brothers. Duka is spunky and fierce, while Gil adds a dose of goofiness, to create the dynamic vampire-destroying duo.
Paul Alexander Nolan takes us on a journey as Max, the initially awkward and overzealous owner of VideoMax that turns out to be just a bit more than he seems. Nolan can play quite the range, and Max is a satisfying demonstration of that. From quirky to commanding, Nolan takes the role and runs with it, delivering a memorable performance and gifting us a few particularly fantastic one-liners in his dialogue that he times exceptionally well–you’ll have to see what I mean!
The ensemble of The Lost Boys rounds out the gritty world of the show as they portray a range of characters, from vampires to boardwalk locals. Ben Crawford shows off his vocal chops while also leaning into the physicality of the role of the Father, while Cameron Loyal earns laughs as Sax Guy and Colin Trudell tosses out movie references as Pete. Also featured are Pierre Marais, Ashley Jenkins, Dominic Dorset, Delaney Westfall, Carissa Gaughran, Ryan Behan, and Pierce Wheeler. Grace Capeless (asst. dance captain), Mateus Leite Cardoso, Liesie Kelly, Mason Olshavsky, and Hank Santos (dance captain/fight captain) serve as swings.
Benjamin Pajak is a delight as young Sam Emerson. Pajak, along with Jennifer Duka and Miguel Gil as Alan and Edgar Frog, brings much of the comedic moments to the production. Pajak is endearing and hilarious as he discovers that his “Brother Is A…,” and really shines as he leads “Superpower” in the second act. Duka and Gil are exactly the sort of chaotic that we need from the Frog brothers. Duka is spunky and fierce, while Gil adds a dose of goofiness, to create the dynamic vampire-destroying duo.
Paul Alexander Nolan takes us on a journey as Max, the initially awkward and overzealous owner of VideoMax that turns out to be just a bit more than he seems. Nolan can play quite the range, and Max is a satisfying demonstration of that. From quirky to commanding, Nolan takes the role and runs with it, delivering a memorable performance and gifting us a few particularly fantastic one-liners in his dialogue that he times exceptionally well–you’ll have to see what I mean!
The ensemble of The Lost Boys rounds out the gritty world of the show as they portray a range of characters, from vampires to boardwalk locals. Ben Crawford shows off his vocal chops while also leaning into the physicality of the role of the Father, while Cameron Loyal earns laughs as Sax Guy and Colin Trudell tosses out movie references as Pete. Also featured are Pierre Marais, Ashley Jenkins, Dominic Dorset, Delaney Westfall, Carissa Gaughran, Ryan Behan, and Pierce Wheeler. Grace Capeless (asst. dance captain), Mateus Leite Cardoso, Liesie Kelly, Mason Olshavsky, and Hank Santos (dance captain/fight captain) serve as swings.
Dean Maupin, Brian Flores, LJ Benet, Ali Louis Bourzgui, and Sean Grandillo in The Lost Boys on Broadway (Matthew Murphy)
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Maria Wirries and LJ Benet in The Lost Boys on Broadway (Matthew Murphy)
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This is one of the most incredible sets I have seen onstage in years. Utilizing 3 stories on stage, as well as lifts and traps, and suitable for plenty of flying and aerial stunts, Dane Laffrey and team have truly outdone themselves with this one. The scenic elements flawlessly glide on and off stage, the upper story of the Emerson house flying in and out, a character itself. Laffrey has captured the essence of the story, in both the metallic, industrial-feeling levels, as well as the pops of color infused throughout. Lighting design by both Jen Schriever and Arden adds layers to the story with light and color, wielding shadows and careful spotlights with the utmost intention. It’s a delicious display of design at its finest.
Costume designer Ryan Park likewise builds upon the world of the show with a fantastic spread of textures and looks. While the entire cast is supported in their character work by the incredible garments that Park and team have crafted, the Lost Boys themselves, especially David and Star's looks, are the highlight. Hair and wig design by David Brian Brown is award-worthy, and makeup designer Christina Grant gives us rockstar vampires in all their glory. Sound design by Adam Fisher is strong throughout–from balancing a rock show to feeding haunting vampire laughter throughout different parts of the theatre. A special shoutout to aerial designers Gwyneth Larsen and Billy Mulholland, and special effects designer Markus Maurette. This show is built on spectacle, and this team is pulling out all the stops.
Costume designer Ryan Park likewise builds upon the world of the show with a fantastic spread of textures and looks. While the entire cast is supported in their character work by the incredible garments that Park and team have crafted, the Lost Boys themselves, especially David and Star's looks, are the highlight. Hair and wig design by David Brian Brown is award-worthy, and makeup designer Christina Grant gives us rockstar vampires in all their glory. Sound design by Adam Fisher is strong throughout–from balancing a rock show to feeding haunting vampire laughter throughout different parts of the theatre. A special shoutout to aerial designers Gwyneth Larsen and Billy Mulholland, and special effects designer Markus Maurette. This show is built on spectacle, and this team is pulling out all the stops.
LJ Benet in The Lost Boys on Broadway (Matthew Murphy)
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Dean Maupin, LJ Benet, Brian Flores, Ali Louis Bourzgui, and Sean Grandillo in The Lost Boys on Broadway (Matthew Murphy)
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When I say run, don’t walk, I mean get yourself over to the Palace Theatre as fast as humanly (vampiricly?) possible. This is a show that audiences will be talking about for a long time, and you won’t want to miss out. It’s a high-flying, gravity-defying new musical that shatters what you think is possible on a stage. Featuring a killer company, astounding design, and a score that you’ll be humming long after the curtain falls, I can’t recommend this show enough. What are you waiting for? Become one of us, and check out The Lost Boys on Broadway. And don’t run out during the bows, as you’re going to want to see what comes next…
Produced by James Carpinello, Marcus Chait, and Patrick Wilson, and based on the film by Warner Bros., The Lost Boys is now playing at the Palace Theatre on Broadway. Learn more and purchase tickets at www.lostboysmusical.com. Production photography is by Matthew Murphy.
Kiersten Bjork is a professional theatremaker, performer, and reviewer (Connecticut Critics Circle) from Branford, CT.
Produced by James Carpinello, Marcus Chait, and Patrick Wilson, and based on the film by Warner Bros., The Lost Boys is now playing at the Palace Theatre on Broadway. Learn more and purchase tickets at www.lostboysmusical.com. Production photography is by Matthew Murphy.
Kiersten Bjork is a professional theatremaker, performer, and reviewer (Connecticut Critics Circle) from Branford, CT.