Review: ‘The Lost Boys’ musical takes flight on Broadway

“The Lost Boys” is a new Broadway musical, which earned 12 Tony nominations this year. #Powerjournalist Markos Papadatos has the review.

It is a lavish adaptation of Joel Schumacher’s 1987 cult classic of the same name, and it officially opened on Broadway on April 26th at the Palace Theatre in Manhattan.

Michael Arden directed the production from a book by David Hornsby and Chris Hoch, as well as music and lyrics by the band The Rescues.

“The Lost Boys” uses vampirism as a vehicle to explore the physical transformation, sexual awakening, and identity experimentation of a teenager’s coming of age. When the brotherly duo of Michael (an impressive L.J. Benet) and Sam (an appealing Benjamin Pajak) move to the fictional town of Santa Carla, California with their single mother Lucy (a sublime Shoshana Bean), they inadvertently end up in the crosshairs of a group of teenage rebel vampires and adolescent vampire hunters. Ali Louis Bourzgui plays David, the vampire, exceptionally well.

The cast is remarkable across the board, delivering performances that balance humor, heart, and supernatural menace. The chemistry between the central characters feels raw and authentic, making the story’s emotional stakes resonate even amid the show’s larger-than-life moments.

The musical numbers are memorable and energetic, blending rock influences with contemporary Broadway flair in a way that feels both nostalgic and modern.

What truly sets “The Lost Boys” apart is its fantastical atmosphere. The creative team has crafted a production that is visually striking without ever overwhelming or overpowering the story. Clever effects, dynamic choreography, and a moody, cinematic aesthetic make Santa Carla, California, feel both lively and dangerously alluring.

The only reason it falls just short of a perfect score is that a few songs in the second act don’t quite match the impact of the show’s strongest numbers. Even so, the pacing remains engaging, and the emotional payoff lands beautifully.

Whether you’re a longtime fan of the original film or discovering the story for the first time, The Lost Boys is a wildly entertaining night at the theater: funny, frightening, heartfelt, and irresistibly cool. Broadway could use more shows this bold and imaginative.

The Verdict

“The Lost Boys” is an electrifying, stylish, and surprisingly emotional adaptation that captures everything that loyal fans love about the cult classic while transforming it into a thrilling Broadway spectacle that is new and fresh.

From the moment the curtain rises, the production immerses the audience in a darkly seductive world of vampires, rebellion, and teenage angst, all brought to life through stunning visuals, inventive staging, compelling acting performances, and a powerhouse musical score. “The Lost Boys” is a great deal of fun, and it garners 4.5 out of 5 stars. Well done.