The Lost Boys, Palace Theatre, New York City

I have saved my favorite of my 2026 NYC shows for last! Friends, I loved, loved, loved, loved The Lost Boys. This is the most in love I’ve been with a new show in a long time. Prepare for me to gush. I generally look a little sideways at musicals based on movies. (I just wish there were more musicals with original IP.) I hadn’t really planned on seeing The Lost Boys, but I was looking for another show and The Lost Boys had some good buzz pre-opening (despite not having a pre-broadway run) and was recommended to me by a broadway insider.  I love the movie, so off I went.

My god, the SPECTACLE! Y’all know how I love spectacle. The staging of The Lost Boys is impressive. Just phenomenal. The stunts! The Lighting! The blocking and movement of sets. The way the show uses the entire stage, mostly up high. There were moments in the show that were legitimately scary. The show deftly moved from horror, to camp, to sweet, then back to horror. There is something for everyone here.

There are a few changes from the movie. I assume you have all seen the movie, it’s a classic. (What? Only GenXers love this 40-year-old move? Lies!) The changes weren’t huge. The story is mainly the same. All the changes worked and even improved the story. A key beloved character is missing, but I actually think it ultimately helps the show as it gives other characters more time to shine. The biggest change is there is more backstory for the family’s move to Santa Carla. Information is dropped slowly, but it eventually makes sense why Michael would not want to be home with his mom and brother and is instead pulled in by these mysterious locals. The vampires are also now a rock band, which is perfect.

Michael is played by broadway newcomer LJ Benet. It’s hard to believe this is his first leading role. Mom/Lucy is played by broadway veteran Shoshana Bean. She brings a great amount of depth to her role and her scene singing Wild is a standout that earned her a nomination for featured performer. Ali Louis Bourzgui plays David, and yes, he’s my favorite. At terms frightening, sexy (he does front a rock band) he ultimately brings great vulnerability to David. He first decides to bring Michael into his group because of Star, but then it’s clear he sees a kinship in David. When Michael turns against him, David truly feels betrayed. I actually felt for him. All of the performers were so well cast. At no point was I missing a performer from the movie.

All the scenes with the vampires are outstanding. They fly! They sleep upside down! They’re a rock band! The scene when vampires sing My Heart With You, seducing Michael into joining them (even if Michael doesn’t quite understand what that means), is powerful.  I knew what it meant and was thinking in my seat “yes, Michael, join them.”  How could you say no to such heartfelt acapella?

The Lost Boys does something I’ve never seen done in a live show. There’s a post-credit scene! When the show ends, after the performers take their bows, there’s a whole new  scene. So if you’re one of those who likes to leave as soon as the last note is played, you might want to stick around.

My one complaint in the show is some of the campiness doesn’t fit. I’m being a little vague, but there’s some scenes with dancing vampires that was just too campy. The first time they showed up, I was nonplussed. But by the second time they appeared, I actually rolled with it more. Maybe I was just having too good a time by then.

In fairness, I have to admit not everyone loves The Lost Boys as much as me. The key complaint I’ve seen from its detractors is that the music is…not interesting. Well, maybe if you are some sort of music snob with something against grandiose melodies, lush harmonies and emotional punch. Ok, there’s a lot of synth. And the lyrics aren’t super complex. The music and lyrics were both written by The Rescues, an indie pop-rock band. The music is going for a certain rock vibe and nails it. You either like it or don’t. I loooved it, obviously. (Broadway Cast Recording out July 24)

Honestly, I’m already thinking about when/how I can get back to NYC to see this again, along with shows like Schmigadoon and Rocky Horror that I wasn’t able to see. The Lost Boys has already announced a national tour in 2028, but there are so many complex technical elements in this show. I really want to see it again in the original theatre.

The Lost Boys has twelve Tony nominations, including best new musical and performance noms for Ali Louis Bourzgui and Shoshana Bean. It has stiff competition from Ragtime and Schmigadoon among others, but I’m rooting for it.

Reminder, the Tony Awards are this Sunday. Airtime is 5 PM Pacific, 8 PM Eastern.