This Vampire Musical Is My Favorite New Show on Broadway—It's Scary Good

I don't know which I loved more, the performances or that incredible set

the lost boys broadway review
Matthew Murphy

New York City theater is on fire right now. Whether we're talking about Broadway offerings like the fabulous new revival of The Rocky Horror Show or the award-winning Just in Time, or lesser-known (but equally as good) Off-Broadway options like Blood/Love or Masquerade, live theater is having a moment. Rising to the top of this season's stellar offerings? The incredible new vampire musical The Lost Boys from director Michael Arden.

Based on the 1987 film of the same name which starred Kiefer Sutherland, Corey Feldman and Dianne Wiest, this clever and creative stage adaptation is wildly impressive from the second the curtain goes up until the moment the company takes its final bow.

The Lost Boys tells the story of Lucy and her two sons, Michael and Sam, who try to get a fresh start by moving to the beach town, Santa Carla. Unfortunately, Michael's new group of friends might not be who he thinks they are. In fact, the whole family (and the whole town) are in grave danger.

the lost boys broadway review
Matthew Murphy

Let me say, I never start a review by talking about the set of a show. But I have to talk about the set of this show. The scenic design by Dane Laffrey is out of this world. Forget the fact that many of the characters fly (this isn't a spoiler—you get your first glimpse of this in the very opening moments). But the design allows the front of the proscenium to sink and disappear, full sets to descend from the heavens and what you thought were solid walls to become moving pieces for the actors to play on. And through all of this, the action doesn't feel cramped (like is so often the case on a Broadway stage). It would indeed be a shame if such a set were wasted on a bad musical...but fortunately, that isn't the case here. From the songs to the performances, everything else about the show is so good.

Shoshana Bean shines as Lucy, delivering a layered performance, plenty of funny one-liners and vocals that bring the house down (again and again). Does her character have too many songs? Perhaps. Would I listen to her sing twice as many? Absolutely.

And while the cast around her isn't quite as "Broadway famous," they are also spectacular. LJ Benet sings and acts his face off as "lost" son Michael. Benjamin Pajak wows and brings the laughs as younger son Sam. Ali Louis Bourzgui is terrifying (and terrifyingly good) as Michael's newest "friend" who harbors a spooky secret.

The tunes in this rock musical (by The Rescues) are catchy and fun. They really allow the characters to release their emotions while delivering sky-high rock vocals that impress even if you're sitting in the very last row.

The plot is riveting. And if you don't know the film, you'll still enjoy it (perhaps even more so as you won't see the twists coming).

10/10 would recommend The Lost Boys, my now-favorite new musical of 2026. The Lost Boys is running at the Palace Theatre.

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