Buckle up, vampire fans – the undead are hitting Broadway, and it's about to spark some serious fang-tastic debates! Imagine taking the rebellious spirit of a 1980s cult classic and transforming it into a live stage spectacle. That's exactly what's happening with The Lost Boys: A New Musical, a fresh adaptation of Joel Schumacher's iconic 1987 vampire film. If you're not familiar with the original, picture a wild mix of teen angst, supernatural thrills, and rock 'n' roll rebellion set against the sunny shores of California – it's the movie that made us all a little afraid of fog machines and suspiciously cool motorcycles. Now, fast-forward to 2023, when the news broke that Patrick Wilson – star of blockbuster hits like the Conjuring trilogy and Insidious series (where he even stepped behind the camera for one installment) – was stepping in as producer for this stage version. And just when you thought it couldn't get cooler, previews are set to kick off on March 27, 2026, at the prestigious Palace Theatre. But here's where it gets controversial... can a musical truly capture the gritty, horror-comedy edge of the film without losing its bite?
The buzz started building with a 2024 industry presentation, where talented performers were announced for key roles. Leading the charge is Caissie Levy from Frozen, who'll portray Lucy Emerson – the role originally played by Dianne Wiest in the movie. Her son Michael Emerson will be brought to life by LJ Benet, fresh from the Hollywood Bowl's Jesus Christ Superstar, taking over from Jason Patric. Ali Louis Bourzgui, known for The Who's Tommy, steps into the charismatic yet menacing shoes of David, previously Kiefer Sutherland's iconic turn. Benjamin Pajak, with credits in Broadway's The Music Man and the film The Life of Chuck, will play the younger brother Sam, a nod to Corey Haim's memorable performance. Maria Wirries, from Dear Evan Hansen, embodies Star, replacing Jamie Gertz, while Paul Alexander Nolan (Water For Elephants, Parade) takes on Max, the role Edward Herrmann owned in the original. Rounding out the ensemble are Jennifer Duka as Alan Frog (Jamison Newlander in the film), Miguel Gil (Kimberly Akimbo) as Edgar Frog (a callback to Corey Feldman), Brian Flores as Marko (Alex Winter's spot), Sean Grandillo as Dwayne (Billy Wirth's character), and Dean Maupin as Paul (replacing Brooke McCarter). Expect more names to join the lineup soon – this is shaping up to be a star-studded affair!
And this is the part most people miss... the show's soundtrack is already teasing its rock-infused soul. The first single, "Have to Have You," has dropped, and it's a collaboration that could redefine vampire anthems. Performed by Bourzgui, Wirries, Flores, Grandillo, and Maupin, it features the legendary guitarist Slash – yes, the Guns N' Roses icon who's been making waves lately with his work on the Deathstalker reboot. To give you a taste, check out the embed below. For beginners wondering about musical adaptations, think of it as bringing the film's rebellious energy to life through song and dance, where complex scenes get broken down into catchy tunes that make the story more accessible and emotionally punchy.
Behind the scenes, the creative team is a powerhouse. Producers Patrick Wilson, James Carpinello, and Marcus Chait have partnered with It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia writer and executive producer David Hornsby, Parade director Michael Arden, and the pop-rock band The Rescues. This is all under a special deal with Warner Bros. Theatre Ventures. Hornsby co-wrote the book with Broadway star Chris Hoch, while The Rescues handle the music, and Ethan Popp (Tina: The Tina Turner Musical) oversees as music supervisor. Creative consultants Mark Kaufman and Lauren Shuler Donner add their expertise, ensuring the show stays true to its roots. Choreography is in the hands of Lauren Yalango-Grant and Christopher Cree Grant, both from Parade, with scenic design by Dane Laffrey (Maybe Happy Ending) and costume design by Ryan Park (The Little Mermaid). Devin Keudell serves as executive producer, tying it all together.
For those new to the plot, the story follows teenage brothers Michael and Sam as they relocate with their mom to a quaint Northern California town. Younger Sam bonds with comic-book obsessed pals Edward and Alan, but older brother Michael gets entangled with alluring Star – who's under the spell of David, the head of a vampire gang. It's up to Sam and his friends to rescue Michael and Star from the world of the undead. Written by Janice Fischer, Jeffrey Boam, and James Jeremias, this synopsis blends coming-of-age drama with supernatural suspense, making it perfect for stage exploration.
Now, let's stir the pot a bit. Is turning a film known for its dark humor and horror elements into a musical a stroke of genius or a risky gamble? Some fans might argue it dilutes the original's edge, while others see it as a bold way to introduce the story to new generations. And with Slash involved, is this just another celebrity cameo, or does it elevate the score to rock legend status? What do you think – will you brave the fog and catch The Lost Boys: A New Musical on Broadway next year? Share your thoughts in the comments: Do you love this casting, or do you have reservations about adapting a classic? Disagree with the musical route? Let's discuss!
