Imagine fangs flashing under the bright lights of Broadway – that's the thrilling promise of The Lost Boys: A New Musical, a fresh take on the iconic 1987 vampire flick that's sure to stir up nostalgia and excitement. But here's where it gets controversial: Can a stage show really capture the edgy horror and '80s charm of Joel Schumacher's cult classic without losing its bite? Stick around as we dive into the details, and you might just find yourself humming a tune about undead gangs before you know it.
Back in late 2023, the buzz began when it was revealed that Patrick Wilson – the versatile actor known for his spine-tingling roles in the Conjuring trilogy and the Insidious series (where he even stepped behind the camera for one installment) – would be producing this theatrical adaptation. Fast-forward to 2024, and an industry showcase brought the project to life, featuring standout performers like Caissie Levy from Frozen, Nathan Levy from Dear Evan Hansen, and Lorna Courtney from & Juliet in pivotal parts. Now, according to Deadline, the real magic kicks off with previews starting on Friday, March 27, 2026, at the prestigious Palace Theatre on Broadway. For those new to theater lingo, previews are like dress rehearsals open to the public, allowing audiences to catch the show before its official opening night – a chance to refine the performance based on early feedback.
And this is the part most people miss: The full cast lineup has been unveiled, promising a stellar ensemble that honors the film's beloved characters while bringing fresh energy to the stage. Caissie Levy, celebrated for her work in Ragtime, steps into the shoes of Lucy Emerson, the role originally played by Dianne Wiest in the movie. LJ Benet, who wowed audiences in the Hollywood Bowl's Jesus Christ Superstar, will portray Michael Emerson, taking over from Jason Patric. Ali Louis Bourzgui, fresh from The Who's Tommy, embodies David, the charismatic vampire leader Kiefer Sutherland made famous. Benjamin Pajak, with credits in Broadway's The Music Man, Encores! Oliver!, and the film The Life of Chuck, plays Sam Emerson, the Corey Haim part. Maria Wirries, known from Dear Evan Hansen and Old Friends, brings Star to life, replacing Jamie Gertz. Paul Alexander Nolan, from Water for Elephants, Parade, and Slave Play, tackles Max, originally Edward Herrmann. Jennifer Duka takes on Alan Frog, a nod to Jamison Newlander, while Miguel Gil, from Kimberly Akimbo, channels Edgar Frog, the Corey Feldman role. Brian Flores steps in as Marko, echoing Alex Winter, Sean Grandillo as Dwayne (Billy Wirth), and Dean Maupin as Paul (Brooke McCarter). More names will be added soon, so keep an eye out for updates.
To make this musical a reality, the team has assembled a powerhouse crew, including It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia writer and executive producer David Hornsby, Parade director Michael Arden, and the pop rock band The Rescues, all under a special deal with Warner Bros. Theatre Ventures. Hornsby collaborated on the book with Broadway talent Chris Hoch, The Rescues handle the tunes, and Ethan Popp from Tina: The Tina Turner Musical oversees the music supervision. Creative consultants Mark Kaufman and Lauren Shuler Donner lend their expertise, with Patrick Wilson producing alongside James Carpinello and Marcus Chait. For context, this kind of collaboration blends TV comedy wit, theatrical direction, and rock energy to transform a horror story into a singable spectacle – think of it as evolving a slasher flick into something like Rocky Horror Picture Show, but with a vampire twist.
The original Lost Boys film, penned by Janice Fischer, Jeffrey Boam, and James Jeremias, tells the tale of teenage brothers Michael and Sam relocating with their mom to a quaint northern California town. Young Sam bonds with comic-book obsessed pals Edward and Alan, while rebellious Michael gets entangled with Star – only to discover she's under the spell of David, the head of a vampire crew. It's up to Sam and his buddies to rescue Michael and Star from the supernatural clutches. This synopsis captures the film's blend of teen angst, horror, and humor, making it a perfect candidate for musical adaptation, though some fans might argue that turning bloodsucking drama into songs could dilute the scares.
Rounding out the production, Lauren Yalango-Grant and Christopher Cree Grant from Parade choreograph the moves, Dane Laffrey designs the sets (as in Maybe Happy Ending), Ryan Park handles costumes (inspired by The Little Mermaid), and Devin Keudell serves as executive producer. It's a comprehensive effort to bring the screen's gothic vibes to the stage.
Are you planning a trip to Broadway in 2026 to see The Lost Boys: A New Musical? Will this adaptation honor the film's legacy, or is it a risky gamble that might spark debate among purists? Do you think musicalizing vampires is a stroke of genius or a fangless flop? Share your opinions in the comments below – we'd love to hear if you're team 'vampire rock opera' or sticking to the original movie!
About the Author
Horror News Editor
Favorite Movies: The entire Friday the 13th series, Kevin Smith flicks, George A. Romero's works (especially the original Dead trilogy), Texas Chainsaw Massacre 1 & 2, Flesh Eater, Intruder, Let the Right One In, Return of the Living Dead, The Evil Dead, Jaws, Tremors, From Dusk Till Dawn, Phantasm, Halloween, The Hills Have Eyes, the Back to the Future trilogy, Dazed and Confused, the James Bond franchise, Mission: Impossible, the Marvel Cinematic Universe, and countless more.
Likes: Cinema, horror genres, '80s slashers, podcasts, animals, travel, Brazil (the nation), Cinema Wasteland convention, classic rock, Led Zeppelin, Kevin Smith, George A. Romero, Quentin Tarantino, the Coen brothers, Richard Linklater, Paul Thomas Anderson, Stephen King, Elmore Leonard, James Bond, Tom Cruise, Marvel comics, the grindhouse and drive-in era.
