The Lost Boys

 The Lost Boys
Palace Theatre
August 11, 2026 

Photo courtesy of The Lost Boys

The Lost Boys is a truly spectacular musical!  The book by David Hornsby and Chris Hoch is tight and clear, thoroughly developing the characters and raising the action at a scintillating pace.  Music and lyrics by The Rescues echo the 1980s period of the story and energizes the plot line.  The entire cast delivers moving performances that touch the soul and jar the emotions.  Director Michael Arden blends effective lighting design (by him and Jen Schriever), brilliant scenic design (by Dane Laffrey), and impressive choreography and daring aerial choreography (by Lauren Yalango-Grant and Christoher Cree Grant) with amazing casting to create a phenomenal production. 

Lucy Emerson (played by Shoshana Bean) moves her two sons, Michael (played by LJ Benet) and Sam (played by Benjamin Pajak) to Santa Carla to get away from their abusive father.  She is hired by Max (played by Paul Alexander Nolan) to work in his video store.  Sam meets Edgar Frog (played by Miguel Gil) and Alan Frog (played by Jennifer Duka), self-appointed vampire hunters, while browsing in a comic book store.  Michael is captivated by Star (played by Maria Wirries), a girl he meets on the Boardwalk.  Through her, Michael, who is yearning for a sense of belonging, gets involved with David (played by Ali Louis Bourzgui) and the rest of the Lost Boys.  Little does he know the choices that lie ahead. 

LJ Benet & Ali Louis Bourzgui
Photo courtesy of The Lost Boys

Ali Louis Bourzgui is beguiling as David.  He has total control over Star and gains a powerful hold over Michael.  LJ Benet and Maria Wirries build a resilient relationship as Michael and Star.  As the truth of the story unfolds, it is their connection that keeps the action moving. 

Shoshana Bean is strong and endearing as Lucy Emerson.  The backstory of her teen years as a hippy in the 1960s allows her to build her character into a bold and daring single mother.  Paul Alexander Nolan carefully creates a trusting relationship with her as Max.  It is this gradual build that allow for a shocking surprise in the final scene. 

Shoshana Bean, Benjamin Pajak, & LJ Benet
Photo courtesy of The Lost Boys

Benjamin Pajak, Miguel Gil, and Jennifer Duka build a genuine friendship as Sam, Edgar, and Alan.  Their characters successfully bring the comic element into this dark story.  Their timing is impeccable.  Their youthful enthusiasm turns into brazen bravery that brings the action to a dramatic conclusion.  At age fifteen, Benjamin Pajak has a long list of stage and screen credits.  He is exceptional in this role.  He is maturing into a phenomenal Broadway performer with an unlimited future ahead.

This creative team has done a monumental job adapting this 1987 cult classic into a Broadway musical.  The Lost Boys is sure to have a long run at the Palace Theatre, but don’t wait to see it.  Get a ticket right away! 

Domenick Danza