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

Mr. Saturday Night

 Mr. Saturday Night
Nederlander Theatre
April 23, 2022 

Photo courtesy of Mr. Saturday Night

Billy Crystal lights up Broadway in Mr. Saturday Night.  The show is full of one liners, double takes, and heartfelt moments.  The book is written by the same three who wrote to original move (Billy Crystal, Lowell Ganz, & Babaloo Mandel).  Jason Robert Brown’s score is lively and memorable.  Amanda Green’s lyrics are witty and character driven.  Director John Rando brings all the elements together and shines them up to create a fun new musical.  

The year is 1994.  Buddy Young Jr. (played by Billy Crystal), who was a famous TV comic in the 1950s, is now performing in Senior Homes and feels he has hit bottom.  When he is mistakenly listed as “recently deceased” on the Emmy Awards presentation, his brother Stan (played by David Paymer) flies in from Florida.  Stan was Buddy’s manager in the early days, until they had a falling out.  The Today Show calls Buddy for an interview to correct the error from the Emmy Awards.  Buddy feels this is his chance to make a comeback, so Stan calls in a favor with a big agency, who sends Annie Wells (played by Chasten Harmon) to discuss the possibilities.  In his usual style, Buddy manages to insult Ms. Wells, but she still wants to represent him.  Buddy has a rough road ahead, not just with his career, but in building back the relationship with his brother and healing the relationship with his daughter, Susan (played by Shoshana Bean).  

David Paymer & Billy Chrystal in the 1992 film
Photo courtesy of Warner Bros.

Billy Crystal’s timing during his stand-up routines and old comedy sketches is impeccable.  He and David Payne have a strong connection as brothers, both having played these roles in the original 1992 film.  Their relationship plays out through rhythm and comic timing.  They create a few very serious moments that are genuine and touching.

Randy Graff plays Buddy’s wife, Elaine.  Her character is a grounding force for Buddy.  She is solid and charming in this role, keeping the characters around her connected and the action moving.  Shoshana Bean is engaging and charismatic as Susan.  Her energy pushes each scene forward.  Her solos are strong and emotionally engaging.  Chasten Harmon brings heart and determination to the character of Annie Wells.  She raises the stakes and builds the momentum of the story. 

David Paymer, Billy Crystal, Shoshana Bean, & Chasten Harmon
Photo courtesy of Mr. Saturday Night

The ensemble is made up of three amazing performers: Jordan Gelber, Brian Gonzales, and Mylinda Hull.  Each play numerous roles that resurface throughout the story.  They are full of surprises, while skillfully keeping the action connected and delivering the laughs.  

Mr. Saturday Night has all the humor and heart you expect from a Billy Crystal project.  The story is touching.  The performances are bold and honest.  The set design, by Scott Pask brilliantly incorporates the video and projection designs of Jeff Sugg.  Get a ticket today.  You will definitely enjoy this show.     

Domenick Danza