'The Lost Boys' Rises on Broadway: A $25 Million Gamble Pays Off
The new Broadway musical adaptation of the 1987 cult classic film The Lost Boys has officially opened, garnering generally positive reviews from critics. The production, which cost over $25 million to mount, notably skipped the traditional out-of-town tryout, opting to open directly on Broadway.
The Story
The musical centers on a divorced mother and her two teenage sons who relocate to a coastal town in California, where residents are mysteriously disappearing. The older son becomes entranced by a local band, which is secretly a group of vampires.
"The show reportedly cost over $25 million and did not have an out-of-town tryout."
Creative Team & Cast
The production is directed by Michael Arden, a two-time Tony Award winner for Parade and Maybe Happy Ending. The music is written by the L.A. indie-rock group The Rescues. Co-writers David Hornsby and Chris Hoch adapted the original screenplay, tightening the storyline and injecting new humor.
The cast features Shoshana Bean, LJ Benet, Ali Louis Bourzgui, and Benjamin Pajak, among others.
Technical Spectacle
The show is noted for its ambitious technical design, which includes extensive aerial work and "spectacular" lighting and sound design, contributing to its high production costs and immersive atmosphere.