Imagine a beloved '80s horror flick about rebellious teens battling bloodthirsty vampires getting a full-blown Broadway makeover—complete with songs, dances, and stage magic. It's the kind of transformation that could either reignite your love for the original or leave you scratching your head. But here's where it gets controversial: turning a gritty vampire story into a musical might just be the boldest move yet in adapting cult classics. Stick around, because the details are about to sink their teeth in!
Exciting news is buzzing in the theater world as previews for The Lost Boys: A New Musical kick off in March. Specifically, the show will begin its preview performances on Friday, March 27, 2026, at the iconic Palace Theatre right on Broadway. For those new to theater lingo, previews are like dress rehearsals open to the public—they give audiences a sneak peek before the official opening night, allowing for any last-minute tweaks to ensure everything runs smoothly. This adaptation brings Joel Schumacher's 1987 vampire thriller to life on stage, and it's being spearheaded by none other than Patrick Wilson, the talented actor who's wowed fans in blockbuster franchises like The Conjuring series (where he played the determined Ed Warren) and Insidious (including directing one of the films). Wilson isn't just starring here; he's stepping into the producer role, teaming up with James Carpinello and Marcus Chait to make this musical a reality.
And this is the part most people miss: the creative team behind the scenes is a powerhouse of talent. They've collaborated with It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia writer and executive producer David Hornsby, who co-wrote the book alongside Broadway actor Chris Hoch. The music comes courtesy of the pop rock band The Rescues, with Ethan Popp—known for his work on Tina: The Tina Turner Musical—serving as music supervisor. Directors like Michael Arden from Parade are involved, and creative consultants Mark Kaufman and Lauren Shuler Donner bring their expertise to the table. It's all happening through a special partnership with Warner Bros. Theatre Ventures, ensuring the stage version stays true to the film's spirit while adding fresh theatrical flair.
The cast list has been unveiled, and it's packed with rising stars and seasoned performers. Caissie Levy, who dazzled in Frozen and Ragtime, will portray Lucy Emerson—the nurturing mother role originally played by Dianne Wiest in the movie. LJ Benet, fresh from the Hollywood Bowl's Jesus Christ Superstar, steps into Michael Emerson's shoes, a part that Kiefer Sutherland made iconic as the brooding leader of the vampire gang. Ali Louis Bourzgui from The Who's Tommy takes on David, while Benjamin Pajak—veteran of The Music Man and The Life of Chuck—plays Sam Emerson, the younger brother who was Corey Haim in the film. Maria Wirries, with credits in Dear Evan Hansen, embodies Star, the enigmatic love interest (Jamie Gertz's role), and Paul Alexander Nolan (Water for Elephants, Parade) channels Max, the mysterious figure Edward Herrmann brought to life. Rounding out the ensemble are Jennifer Duka as Alan Frog (Jamison Newlander in the original), Miguel Gil (Kimberly Akimbo) in the Corey Feldman role of Edgar Frog, Brian Flores as Marko (Alex Winter), Sean Grandillo as Dwayne (Billy Wirth), and Dean Maupin as Paul (Brooke McCarter). More cast members will be revealed soon, so keep an eye out for updates.
To give newcomers a quick primer, the story revolves around teenage brothers Michael and Sam who relocate with their mom to a quaint coastal town in northern California. While Sam bonds with a couple of comic-book obsessed pals, Edward and Alan, Michael gets entangled with Star—a captivating girl who's under the spell of David, the charismatic head of a local vampire crew. It's up to Sam and his geeky friends to rescue Michael and Star from the clutches of the undead. This synopsis captures the film's blend of horror, humor, and coming-of-age vibes, making it a timeless tale that's perfect for a musical adaptation.
Choreography is in the capable hands of Lauren Yalango-Grant and Christopher Cree Grant, both from Parade, promising dynamic dance numbers that could elevate the vampire chases and fights. Scenic design by Dane Laffrey (Maybe Happy Ending) and costume design by Ryan Park (The Little Mermaid) will transport audiences to that foggy, beachy '80s aesthetic. Devin Keudell rounds out the team as executive producer.
Now, here's a controversial angle to chew on: Some fans of the original The Lost Boys might argue that slapping songs and choreography onto a horror classic dilutes its edge-of-your-seat terror, turning it into something more lighthearted and family-friendly. Others could see it as a genius way to introduce the story to new generations who might not have grown up with midnight movies. What do you think—does adapting a vampire horror film into a musical risk losing its bite, or is it a fresh take that honors the source material? Will you be grabbing tickets for Broadway next year to see if this stage version lives up to the hype? Drop your thoughts in the comments below—we'd love to hear your take, whether you're a die-hard fan of the movie or just curious about this theatrical twist!
