‘The Lost Boys’ Musical Is What Movie to Musical Adaptations Should Be [REVIEW]
5/5 pier games
There are times when you hear a movie is being adapted into a stage musical where you ask yourself “why?” With The Lost Boys, it wasn’t a why but instead a “how?” and boy does this musical bring magic to life on stage.
Michael (LJ Benet) and his family more to Santa Carla to escape his abusive father. Sam (Benjamin Pajak) is Michael’s younger brother whose obsession with comic heroes ends up making him an important part of this story. Why? Because Sam and his friends must fight off the vampires of Santa Carla.
The cult classic film has been beloved by many generations but, much like The Outsiders before it, I do think part of the charm of a movie turned musical like this is the dedicated fanbase (often comprised of women) that grew up loving it. For many of us, movies like The Lost Boys were our introduction into the world of vampires and it makes the musical that much more powerful.
With absolutely breathtaking direction by Michael Arden, a book by Mythic Quest‘s David Hornsby and Chris Hoch, and music by the Rescues, everything really clicks into place to make The Lost Boys something special. Especially when we get to understand why Michael is drawn into the world of David (Ali Louis Bourzgui).
Sexual undertones, the allure of vampires, and wire work, oh my!
Part of the “how” questions that initially arose when news of The Lost Boys happened surrounded the whole “vampires fly” of it all. Plus Santa Carla isn’t exactly a one set location. But the set for The Lost Boys transports you to the beach town inspired by California’s Santa Cruz and you can feel the sunsets, fear the dark corners, and want to go to the pier just for a chance encounter with a vampire.
So much of this show works because of the dedication to the magic of it all. At one point, I clocked how they rigged up a character mid number and it was captivating. Even if the “magic” of that was “ruined,” I was still mesmerized by every detail of how this show works.
David flying into a scene and looming, the way they somehow make it seem as if Bourzgui is in two places at once so seemlessly, all of it transports you into a vampire story and one that has already captured our hearts. And it never feels cheap or unnecessary. Both Hornsby and Hoch have elevated the story to be something new and important.
Don’t worry, you still want Michael and David to kiss the entire time you’re watching it.
“I want to belong to someone”
I remember watching The Lost Boys for the first time and wanting David to win. He’s a vampire. In fact, I always want the vampires to win. But with the musical, there are layers to Michael’s pain that makes David’s abuse of him hurt. Lucy (Shoshana Bean) moved her sons away from their father because he was a “monster.” And then Michael walked right back into the arms of another one.
Bourzgui has mastered the art of period piece. After his brilliant turn as Tommy in the revival of The Who’s Tommy, I was excited to see what he tackled next. And he brings the 80s to life in brilliant fashion and proves that he’s not just set to be the innocent leading man type.
But with all the necessary and brilliant adjustments to The Lost Boys to bring it to stage, the thing I loved most is rooted in Michael’s storyline. One, his look is a mix of the film’s iconic earring vibe and a bit of Bill Paxton in Near Dark. Second, his vulnerability and desire to just be loved. The song “Belong to Someone” is Michael’s Act 1 ballad allows the audience into Michael’s wish to just be loved.
Lucy tries throughout the show to be everything for her boys but Michael’s desires mixed with David’s ability to use Michael makes the dynamic between the two so rich and thrilling to watch.
Broadway’s must-see show
Every season, there is one Broadway show that takes the title of “must-see” in my books and The Lost Boys has taken that this time around. Even if you’re not a “vampire” person, there is something to the magic of The Lost Boys that needs to be seen by everyone.
This is how you elevate a story and bring it to life on stage. And if you haven’t planned to see The Lost Boys
(featured image: Matthew Murphy)
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