Podcast Summary: Everything We Know About THE LOST BOYS | Early Thoughts on Broadway's Next Potential Hit Musical

Podcast: MickeyJoTheatre
Host: MickeyJoTheatre
Date: October 13, 2025
Episode Theme:
An exploration and deep-dive into the upcoming Broadway musical adaptation of The Lost Boys, covering its origins, creative team, cast, early music releases, and its potential to break the Broadway “vampire musical curse.”

Overview

Mickey Jo, a professional theatre critic and social media content creator, shares a comprehensive review and speculation on The Lost Boys, a new Broadway musical set to open in 2026. Drawing from both the newly launched marketing campaign and exclusive insights, Mickey Jo unpacks the show’s potential, discusses the source material, artistic choices, and compares it to similar Broadway ventures. He also reflects on how this production may fare in today's competitive and unpredictable Broadway landscape.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. What Is THE LOST BOYS Musical?

• Source Material: A stage adaptation of the 1987 comedy-horror film directed by Joel Schumacher, "The Lost Boys," about two brothers who discover their new town is a haven for vampires.
• Tone & Themes: The film and (presumably) musical explore themes of youthful anarchy, rebellion, gang culture, coming-of-age, and vampirism as metaphors for puberty and pushing against conservative societal norms.
  • “It’s using vampirism as this metaphor…for puberty and rebellion and finding yourself and sort of striking out against a conservative society and upbringing.” – Mickey Jo (08:33)
• Setting: Expected to maintain a nostalgic 1980s era vibe in both story and music.

2. Creative Team and Artistic Choices

• Producers: Notably led by actor-turned-producers Patrick Wilson, Marcus Chait, and James Carpinello.
  • “All three of them, I believe, have a background in acting...on the one hand, they are newer to the world of producing, but on the other hand…they are bringing already, it seems, new ideas to the table.” (14:55)
• Director: Michael Arden, a Tony Award-winning director with a strong creative reputation.
• Choreography & Design: Features notable names such as Lauren Yolango Grant and Christopher Cree for choreography, Dane Laffrey for scenic/video design, and Ryan Park for costumes.
• Aerial Design: Credit to Billy Mulholland signals onstage flying—"We think people are going to be flying in this show, which is already an incredibly exciting thing." (20:24)
• Writers: Book by David Hornsby (known for "It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia") and Chris Hock (with Broadway/comedy experience), indicating a comedic touch.
• Music & Lyrics: By The Rescues, an indie pop-rock band, bringing an authentic 80s rock sound.

3. Casting Highlights

• Ali Louis Bourzgui as David (originally Kiefer Sutherland’s role):
  • "I am a big fan of Ali's...He has a phenomenal voice...very like 1980s." (21:10)
• Benjamin Pajak and LJ Bennett as Michael and Sam Emerson (the central brothers).
• Maria Worries as Star, with a strong Broadway background.
• Casey Levy as Lucy Emerson (Diane Wiest’s film role):
  • “I have a lot of love for Casey Levy...a phenomenal vocalist...a really compellingly present visceral actress.” (23:00)
• Paul Alexander Nolan as Max (Edward Herrmann’s role):
  • "Such an endearing performer who is simultaneously capable of such threat and instilling such tension..." (23:37)
• Additional casting includes performers from notable Broadway and touring productions, rounding out an impressive and dynamic principal ensemble.

4. Music and First Impressions

• Released Song: "Have to Have You" – Described as “very 80s rocky, thrashy, dark, a little bit sexy…very musically and theatrically exciting.” (25:44)
  • “We are hearing some really satisfying vocal arrangement happening already…a great genre choice for the show and its tone.” (25:51)
• Diegetic Twist: The Lost Boys are not just a vampire biker gang—they’re a band in the story. Some songs are performed as actual rock concerts within the plot, which “gives a little bit more impetus for music…an act of rebellion that's a little easier to depict.” (26:35)
• Upcoming Release: “The Santa Carla Sessions” EP, with more songs dropping on Halloween.

5. Workshop Intel & Representation

• Insider Comments: Workshop attendees report the show includes “multiple LGBTQ characters, including a trans character…these are also incidental facets of these characters’ identities and not their entire plot arc, which is also satisfying.” (27:55)
• Undercurrent of Family: The narrative has a strong focus on family dynamics beneath the horror-comedy surface—“Apparently, the story running beneath the vampire plot is one about family. And that’s really intrinsic to the DNA of the show.” (28:40)

6. Comparisons, Market Timing & Broadway Prospects

• Similar Musicals: Outlanders and Warriors (youth gang musicals) might undercut Lost Boys' uniqueness, but Lost Boys arrives late in the season, when audiences might be hungry for something new.
• Vampire Musical ‘Curse’: Broadway has a poor history with vampire musicals (Dance of the Vampires, Dracula, Lestat); yet, Lost Boys might break the cycle:
  • “You have vampires, and then you have vampires. And it’s worth saying as well—I think audiences, particularly young audiences, have gotten a little bit spookier recently… maybe the Lost Boys is arriving at the perfect time for audiences.” (33:16)
• Production Value: Reportedly “huge,” “wildly expensive,” and “genuinely wowing” to those attending workshops and early previews.
• Awards & Buzz: With leading talents eligible in multiple categories, expectations are high—but, as Mickey Jo notes, “it’s all conjecture and vibes” until the show officially opens.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On the show’s unique take:

  • “A vampire biker gang who are also a band.” (02:01)

• On Broadway’s tricky timing:

  • “All of which is indicative of the fact that Broadway is due for a shake up. And this might just be one small manifestation of that...” (14:38)

• On the daring creative approach:

  • “We think people are going to be flying in this show, which is already an incredibly exciting thing, going into the Palace Theatre after its stun renovation.” (20:24)

• On music style:

  • “This is a great genre choice for the show and its tone, but they wish that the lyrics said a little bit more…I have some clarification on that because apparently…this is a diegetic song within the context of the show.” (25:55)

• On inclusivity:

  • “The show includes multiple LGBTQ characters, including a trans character…these are also incidental facets of these characters' identities and not their entire plot arc, which is also satisfying and also a great thing that we like to see.” (27:55)

• On the ‘vampire musical curse’:

  • “So while vampire musicals may have been cursed on Broadway, I don't think that really even comes into the conversation here.” (33:38)

Important Timestamps

| Timestamp | Segment | |------------|------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 02:01 | Introduction to The Lost Boys musical & episode agenda | | 08:33 | Analysis of the original film’s themes and cultural relevance | | 14:38 | Discussion of the producers and Broadway’s “need for a shake up” | | 17:50 | Overview of creative team and roles | | 20:24 | Aerial design—hint at onstage flying | | 21:10 | Detailed cast breakdown begins | | 23:00 | Praise for Casey Levy and Paul Alexander Nolan | | 25:12 | Early impressions of the music, diegetic song concept | | 27:55 | Report of LGBTQ representation and family themes | | 28:40 | Workshop feedback and energy from insiders | | 32:00 | Market timing and competition with similar musicals | | 33:16 | Will Lost Boys break the vampire musical curse? |

Conclusion

Mickey Jo’s thoughtful breakdown suggests The Lost Boys could be a breakout Broadway hit, thanks to a blend of nostalgia, innovative staging, bold musical choices, a strong cast, and socially relevant representation. The musical aims to appeal to contemporary audiences while learning from the mistakes of previous vampire-themed flops. As Mickey Jo notes—success will depend on the execution, audience response, and whether it can distinguish itself amid a competitive landscape.

“I think this really could shape up to be something very special and very impactful. And I think on the one hand, the timing is very good...Critically though, I am hearing really fantastic, excited things…” (30:35)

For more updates and future thoughts:
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This summary skips all advertisements and non-content sections for clarity. All quotes are attributed to Mickey Jo with timestamps in MM:SS format.