If you’re looking for a Broadway show that delivers spectacle, heart, and a little bite, The Lost Boys at the Palace Theatre is an easy recommendation. I walked in curious and walked out thoroughly entertained. This is a production that earns its place on a family’s Broadway bucket list.
What It Is
The Lost Boys tells the story of a mother and her two sons who flee Arizona after escaping an abusive ex-husband. They relocate to Santa Clara, California, the town where the mother grew up, settling into a house she inherited from her late father. It’s a fresh start, but it doesn’t stay quiet for long.
The older son, Michael, arrives restless and rebellious, eager to figure out who he is. He meets a woman named Star, and soon after, a group of vampires pulls him into their world. They convince him to drink their blood, which turns him into a half-vampire. The catch? Once he makes his first kill, the transformation becomes permanent. Star, it turns out, is caught in the same in-between state.
It’s part coming-of-age tale, part supernatural thriller, and it keeps you leaning forward the whole way through.
The Sets Steal the Show
I have to start with the sets, because they were incredible. This was the first show in a while that committed to full sets for every scene, and they were constantly in motion. They rotated, dropped, rose, and transformed in ways that kept the whole production feeling alive.
If you’re planning to go, here’s my best tip: book seats in the mezzanine. We did, and I’m so glad. This is a show that asks you to look up. From the mezzanine, you sit at eye level with many of the actors as they fly through the air, hang above the stage, and perform on elevated sets. You catch the action exactly where it’s happening instead of craning your neck from below.
The Cast and the Music
The performances anchor all that visual spectacle.
- Shoshana Bean plays the mother, bringing real warmth and strength to the role.
- Ali Louis Bourzgui, who plays David, the head vampire.
- LJ Benet takes on Michael, the rebellious older son, with the right mix of swagger and vulnerability. Plus, he has a fantastic voice!
- Benjamin Pajak plays the younger son, Sam, and holds his own beautifully.
- Maria Wirries plays Star, Michael’s love interest and fellow half-vampire.
The music is Broadway rock, and it suits the story perfectly. The vampire band gave off a serious Stray Cats vibe, all rockabilly cool and attitude. It’s the kind of sound that makes the supernatural feel a little dangerous and a lot of fun.
What Worked for Me
- The staging: Among the most impressive sets I’ve seen in recent memory.
- The energy: Aerial work and elevated scenes that genuinely thrill.
- The tone: It’s campy in parts, and it leans into that with confidence rather than apology.
- The ending: There’s a surprise twist that I won’t spoil, but it landed well.
A Few Things to Know
The campiness won’t be for everyone. If you prefer a serious, grounded drama, some of the playful, over-the-top moments might feel like a tonal shift. I’d also stress the seating point again: where you sit really shapes your experience here. A lower-level seat could leave you missing some of the high-flying action.
Best For
This is a great pick for families heading to Broadway. The mix of action, music, and humor gives everyone something to enjoy, and the spectacle is the kind that sticks with both younger and older audience members.
Final Verdict
I really enjoyed The Lost Boys, and I’d happily recommend it to families planning a Broadway night out. Between the jaw-dropping sets, the rock-driven score, and a story with real stakes and a satisfying twist, it’s a memorable evening.