Review: The Lost Boys (2nd Visit)

Review of the Wednesday, August 19, 2026 matinee performance at the Palace Theatre in New York City.  Starring LJ Benet, Shoshana Bean, Ali Louis Bourzgui, Benjamin Pajak, Maria Wirries, Paul Alexander Nolan, Jennifer Duka, Pierce Wheeler, Brian Flores, Sean Grandillo and Dean Maupin. Book by David Hornsby and Chris Hoch. Music and lyrics by The Rescues. Based on the Warner Bros. Film, The Lost Boys. Story by James Jeremias and Janice Roberta Fischer. Orchestrations and arrangements by Ethan Popp and The Rescues. Vocal arrangements by The Rescues. Scenic design by Dane Laffrey. Costume design by Ryan Park. Wig/hair design by David Brian Brown. Lighting design by Jen Schriever and Michael Arden. Sound design by Adam Fisher. Aerial design by Gwyneth Larsen and Bill Mulholland. Choreography by Lauren Yalango-Grant and Christopher Cree Grant. Directed by Michael Arden. 2 hours 30 minutes with one intermission.

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I knew I had to see The Lost Boys again before I was even out of the Palace Theatre when I saw the show in previews back in April. Okay, maybe it was at some time during act one that day. But the cast recording, which I've been playing almost non-stop since it came out, ignited an urgency in me to get there as fast as possible. An Audience Rewards deal for a decent seat sweetened the deal.

So how was it?

One of the nice things about returning to a show is that since I know what to expect, I can let the show wash over me, and I can notice all of the little details I missed the first time. The same goes for appreciating the score now that I am more familiar with it. And one of my favorite things about returning to a favorite is getting to see how the performance has evolved, deepened and relaxed since the preview period. This second trip to Santa Carla gave all of that and more!

When we first saw the show, we sat pretty close to the stage, so we could see the actors' expressions and the details of the costumes and props very clearly. It was exciting to see it from that vantage point. But it also allowed us to see how some of the effects were implemented. For example, at that close range, you could sometimes see the wires that allowed the vampires to fly. Not a big deal, and in a way it was cool to see how it all came together. But this time, with a more distant point of view, the magic of the elements was out of sight.

This also allowed the sweeping, cinematic staging (director Michael Arden, aerial staging by Gwyneth Larsen and Bill Mulholland, choreography by Lauren Yalango-Grant and Christopher Cree Grant) and massive production to be fully appreciated. Perhaps the biggest production element that impressed from this distance was the sound design of Adam Fisher. One advantage of being just under the overhang was the surround sound feel from the speakers overhead, particularly the chilling moments in the vampire lair. The echoing and squeaks, creaks and wind sounds made it feels like we were in there. But the hair on the back of my neck stood up when you could hear David's voice calling, taunting Michael; it felt like he could have popped up anywhere in the cavernous Palace Theatre!

This second visit also gave us the chance to experience live The Rescues' thrilling score and stunning vocal arrangements that we so enjoy on the cast recording. Again, some familiarity with it allowed the opportunity to concentrate less on the words and more on the sound of it all and how it relates to the action. It more than holds up!

Perhaps the best part of a return visit several weeks after the show is frozen is seeing how the performances settled and evolved. Again, the entire cast is superb, with subtle deepening of characterization for each person. Notably, it is fun to pay a bit more attention to the hardworking ensemble. Each plays several characters, and they really add a lot with such distinct characters. All of the principals are continuing to give solid performances. Benjamin Pajak has really made Sam a more complex person with less affectation and a more natural approach - a tad less MUSICAL COMEDY, a little more musical drama. At this performance, we had the opportunity to enjoy Pierce Wheeler as Edgar Frog (on for Miguel Gil), and he was terrific, very natural, with excellent chemistry with his scene partners Pajak and Jennifer Duka. With a killer smile and a fun intensity, we really enjoyed him. Also of note, we got to see new swing Grace Slear make her debut as Mrs. Vasquez, drinker of the blood in the post-curtain call scene. What a treat!

I wonder what new things I'll find on visit number three!?