The new musical The Lost Boys, based on the 1987 cult classic film, follows a mother and her two teenage sons who relocate to the fictional Santa Carla, California, hoping for a fresh start, but quickly discover the beach town has a dark and dangerous undercurrent.
The production is helmed by two-time Tony winner Michael Arden (Maybe Happy Ending, Parade) and stars Grammy winner and two-time Tony nominee Shoshana Bean as Lucy, a fiercely devoted mom. Rising talents LJ Benet and Benjamin Pajak co-star as her sons, Michael and Sam. Spectrum News NY1’s entertainment journalist Frank DiLella recently caught up with The Lost Boys trio on break from rehearsal to talk about bringing the beloved cult movie to life on stage and how this bloodline of characters has quickly become a true Broadway family.
Congratulations on bringing this new musical to Broadway! How are rehearsals going so far?
BENJAMIN PAJAK: Rehearsals are going great – we’re getting into the music. I’m having a blast working with everyone and getting to know everyone. We’ve been waiting for this to happen for so long.
LJ BENET: I can’t believe I’m here. I was working as a Task Rabbit a year ago this time. I’m stoked. I’m humbled to be here.
SHOSHANA BEAN: As the elder in the room, I can tell you that in my 30-plus years of doing this, I’ve never been in a room like this before. I didn’t have any expectations because this came out of the woodwork, but this group of people, from top to bottom, on the creative team and cast, it’s the best of the best there is.
Shoshana, you’ve been in some amazing rooms. Hairspray, Hell’s Kitchen, etc. What makes this room so special?
SB: I learned a long time ago that it comes from the top down. So, let’s start with our lead producers, Marcus [Chait], Jimmy [Carpinello], and Patrick [Wilson], three of my homies from way back. And let’s start with the fact that they all started on stage [as actors]. They know what it is to set a tone and culture – and they know what we’re going through and what we’ve been through. It starts there. And every person has been perfectly handpicked. It’s the finest of everything.
The three of you play a family in this musical. Shoshana, this isn’t your first time being part of a family on stage. How are the three of you gelling and building that dynamic together?
LJ: I’m giving Benjamin noogies to help us get into character [Laughs]. I tied Shoshana’s shoe just before I started talking to you, so I’m just trying to be a good son in that way.
SB: There’s a natural chemistry with us already there. When we started to approach the material and did our table read, we inherently have the essence of these people and embody that.
Benjamin, looking at your Broadway resume, you were last on Broadway in The Music Man where Sutton Foster played your sister. So in theory, going by the story of The Music Man, Hugh Jackman would’ve been your brother-in-law. Now Shoshana Bean is playing your mother… only the best of Broadway for your theater family tree, it seems?
BP: It’s funny you say that, I was just thinking about this yesterday. It feels so long ago but I was a completely different person back then, and roles like this don’t come around all the time. I feel so incredibly lucky to be in this cool show with these amazing people and going from Music Man to The Lost Boys, if you were to watch those shows back-to-back – they’re completely different.
This show features music by the rock group “The Rescues” and The Lost Boys marks their Broadway debut.
SB: They are an undeniable fit. I think that they’re able to sort of channel and embody the era [The 80s] and infuse it with punk, rock, and heart. And they really understand the art of storytelling. They’re intentional about every word – and every dot that is connected to the word and the timing and melody of it. Their storytelling is impeccable. Their score creates an entire world.
Shoshana, you and I go way back. And I will never forget when you signed on to do this show, you mentioned hearing LJ sing for the first time. That was a big selling point for you with taking on this show. LJ, this is your first time on a Broadway stage. How does it feel to have someone like Shoshana — a true Broadway powerhouse — in your corner?
LJ: It’s everything. Every person in NYC would kill me to take my spot right now. To be in this show is one thing – and then to have Shoshana Bean play your freaking Mom is like a whole other thing. I don’t have words. This is insane.
Shoshana – cover your ears… Boys, what has Shoshana taught you about creating a new musical?
BP: She’s pretty good at what she does.
LJ: For someone who is so talented, she’s so warm. You can work with great people – and they will keep to themselves – they’ll show up and do the work and then be done. The first day Shoshana came up to me, she said we’re family. Anything you need I’m here for you. You can’t take that for granted.
Michael Arden is at the helm of The Lost Boys. He’s known for presenting incredible theater magic on stage. What can you share with me about what he has in store for The Lost Boys?
LJ: We’re lifting the Palace Theatre 8 more stories [laughs].
SB: The only thing I’ll say that’s cryptic, but a little revealing, is it’s the biggest show I’ve ever been a part of. And that includes what you think it does.
BP: This show has everything you want – great music – and you will be blown out of your mind by all of the work that has been put into this. Our set model is even mind-blowing.
The Palace Theatre is a legendary Broadway house. This is the first time – for all 3 of you – starring in a musical at the Palace… “Playing the Palace” is a badge of honor in our industry.
BP: I’ve never been in the Palace – not even before it was renovated. And now, I have an idea of what it’s going to be like. But I think every day will be a mind-blowing experience and being on the set is going to be cool.
LJ: The Palace is special to me. My grandfather died when I was young. My mom and her family grew up in Irvington, New Jersey, and my grandfather’s job was a distributor for programs for a lot of different theatres in New York. My mom told me he worked the Palace. And the night I booked this role I just walked up to Times Square and sat outside and cried a little bit because I was thinking about him at the Palace. And now, me being there, his spirit and energy is with me. It’s an honor to be at the Palace. It doesn’t go beyond me – the number of stars who have played the Palace. It’s a privilege.
SB: How am I supposed to top that? The most exciting thing for me – besides the history – [is] the energy and magic still in the Palace. You can feel it. But on a superficial level, the renovation makes our backstage experience unlike anything else. There’s a green room! It’s like being in a performing arts center. It’s unheard of in a historic Broadway theatre.
Shoshana, you’ve been a part of creating musicals from scratch… Thinking about those experiences, what are you going to apply to this experience, stepping into The Lost Boys?
SB: I think every time I start a new show, I just think, “Hey, this could be the last one.” It’s not a function of me not wanting to do it anymore. Being cast in any show is so specific to who you are and what it requires. So, I just try to be present. Every show is so unique. Harvey Fierstein used to say to us in Hairspray, “Kids, look around, this doesn’t happen often,” And he was right. It’s been 25 years and it hasn’t been like that for me again. And I feel this way when I look around the room – we’re building something spectacular. This doesn’t happen often. This one is unique.
Boys, take me to opening night of The Lost Boys. What will be going through your mind when you take your bow?
BP: I’m going to be like “What just happened?” I think there’s going to be so much love and everything in that moment. When I was in Music Man and I took my first bow, I was 10 years old, so I didn’t really know what was going on and that’s what made it so nice. And now, being 14, I know this is different. I just love it so much.
LJ: Ummm… [tearing up]
SB: You’re creating a little bit of an emotional moment, pal.
LJ: There’s a lot of people who carried me the last couple years going through life. And I didn’t know if I was going to be here. There was a period of time I gave up acting to try and pursue something bigger than myself. And I didn’t know what that meant at the time. And then I came back to it and said, “Hey God – what do you want from me? I’ll take it.” I moved back home, my parents gave me a car, I didn’t know what was in store for me. And booking this, I look up and think, “I don’t know what story you’re telling God, but I’m so grateful to be a part of it.” My hope is that I will think of this family that we’re creating right now. I’m just so grateful that I’m here, breathing and alive.
Watch the new trailer for The Lost Boys here.