Shoshana Bean has tapped into a freer, more daring version of herself while bringing The Lost Boys to Broadway.
The rock-infused musical based on the 1987 vampire film received 12 Tony Award nominations, including for Best Musical. Bean earned her third Tony nomination for Best Featured Actress in a Musical. She plays single mother Lucy Emerson in the production that opened April 26 at the Palace Theatre.
During a conversation with Broadway.com Editor-in-Chief Paul Wontorek, Bean reflected on the unique bond she formed with the show. "This one's next-level special because of how deeply in love with this entire show, team, cast and process I am," she said. "It has been a singular experience that I didn't think that I would be lucky enough to have again in this lifetime."
That connection helped her navigate the uncertainties of previews. "It's been wildly vulnerable to try new things every night in front of this audience," Bean explained. "The hardest, most critical audiences in the world are here in New York. But when you're doing that with a team like this—we've called this entire process a trust fall. I'll try anything because I'm surrounded by these people."
The musical's journey from cult film to stage hit has resonated with Bean. The original movie did not achieve huge box office success upon release, which allowed it to cultivate a passionate following over the decades. This background contributes to the fresh energy the creative team brings to the adaptation.
Bean's performance highlights the emotional core of the story amid the high-energy rock numbers. Her willingness to experiment stems from the supportive environment created by the entire company. The nominations announced earlier this season affirm the impact of these efforts. The Lost Boys stands as a major contender across multiple categories.
Bean has long been a staple of the Broadway community with previous acclaimed turns that also received Tony recognition. This role, however, feels particularly meaningful due to the personal investment involved. Audiences have responded enthusiastically to the production's blend of nostalgia and new interpretation. The trust fall approach continues to yield results as the run progresses.
Playbill and TonyAwards.com have documented the extensive list of nominations for the show. The recognition spans design, direction, and performance categories. Bean remains committed to the daily discovery that the role demands. Her comments reveal a performer at the peak of her creative powers.
