The New ‘Lost Boys’ Musical Has a Surprising ‘Always Sunny in Philadelphia’ Connection

Lauren Novak October 8, 2:59 pm

THE LOST BOYS, Brooke McCarter, Chance Michael Corbitt, Billy Wirth, Kiefer Sutherland, Jami Gertz, Alexander Winter, 1987 — Warner Bros./Everett Collection

What To Know

A musical adaptation of the 1987 comedy-horror film The Lost Boys will premiere on Broadway at the Palace Theatre in March 2026, featuring a cast including Caissie Levy, LJ Benet, Ali Louis Bourzgui, and Benjamin Pajak.
The show’s book is co-written by David Hornsby, known for his work on It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia, marking his Broadway debut. This is the first time longtime TV comedy writer Hornsby has been known to branch out into musicals.
The production is also co-produced Patrick Wilson of The Conjuring franchise.

A musical adaptation of The Lost Boys is coming soon — and, surprisingly, the book is co-written by David Hornsby, best known as a long-time writer and producer (and sometimes actor) on It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia, who has not been previously known to write for Broadway or musicals.

The new musical is based on the 1987 film, which follows two brothers who move to a California town with their mother, only to discover that it is filled with vampires. The comedy-horror film starred Corey Feldman and Corey Haim, along with Jason Patric, Dianne Wiest, Kiefer Sutherland, Alex Winter and Jami Gertz. The musical will begin previews on Friday, March 27, 2026, at the Palace Theatre, starring Caissie Levy, LJ Benet, Ali Louis Bourzgui and Benjamin Pajak.

Hornsby, who is best known to TV comedy fans as Rickety Cricket, the former classmate and frequent nemesis of the Always Sunny crew, has also long been a writer and producer on the show; he has also written, produced, and appears on co-star Rob Mcelhenney’s show Mythic Quest. He co-wrote the musical’s book with Chris Hoch, from a story by James Jeremias & Janice Roberta Fischer.

According to Deadline, the musical also features “direction by two-time Tony Award winner Michael Arden (Parade, Maybe Happy Ending)” and “music & lyrics by The Rescues.” This marks the first time the film has been adapted for the stage.

In another interesting Hollywood twist, the musical is produced by actors James Carpinello, Marcus Chait and Patrick Wilson — yes, that would be the Patrick Wilson, best known as the star of The Conjuring franchise.

On Instagram, Hornsby said of the news, “Amazing cast. Historic theatre. Opening 4.26.26 @lostboysmusical”

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A post shared by David Hornsby (@hornsbone)

Caissie Levy will portray Lucy Emerson, the role made famous by Dianne Wiest in the original film. LJ Benet takes on Michael Emerson, originally played by Jason Patric, while Ali Louis Bourzgui steps into the role of the menacing vampire leader David, first portrayed by Kiefer Sutherland. Benjamin Pajak will star as Sam, the younger brother originally played by the late Corey Haim. The cast also includes Maria Wirries as Star, Paul Alexander Nolan as Max, and Jennifer Duka and Miguel Gil as the Frog brothers.

The creative team includes music supervision by Ethan Popp, choreography by Lauren Yalango-Grant and Christopher Cree Grant, scenic and video design by Dane Laffrey, costumes by Ryan Park, and lighting by Jen Schriever and Arden. Sound design will be handled by Adam Fisher, with aerial design by Billy Mulholland and Gwyneth Larsen.