4.5 out of 5 stars

Early in “The Lost Boys,” there’s a wink-wink reference to the challenge of making a musical based on a movie. But no such worries here: This adaptation of the film about bad-boy vampires in a coastal California town has a narrative fullness the picture lacked, thanks to David Hornsby and Chris Hoch’s excellent book. It also benefits from an amazing set and even more amazing special effects (yes, there’s plenty of flying), a rock-solid cast and director Michael Arden’s wondrous ability to tie it all together. Granted, the score can be hit or miss, but this is a helluva show. — Charles Passy

At the Palace Theatre; lostboysmusical.com. (Review date: April 26, 2026)