Canadian Paul Alexander Nolan sinks teeth into Broadway’s ‘The Lost Boys’ musical

Paul Alexander Nolan is sinking his teeth into his newest role as “The Lost Boys: A New Musical” hits Broadway.

The production is generating buzz from audiences and praise from the original 1987 bloodsucker himself, Kiefer Sutherland.

“Doesn’t Kiefer still look fantastic? You know, maybe he is a vampire,” Nolan quipped.

Posting a video message last month on Instagram, the ’80s heartthrob shared his thoughts on the new take.

“As an original cast member I was invited to one of the first run-throughs almost a year ago. I enjoyed myself so much that I wanted to be a part of it.”

Sutherland signed on as co-producer of the musical, but unfortunately for Nolan the two didn’t get a chance to meet. But, the Rouleau, Sask.-born actor, knows the importance of having his stamp of approval.

“I’m glad he’s on board because that’s important. This is a story that lived in him and the property itself is so important to Warner Brothers. The fact that we got to do it is a big deal.”

“The Lost Boys” audience previews, which allow the production to work out issues and adjust scenes, started last month with opening night scheduled for April 26 at the Palace Theatre in New York.

The musical takes us back to the fictional California town of Santa Carla, made famous 39 years ago in the 1987 cult classic that co-starred Jason Patric, Dianne Wiest, Corey Feldman and the late Toronto-born Corey Haim.

The stage production will mostly stay true to director Joel Schumacher’s film, as a family tries to start a new life in a friendly town, with new acquaintances quickly turning into undead enemies. In this version the lead character, Michael, befriends a local rock band leader, whose musical taste just happens to be blood.

“There’s a lot of references to some of the film lines and the characters are all honouring that iconic movie.”

A veteran of the stage, Nolan made his Broadway debut in 2012’s “Jesus Christ Superstar,” continuing his career with roles in “Once,” “Chicago,” “Water for Elephants” and “Parade.”

Now in his 11^th Broadway production, the versatile actor takes on the villainous role of Max, originally played by the late Edward Herrmann.

In the film, Max is the secret head vampire controlling Sutherland’s character David and his band of bloodsuckers.

“The Lost Boys” cast includes Grammy winner Shoshana Bean as Lucy, and a young ensemble of stars with L.J. Benet playing Michael, Benjamin Pajak as Sam, Maria Wirries as Star and taking on Sutherland’s role as David, Ali Louis Bourzgui.

“Last night I came home and said to my wife, who was still awake with our baby, I need to put earplugs in before the curtain call. If they’re going to yell, they’re screaming. It’s like rock stars came out when the Lost Boys come out and David, and they even cheered for me. I was like, okay, you’re giving it up for the middle-aged dude. I love you.”

Behind the scenes, actor Patrick Wilson produces alongside James Carpinello and Marcus Chait, while two-time Tony Award winner Michael Arden directs.

Nolan worked with Arden in the 2023 production of “Parade,” which won Arden a Tony for best direction and best revival of a musical. So, does that mean a Tony nomination could be in store for “The Lost Boys” cast?

Nolan said that it would be tremendous for the cast and director.

“There’s a lot meaning to it from a business sense. It’s important because it’s advertising,” he said.

“I have particular pride for Michael Arden because he deserves every accolade. He’s that kind of person and that kind of artist and he’s just been hitting home runs for a long time and finally been acknowledged for it in succession.”

Of course with every Broadway hit the songs have to be powerful and memorable. “The Lost Boys” music and lyrics were written by Los Angeles based rock band The Rescues, their first foray into the Broadway world.

“There isn’t a dud in the show,” Nolan said, while joking, he was even mad at how good their writing is because they had never written one before and made a solid musical.

“All of the double entendres and nuance, and you know, ’80s pokes and the vampire nuances are all so tasteful and clever. I cannot say enough. I love this music.”

The Rescues follow in the footsteps of Gerard McMahon, who wrote and performed the very memorable gothic-rock theme song “Cry Little Sister” for the 1987 film.

Adding to the buzz surrounding the musical, Nolan says the production is nothing short of incredible, with multiple performers taking to the air.

“You don’t see flying in a lot of shows,” he said, giving accolades to the “The Lost Boys” design team, which have five or six actors lifting off the stage at one time.

“It takes a lot of planning and it’s paying off because it’s gorgeous.”