The Broadway Spectacle: “The Lost Boys” and Its Carnegie Mellon Connection
Broadway’s latest sensation, “The Lost Boys,” is turning heads with its spectacular production, rock-and-roll vibe, and a remarkable number of Tony nominations. This show isn’t just breaking records; it also boasts a substantial connection to Carnegie Mellon University, with seven alumni contributing to its success. This accounts for nearly half of CMU’s 15 nominations this year.
The show’s lead producers, James Carpinello, Marcus Chait, and Patrick Wilson, share a history dating back over three decades to their days as acting students at the School of Drama. Chait had a vision for producing from early on, and his ambition eventually led to this Broadway triumph.
Recounting his long-time goal, Chait said, “My goal was always to be producing. The three of us started looking at films and TV shows to produce together. I tried to get the rights to ‘The Lost Boys’ 25 years ago the first time and was unsuccessful.” Fast forward to the pandemic era, the film resurged on TV, prompting Chait to revisit his idea with Carpinello and Wilson.
With Wilson’s established rapport with Warner Bros., known for hits like “Aquaman” and “The Conjuring,” the team secured a pivotal meeting that set the project in motion. “They appreciated the way we wanted to do it,” Chait noted, marking the beginning of a six-year journey.
Unlike many productions, “The Lost Boys” skipped the traditional out-of-town tryout, heading straight to Broadway. Over 30 preview performances allowed the team to refine every element meticulously, culminating in a polished opening night.
“You have to work to make the product as good as it can be for opening night,” Carpinello explained. The CMU alumni credit their collaborative spirit to their alma mater’s rigorous training.
Assembling the Team
Transforming a cult-classic vampire movie into a Broadway spectacle required assembling a talented team. Early recruits included playwrights Chris Hoch and David Hornsby, both CMU alumni. Known as the “Carnegie Mellon Mafia,” they were instrumental from the project’s inception.
The team expanded with costume designer Ryan Park, making his Broadway debut. Park’s work earned him his first Tony nomination, showcasing a collection of over 150 costumes designed with meticulous attention to detail.
“It feels kind of surreal,” Park expressed. “It’s such an amazing honor. My first thought whenever I found out was an overwhelming sense of gratitude for being recognized, but also for our team because it really is a huge, collaborative art form.”
Park drew inspiration from the 1987 film and 80s rock culture, balancing nostalgia with a modern flair. “We have flying, we have amazing special effects, we have mosh pits where people are rocking out,” he noted, highlighting the unique challenges of costume functionality.
The leadership of Carpinello, Chait, and Wilson was pivotal, with Park commending their support and understanding. “They’ve been the most supportive producers ever,” he said. “It was always, ‘How can we give you what you need to do your best work?’ which, in my mind, is really amazing producing.”
“The Lost Boys” stands nominated for 12 Tony Awards, including Best New Musical and Best Costume Design of a Musical. The cast will showcase their talent at The Tony Awards live on CBS on Sunday, June 7.
Read More Here
Comments are closed.