Scenic and Lighting Designers Win Tonys for 'The Lost Boys' on Broadway
The Broadway show 'The Lost Boys' at the Palace Theater has made waves by winning two 2026 Tony Awards: Jen Schriever took home Best Lighting Design of a Musical, while Dane Laffrey clinched Best Scenic Design of a Musical. Director Michael Arden also earned praise for his lighting work. This stage adaptation of the 1987 movie effectively recreates the fictional Santa Carla, California, with a dynamic set that transforms into nearly 20 different scenes, including a two-story home and an underground hideout, all without relying on video projections. The design team aimed for an authentic 1987 vibe with bright colors and cinematic touches, and the production also won awards for Best Original Score and Best Featured Actor in a Musical. Arden and Laffrey’s partnership dates back to their high school days at Interlochen Center for the Arts.
Key facts
- The Lost Boys won 2026 Tony Awards for Best Lighting Design of a Musical and Best Scenic Design of a Musical.
- Jen Schriever won Best Lighting Design of a Musical; Dane Laffrey won Best Scenic Design of a Musical.
- Michael Arden also won a Tony for Best Lighting Design of a Musical.
- The musical is based on the 1987 film The Lost Boys.
- The set has no video projection or backdrop, using interconnected pieces for nearly 20 locations.
- The design emulates 1987 aesthetics with saturated colors and filmic quality.
- The scenic design includes a three-tiered architectural structure for verticality.
- The production also won Best Original Score and Best Performance by an Actor in a Featured Role in a Musical.
Entities
Artists
- Michael Arden
- Dane Laffrey
- Jen Schriever
Institutions
- Palace Theater
- Interlochen Center for the Arts
Locations
- Santa Carla, California
- Phoenix, Arizona
- Santa Cruz, California