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Making a Broadway debut is a rite of passage for many actors, but for L.J. Benet, his starring role in The Lost Boys feels almost prophetic. The punk-rock musical adaptation of the 1987 vampire cult classic has brought him to the Palace Theatre in New York City, a significant leap from his Los Angeles roots. Speaking to Bustle, Benet reflects on his journey and the rituals that keep him grounded as he tackles the high-intensity demands of Broadway.
- L.J. Benet stars in The Lost Boys, a Broadway musical adaptation of the 1987 vampire film.
- He connects deeply with his character’s search for community and identity.
- Benet’s pre-show rituals include spa music, Throat Coat tea, and scripture recitations.
- He credits co-star Shoshana Bean for her mentorship and support during rehearsals.
- Benet balances his demanding schedule with quiet days off and walks with his dog, Boston.
Manifesting The Broadway Debut
Benet recalls dressing as Edward Cullen for Halloween three years in a row during his youth, channeling the brooding vampire aesthetic that now feels strikingly similar to his character, Michael Emerson. In The Lost Boys, Michael moves with his family to Santa Carla, California, and navigates a world of vampires and cliques while trying to impress a love interest. “I get the idea of just wanting to be seen, known, and cared for. That’s all I deeply wanted when I was his age,” Benet shares, reflecting on his own teenage struggles to fit in.
Audition Breakthrough With ‘Belong to Someone’
Initially hesitant to audition, Benet credits the song “Belong to Someone”—written by indie band The Rescues—for changing his mind. “I listened to it and had a mental breakdown in my garage for 30 minutes,” he recalls. Inspired, he submitted a tape and soon found himself stepping into the role of Michael. The connection to Broadway felt personal; his late grandfather once distributed Playbills in New York, a legacy Benet honored by visiting the Palace Theatre before rehearsals began.
Benet’s Pre-Show Rituals
Staying Calm With Spa Music
Before stepping on stage, Benet listens to stress-relief playlists on Spotify to center himself. “I like feeling calm. I can’t be crazy or else I will go crazy on stage,” he explains.
Broadway Essentials
Benet’s dressing room staples include Throat Coat tea, ginger teas, Grether’s Pastilles, and Pei Pa Koa cough syrup. “I saw Cynthia Erivo say, ‘I live and die by this,’ and I thought, ‘I’m going to live and die by that.’” An espresso machine also keeps him fueled for the high-energy performance.
Carnegie Diner Tradition
Steak, eggs, hash browns, and toast from Carnegie Diner have become Benet’s go-to pre-show meal. The diner’s proximity to the Palace Theatre makes it an ideal choice for the actor, who discovered it serendipitously while walking his dog.
Spiritual Superstition
Each night before performing, Benet recites a scripture verse that helped him through challenging times. “I think it’s cool to find rest in the thing that you love the most,” he says, viewing his character as a source of fulfillment and peace.
Lessons from Shoshana Bean
Benet praises co-star Shoshana Bean for her mentorship and kindness during rehearsals. “She’s led by example,” he says, recounting instances when Bean provided remedies and support during illnesses. “She’s my mom,” he adds affectionately, emphasizing the importance of building relationships beyond the stage.
Balancing Life and Stage
When not performing, Benet enjoys quiet days off, often lounging on his couch and ordering Uber Eats. His dog, Boston, provides companionship and gets treated to long walks as a reward for his patience during busy weeks.
What This Means for You
L.J. Benet’s story highlights the importance of chasing meaningful roles and connecting deeply with your craft. Whether it’s taking a leap of faith on an audition or finding solace in rituals, his approach offers lessons in resilience and mindfulness. His experience also underscores the significance of mentorship and community, both on and off the stage.
FAQ
- What is The Lost Boys Broadway adaptation about?
The musical is a punk-rock remake of the 1987 vampire film, following Michael Emerson’s journey in Santa Carla as he encounters vampires and struggles to fit in. - What are L.J. Benet’s pre-show rituals?
Benet listens to spa music, drinks Throat Coat tea, and recites scripture before performances to stay calm and focused. - Who wrote the music for The Lost Boys?
The indie band The Rescues composed angsty rock songs for the production, including Benet’s favorite, “Belong to Someone.” - How does Benet connect with his character, Michael?
He relates to Michael’s desire for community and fitting in, drawing parallels to his own teenage experiences. - What lessons has Benet learned from Shoshana Bean?
Benet credits Bean for mentorship and support, emphasizing her example of kindness and collaboration.
