LJ Benet Shares Secrets of “The Lost Boys”’ High-Flying Stunts — and a Major Mishap That Stopped the Broadway Hit (Exclusive)

### High-Flying Debuts in Broadway’s The Lost Boys

At the iconic Palace Theatre in New York City, actor LJ Benet is making waves with his role in the upcoming stage adaptation of the 1987 cult classic, *The Lost Boys*. The production promises to be a thrilling experience, not just for the audience but also for the young star, who has embraced the physical demands of his character, Michael.

In an exclusive interview with PEOPLE, the 29-year-old disclosed the intense physicality required for his role. “It’s so much more of a physical role than I ever thought it would be,” Benet revealed. His performance includes a series of spectacular wire stunts and aerial manoeuvres that push his body to its limits while navigating a narrative filled with danger and excitement.

Despite the challenges, Benet has found his experience to be enriching. He described the steep learning curve he faced while preparing for the role, stating, “I didn’t know how I was gonna do it at first, but you do it enough times and your body just starts to develop with it.” His training has transformed him into an actor who, despite feeling out of breath, acknowledges, “somehow I’m in the best shape of my life, but also dying at the same time.”

Portraying Michael— a teenager who relocates to the seaside town of Santa Carla only to fall in with a group of vampires—has required Benet to adjust to performing in high altitudes. He admits to feeling more at ease with the aerial feats as time passes. “Now I’m up there and it doesn’t feel as high as it used to,” he noted. Initially hesitant to look down, he is now more comfortable observing his fellow cast members while suspended above the stage.

However, not everything about the aerial stunts comes easily. Clipping himself into the rigging before a performance remains a nerve-racking challenge. “I have to get myself into a giant robotic lift that takes me off a bridge,” he explained. “Then I have to clip myself in before I fly up. That can get pretty nerve-racking because if I don’t clip myself in, we have to hold.” Balancing the demands of acting with ensuring safety has proven to be a pressure-filled task.

Benet’s experience reflects the complexities that come with live performance, especially when technology is involved. He recounted a comical incident during rehearsals involving a midair high-five with his co-star Ali Louis Bourzgui that briefly halted the show. “It wasn’t a great idea,” Benet admitted, recalling how their attempt at a high-five caused a tangle of wires and led to an unintended collision.

The mishap, which Benet likened to a game of Newton’s cradle, served as a reminder of both the risks and the joys of live theatre. “I just decided to run in the air, which the audience loved for some reason,” he laughed, highlighting that moments like these are part of the thrill of a Broadway production. The unpredictability of live performances adds an exciting layer for both the actors and the audience.

As *The Lost Boys* prepares for its official opening, excitement is palpable. The production is not only a fresh take on the beloved film but also boasts an impressive lineup of 12 Tony Award nominations, including Best Musical. The cast and crew are hopeful for success as they continue to refine their performances and take the audience on a wild ride.

Tickets for this highly anticipated show are currently on sale, and for fans of the original film and newcomers alike, this adaptation promises to deliver an unforgettable theatrical experience filled with adventure, laughs, and a touch of the supernatural. The journey of LJ Benet reflects the determination and artistry needed to thrive on Broadway, where every performance is an opportunity to fly high—both literally and figuratively.