Shoshana Bean Wins First Tony Award in New York

Actress Shoshana Bean won her first career Tony Award on Sunday, June 7, 2026, at the 79th Annual Tony Awards held at Radio City Music Hall in New York City. Bean was honored for her performance as Lucy Emerson in the musical “The Lost Boys.” She secured the award for Best Performance by an Actress in a Featured Role in a Musical.

Award Victory and Category Nominees

Bean’s victory in the category of Best Performance by an Actress in a Featured Role in a Musical came after competing against a highly competitive group of nominees. The other nominees in her category included Hannah Cruz for “Chess,” Rachel Dratch for “The Rocky Horror Show,” Ana Gasteyer for “Schmigadoon!,” and Nichelle Lewis for “Ragtime.” The award represents a major achievement for Bean, who has been a prominent figure on Broadway for over two decades.

The 79th Annual Tony Awards ceremony, celebrating the best of the 2025–2026 Broadway season, was broadcast live from Radio City Music Hall. The event drew major theatrical figures, performers, and creators from across the industry to celebrate Broadway’s top productions. Live updates of the winners were continually published by industry outlets throughout the evening.

Role in The Lost Boys and Career Milestone

Bean won her Tony Award for her portrayal of Lucy Emerson, a single mother, in “The Lost Boys.” The production is a rock-infused stage adaptation of director Joel Schumacher’s 1987 cult classic vampire film of the same name. Her performance has been widely praised by theatrical critics for its emotional depth and vocal power, anchoring the family dynamic at the center of the supernatural story.

This win marks a significant milestone in Bean’s career, representing her first Tony Award victory after three lifetime nominations. She was previously nominated for Best Performance by an Actress in a Featured Role in a Musical for “Mr. Saturday Night” in 2022. She received her second nomination in the same category in 2024 for her role in “Hell’s Kitchen.”

Production Achievements and Creative Team Wins

“The Lost Boys” entered the Tony Awards ceremony tied for the most nominations of any production this season, receiving a total of 12 nods. In addition to Bean’s win, the musical secured several other prominent awards early in the evening. Her co-star, Ali Louis Bourzgui, won the Tony for Best Performance by an Actor in a Featured Role in a Musical for his portrayal of David.

The production’s creative and technical design teams also took home major honors during the ceremony. Dane Laffrey won the Tony Award for Best Scenic Design of a Musical for creating the show’s dark, atmospheric stage environment. Additionally, Jen Schriever and Michael Arden won the award for Best Lighting Design of a Musical, further cementing the show’s artistic success.

Acceptance Speech Highlights

During her emotional acceptance speech on the Radio City Music Hall stage, Bean expressed deep gratitude for her fellow cast members and the creative team behind “The Lost Boys.” She spoke about the challenges of developing a new musical and trying new material in front of audiences during the show’s preview period. Bean emphasized the vulnerability required by the actors during this creative process.

She concluded her speech by thanking her “Lost Boys” family, including the producers, director, and crew members who supported the show throughout its development. The musical’s multiple wins highlight its strong reception among Tony voters and Broadway audiences alike. The production continues its run on Broadway, drawing fans of both the original film and contemporary musical theater.

Legacy of the 1987 Cult Film

The success of the musical adaptation brings renewed attention to the original 1987 film “The Lost Boys.” The Joel Schumacher movie, which starred Jason Patric, Corey Haim, and Kiefer Sutherland, became a defining horror-comedy of its decade. The stage version successfully translates the film’s signature 1980s aesthetic and dark humor into a modern theatrical medium.

The musical features a contemporary rock score that complements the original movie’s iconic soundtrack. Theater critics have noted that the stage adaptation preserves the beloved themes of brotherhood and youth culture while expanding the roles of supporting characters. With its strong showing at the Tony Awards, the production has solidified its place as one of the standout hits of the Broadway season.