We all know how much hard work goes into the performances that audiences see eight times a week on Broadway. When they're not giving it their all onstage, most performers are backstage doing what it takes to stay happy, healthy, and ready to go between scenes. In Words From The Wings, BroadwayWorld is taking fans behind the curtain to shine a spotlight on the everyday routines that keep Broadway stars moving.
In this edition, we caught up with the vampires of The Lost Boys on Broadway, Sean Grandillo, Brian Flores, and Dean Maupin. Below, they took us backstage (with photos by Jennifer Broski) to share some of their favorite backstage moments, must-haves, and more!
What’s the first thing you do when you arrive to the theatre?
Sean: First things first, gotta SIGN IN *wink wink Stage Management team*. I tend to arrive a little early so I can hang in the dressing room, get some parts of my costume on, and watch some news or SportsCenter before our lift/fight/fall call.
Brian: I usually go straight to the dressing room, say hi to the boys (Miguel, Dean, & Sean) & the start warming my body up. It’s a super physical show & to do it 8x a week takes a lot of physical upkeep.
Dean: Forget to sign in.
What’s the last thing you do before you go on stage?
Sean: I make sure ALL of my costume pieces are on. We seriously have such awesome intricate looks and accessories that it has been a process learning the whole choreography of the changes backstage. Our dresser Matthew has saved me more than a couple of times… fashion first!!
Brian: Go to the bathroom. Haha. I have the weakest bladder.
Sean: Dean, Brian, Miguel and I always have snacks on hand in our dressing room. For me personally, I love to have a sweet treat around for a little pick me up.
Brian: The guys in the dressing room are obsessed with Bjorn Qorn, but I love my almonds - always have a big bag tucked away in the corner.
Dean: Bjorn Qorn
Pre-show ritual that others may think is weird?
Sean: Probably the music we BLAST. It’s the same 3-4 songs every single night. It drops us all in and brings us together and helps get the energy up even before we start the show.
Brian: I gotta have a Ricola and it’s gotta be the original flavor. I keep it chewed in my mouth (nasty) until right before I go on.
Dean: We blast “Topanga” by Trippie Redd at full volume (and “In The Stone” by Earth Wind & Fire)
What are five must-haves in your dressing room?
Sean: Water, some sort of caffeine drink, the epic art the fans make us, phone charger, and buckets of makeup
Brian: Tiger Balm, resistance bands, Ricola (obvs), deodorant (can’t be smelling funky), & a sweet lil treat.
Dean: My Boys (Brian, Sean, and Miguel), a speaker, a guitar (bringing mine soon)
What’s your favorite moment from the show to watch from the wings?
Sean: Easy one for me - Brian and I get to watch the Frogs and Sam have their REALIZATION scene about the vampires every night. No spoilers, but it’s hilarious and they crush it every time and we are usually saying the lines right along with them. Hopefully, our mics are never accidentally on…
Brian: Before we go upside down, Sean and I watch a scene between the Frog Bro’s & Sam. We hardly get any stage time with them & it’s so fun to watch them work
What has been your favorite backstage moment in your time with this show so far?
Sean: It’s impossible to pick just one. Every person in this cast is a joy, and a clown, and there’s something special about all of our chemistry with each other. I think the way we tend to group up and hang during dinner breaks and certainly during tech will stay with me forever. It’s truly like grown-up camp vibes. I’m super grateful to have made all these new friends”
Brian: Our pre-show ritual in our dressing room is vibe-time. Dean brought in a sound bar first week & we have curated an awesome playlist to get us pumped up & ready to rock!!
Dean: After opening, everyone in my dressing room made a toast (with tears in our eyes) celebrating our accomplishment
Sean appeared on Broadway in Deaf West’s Spring Awakening revival, directed by Michael Arden, and also served as the production’s conductor. He recently played the role of Curly McClain in the National Tour of the Tony Award–winning revival of Oklahoma!
Brian recently appeared in Oratorio for Living Things at the Signature Theatre, directed by Lee Sunday Evans and written by Heather Christian. He made his Broadway debut standing by for the lead role of Musidorus in the Broadway production of Head Over Heels, the Go-Go’s musical directed by Michael Mayer. Brian previously toured as the leading and titular role in the National Tour of Pippin, directed by Diane Paulus. He is a graduate of the prestigious musical theater program at the University of Michigan.
Dean making his Broadway debut in The Lost Boys. A singer, songwriter, and producer, he is also finishing his debut album, which he will release next year. Most recently, he toured throughout the U.S. and Europe as a featured drummer. A graduate of NYU’s Music Business program, Dean’s music is available on all streaming platforms.
