Introduction to a New Musical
A new musical about three high-profile criminals has already sold out, and it’s not opening for another month. The musical, called "Luigi the Musical," debuts on June 13th at the Taylor Street Theater in San Francisco for a run of five performances. The satirical show puts Luigi Mangione, the suspect in the brutal shooting death of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, at its center.
The Storyline
But Mangione is not alone. Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs, who is facing trial for sex trafficking and racketeering charges, and former FTX CEO Sam Bankman-Fried, who is set to begin his trial, are also at the center of this fictitious stage history. The story takes place in Brooklyn’s Metropolitan Detention Center, the institution where convicted sex trafficker Ghislaine Maxwell, Fyre Festival scammer Billy McFarland, and rapper R. Kelly, who was found guilty of sexual abuse, are being held. Inspired by the Broadway hit "Chicago" and with cell block-inspired numbers, "Luigi the Musical" follows the trio of inmates as they share a prison cell while Mangione seeks redemption.
The Creation of the Musical
"These three people represent these large pillars of institutions in society that fail in their trust: healthcare, Hollywood, and then Big Tech," according to the San Francisco Chronicle. The musical is developed by Nova Bradford, Arielle Johnson, and André Margatini. Johnson and Bradford wrote the show in just two months, as reported by the Chronicle. "We do not valorize any of these characters, and we do not trivialize any of their actions or alleged actions," said Bradford. "Comedy naturally plays on the verge of social acceptance."
The Team’s Statement
The team behind the musical has released a statement addressing the creation of a show on such a sensitive topic, stating that the production "uses satire to ask deeper cultural questions." "We do not tolerate violence, sexual assault, or pedophilia in any form," the statement continues. "In fact, this musical serves as a critique of these men and the institutions that enabled them. By putting these figures in an absurd prison cell, we offer our moment a mirror: campy, surreal, and funny, but also emotionally honest."
The Trials
The musical comes after Mangione pleaded not guilty to Thompson’s shooting. He is expected back in court on June 26th. Bankman-Fried is set to begin his prison term for multiple fraudulent schemes in the fall of FTX. Meanwhile, the opening statements in Combs’ trial are set to begin on May 12th. The music mogul faces a five-count indictment that accuses him of sex trafficking, transportation for prostitution, and conspiracy.
