A musical comedy inspired by alleged murderer Luigi Mangione is set to premiere next month—and if you were hoping to snag a ticket, you’re already too late.
Luigi: The Musical has completely sold out all five of its scheduled performances at the Taylor Street Theatre, ahead of its June 13 debut in San Francisco. The show, described by its creators as a “satirical comedy,” aims to spark laughter—and questions—about internet fame, media obsession, and the collapse of public trust in American institutions.
Why This Story Turned Into a Stage Show
Luigi Mangione, 26, was thrust into the national spotlight after he was arrested and charged with the December 2024 murder of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson outside a Manhattan hotel. Prosecutors allege the killing was politically motivated, adding 11 felony charges including first-degree murder “in furtherance of an act of terrorism,” stalking, and firearms offenses.
Mangione has pleaded not guilty to all state and federal charges, including terrorism counts. Federal prosecutors have said they intend to pursue the death penalty.
Photo: Luigi Mangione/Facebook
Despite the severity of the accusations, Mangione’s case has become a bizarre cultural phenomenon online. Social media users have dubbed him a “sex symbol,” “folk hero,” even a “martyr” for those critical of the healthcare system. The hashtag #FreeLuigi has trended repeatedly, with some supporters framing him as a symbol of rebellion against corporate greed.
A Musical About Murder…But Make It Satire
According to its official synopsis, Luigi: The Musical is not a glorification of violence. Instead, it uses satire to explore why Mangione’s story caught fire online—and what it says about society.
“This show is not a celebration of violence of any kind, nor is it an attempt to pass judgment on an ongoing legal matter,” the production team wrote. “We’re here to explore, with humor and heart, how it feels to live through a time when the systems we’re supposed to trust have stopped feeling trustworthy.”
The 60-minute show is written by songwriter Arielle Johnson and directed by Nova Bradford, featuring original music performed live by pianist Dani Marci. The production is recommended for audiences aged 16 and older.
From Headlines to Footlights
Portraying Mangione on stage is Jonny Stein, while Janée Lucas will take on the role of Sean “Diddy” Combs—currently facing charges in an unrelated case—and André Margatini will play disgraced crypto mogul Sam Bankman-Fried. Both men, like Mangione, are currently housed at the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn and will appear as fictionalized characters in the show.
The creators say the show draws inspiration from musicals like Chicago, another darkly comedic look at celebrity criminals and media spectacle.
“Our characters reflect three institutions of modern disillusionment: healthcare, tech, and Hollywood,” the synopsis reads. “Each represents a pillar of American life where public trust has eroded and where people increasingly feel betrayed, exploited, or abandoned.”
What’s Next for Luigi? (The Musical, That Is)
With five shows sold out and demand skyrocketing, producers have teased that additional dates may be announced soon. For now, Luigi: The Musical is shaping up to be one of the most unexpected—and talked-about—theatrical events of the summer.
Whether you view it as comedy, commentary, or cultural litmus test, one thing’s certain: Luigi has officially taken the stage.
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