A new musical centered on Luigi Mangione, featuring disgraced FTX founder Sam Bankman-Fried (SBF), premiered in San Francisco this past weekend—less than a year after the assassination of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson.
Directed by Nora Bradford, Luigi: The Musical describes itself as “part comedy, part social commentary,” delving into the surreal reality of Mangione’s life behind bars alongside fellow inmates Sean “Diddy” Combs and SBF at Brooklyn’s Metropolitan Detention Center (MDC).
The production’s website states:
“The show reimagines these infamous figures as stand-ins for three disillusioned pillars of American life: healthcare, Hollywood, and tech.”
While the production has sparked mixed reviews, with some critics arguing it may be “too soon” to tackle such sensitive topics, Bradford maintains that the show critically “interrogates” violence rather than glorifying it, inviting audiences to reflect on its broader social implications.
Bradford expressed:
“Luigi: The Musical uses comedy to bring deeper questions to the surface. Why did this case garner the reaction that it did? And what happens when people stop trusting their institutions?”
Although SBF is still listed as an inmate at Brooklyn’s MDC, federal prison records reveal that the former “king of crypto” has been transferred to Terminal Island Federal Correctional Institution in his home state of California since late April.
This facility, known for housing infamous inmates such as cult leader Charles Manson, crime boss Al Capone, and former Theranos COO Ramesh Balwani, became SBF’s new residence just a month after his widely publicised prison interview with media figure Tucker Carlson.
Convicted in November 2023 on multiple fraud charges linked to the spectacular collapse of FTX, SBF’s trial included testimony from several former associates who turned against him.
Judge Lewis A. Kaplan said during SBF’s sentencing in March 2024:
“He knew it was wrong. He knew it was criminal. He regrets making a bad bet against the likelihood of getting caught—he’s not going to admit a thing.”
As SBF begins serving a 25-year sentence, it remains uncertain whether Terminal Island FCI will be his permanent prison.
Meanwhile, Luigi: The Musical continues its run through 13 July, offering a provocative glimpse into the world surrounding these events.
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