San Francisco to Premiere ‘Luigi the Musical’ by Luigi Mangione

SAN FRANCISCO (KRON) From the killer barber of “Sweeney Todd” to Stephen Sondheim’s “Assassins,” musicals have long dealt with morbid subject matter. Now, a musical based on Luigi Mangione, the 26-year-old man accused of killing the UnitedHealthcare CEO, is on its way to San Francisco.

“Luigi the Musical,” billed as “A story of love, murder and hash browns,” is due to open in June at the Taylor Street Theatre, formerly the Exit Theatre, according to affiliate KRON.

The show is described as a “wildly irreverent, razor-sharp comedy that imagines the true story of Luigi Mangione.” It features other famous characters, including convicted crypto-fraudster Sam Bankman-Fried, and former rap mogul, turned accused sex trafficker Sean “Diddy” Combs.

Luigi Mangione musical will be 60 minutes long

Mangione, who was arrested as the prime suspect in the killing of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, shares the same prison as Bankman-Fried and Combs. Although it is unlikely he is cellmates with either, in the show, Mangione’s character navigates “friendship, justice, and the absurdity of viral fame,” with the two by his side.

“Bold, campy, and unafraid, Luigi: the Musical is both laugh-out-loud funny and surprisingly thoughtful,” the play’s production company said. “If you like your comedy smart and your show tunes with a criminal record, Luigi is your new favorite felon.”

The show is directed by Nova Bradford and features original music and lyrics by Arielle Johnson. Johnson, Bradford, and co-writer Caleb Zeringue are all involved in the San Francisco comedy scene. Andre’ Margatini, another Bay Area comic, is also credited as a co-writer on the show.

Mangione will be portrayed by Petaluma-based actor and comic Jonny Stein. The 60-minute show makes its debut on Friday, June 13, and is currently scheduled for five performances.

Luigi Mangione pleads not guilty

Mangione recently pleaded not guilty to the federal stalking and murder charges related to the shooting of Thompson. Mangione responded with one-word answers before entering his plea during his court appearance.

Mangion has been accused of shooting Thompson outside a hotel in Manhattan on December 4, 2024. Mangione previously pleaded not guilty to charges in New York State related to the shooting.

The Department of Justice has said it will seek the death penalty, as Attorney General Pam Bondi called the killing a “premeditated, cold-blooded assassination.” Mangione’s defense team has filed a motion to drop this pursuit, arguing that it is a “political stunt.”

Mangione will also face state charges in Pennsylvania and New York.

Luigi Mangione receives support from the public

During Mangione’s previous in-person court appearances, supporters have gathered outside and inside, some arriving several hours before. In one hearing, billboard trucks showed up with a “Free Luigi” message, and other supporters wore “Free Luigi” shirts.

Many believe the case shows the frustration with the U.S. healthcare system and corporate decision-making. A proposed ballot initiative in California was submitted to the California Attorney General’s Office. Named after Mangione, this initiative would make it illegal for an insurance company to “delay, deny or modify any medical procedure or medication” suggested by a California licensed physician.

Supporters have now raised about $1 million for Mangione’s legal defense.

According to affiliate KRON, Mangione once worked for California tech company TrueCar and was reported missing in San Francisco by his mother, roughly one month before he was arrested.