By: Darryl Reilly
“We got billionaire fraudsters, music industry perverts, and YOU!” snarls a New York City corrections officer at the start of the irreverent and spiritedLuigi: The Musical. The real-life situation of Sam Bankman-Fried, Diddy, and Luigi Mangione all being incarcerated at the same time inspired this crossing of Shavian-style discussions with jaunty numbers .
“These days a celebrity can be anything,” “Fame is the real prison,” “I shouldn’t have pulled my mask down,” and “I’ll shoot everybody until there’s peace on earth,” are among the profound observations imparted. Luigi takes up journaling, “Dear Manifesto…” He is astounded to have $400,000 in his jail expense account, this was contributed by his admirers including from such groups as MILFs and Bottoms for Luigi. McDonald’s hash browns are rhapsodized.
This satire’s mastermind is creator Nova Bradford who co-wrote the acidic, jokey, and well-crafted book with Arielle Johnson, Andre Margatini, and Caleb Zeringue; meta flourishes abound. The eclectic score has Ms. Johnson’s bouncy music matched with her and Ms. Bradford’s stinging lyrics. Their often-snappy songs range in type from musical comedy, pop, and rhythm and blues.
The lean, animated, and beaming Mike Cefalo is commanding as Luigi. Mr. Cefalo’s boyish charm, soaring voice, and limber physicality, all enable him to achieve an authentic and mostly comic characterization of that controversial folk hero to many. However, Cefalo is most poignant in a serious sequence.
The impish Andre Margatini is wickedly amusing as Bankman-Fried, particularly when performing “Bay Area Baby” and an ode to cryptocurrency. Alluring Chine Ikoro marvelously channels Diddy’s spaciness and queasiness, her rendition of “A Diddy Soiree” comes close to being a showstopper. This trio of detainees all wear orange jumpsuits.
The presentation’s anchor is New York City stage veteran Phillip Taratula as the guard. The physically imposing Mr. Taratula not only gleefully embraces every gruff cliché of that stock character but also brings depth and pizzazz to a number of minor figures which he enacts in dimness. Taratula is towering in a dramatic portion.
Luigi Mangione is accused of shooting and killing Brian Thompson, the CEO of UnitedHealthcare, in Manhattan on December 4, 2024. Sam Bankman-Fried (SBF) was sentenced to 25 years in prison in 2024 for fraud, conspiracy, and money laundering. Fromer rapper and music impresario Diddy was charged in 2024 with federal sex trafficking, transportation to engage in prostitution, and racketeering.
Luigi: The Musical debuted in the fall of 2025 at a San Francisco theater. This New York City première is billed as a staged reading and is performed at The Green Room 42, a notable cabaret venue. Bradford’s straight forward concert-style direction has the cast on view on the contained playing area in front of music stands with scripts. Small-scale presentational flourishes are plentiful and the musicians are visible. Possibly, this mode of production is ideal for this edgy material rather than a full-fledged incarnation. Here, the mirth is accompanied by expertly served food and drinks during the taut running time.
Luigi: The Musical (through June 20, 2026)
The Green Room 42, 570 10th Avenue, inside The Yotel
For tickets, visit www.luigithemusical.info
Running time: 80 minutes with no intermission