SHANKS FOR THE MEMORIES

Currently packing in audiences—and now extended—at The Independent Theater, Luigi: The Musical is a sharp, clever, and gloriously irreverent parody of pop culture and current events. Directed by Nova Bradford, it’s equal parts timely and absurd, lampooning some of today’s most notorious criminals while delivering a steady stream of laughs. Before the first note is played, a tongue-in-cheek disclaimer warns that any resemblance to actual people, living or dead, is purely coincidental—wink, wink.

Bay Area comedians Nova Bradford, Caleb Zeringue, Arielle Johnson, and André Margatini have penned this witty spoof, populating the stage with a rogues’ gallery of larger-than-life characters, all “coincidentally” behind bars.

The star is Luigi Mangione (Jonny Stein), newly infamous for gunning down United Healthcare CEO Brian Thompson in the streets of New York—retribution, the show suggests, for cruel healthcare cuts. Folk hero to some, Luigi finds himself cellmates with the equally notorious P. Diddy (Janeé Lucas), in for sex trafficking, and entrepreneur-fraudster Sam Bankman-Fried, aka SBF (Margatini), who embezzled millions from investors.

Naturally, all three plead their innocence to the lovable but dim prison guard Sgt. DelaRosa (a buff Caleb Zeringue). Through songs by Arielle Johnson (with clever, ironic lyrics co-crafted by Nova Bradford), each prisoner recounts their “misunderstood” life story. The two-piece orchestra—Shannia Fu and Jake Gale on keyboards—provides crisp, lively accompaniment.

The cast’s stand-up roots shine in their impeccable deadpan deliveries and perfectly timed irony. As Luigi, Stein oozes Italian charm and sex appeal, slipping in a slow, subtle strip tease mid-song. Lucas’s Diddy is pure narcissistic swagger, strutting the stage with diva energy. Margatini’s SBF offers such an earnest explanation of his crimes that you almost believe he believes his own bullshit. While each actor enjoys standout moments, the piece clicks best as an ensemble effort.

Vocally, the inmates impress, though Zeringue’s hunky cop—eye candy though he is—can’t sing to save his life. Still, the barrage of jokes and one-liners hits at a fast clip, with most punchlines landing solidly. As a brisk one act, the show flies by, leaving patrons satisfied and wanting more.

Thanks to sold-out houses and glowing word-of-mouth, the run has been extended before the production heads to the prestigious Edinburgh Festival Fringe with the full cast. If you’re in San Francisco, don’t miss this wickedly funny, whip-smart comedy while it’s still in its hometown—it’s a riot now and clearly destined for bigger, buzzier stages.

photos by Mariana Garcia

Luigi: The Musical
The Independent, 628 Divisadero St in San Francisco
performance added Mon Aug 11 2025 at 8
ages 18+
for tickets, visit Luigi
then moves to Just the Tonic at The Edinburgh Fringe, 19-23 August, 2025
for tickets, visit Edinburgh