Jordan Belfort: The Wolf of Wall Street Tickets

Jordan Belfort's infamous story of greed, corruption and excess became a sensation after Martin Scorsese’s film adaptation, The Wolf of Wall Street, hit theaters in 2013. The movie was a critical and commercial success, grossing over $396 million worldwide and earning five Oscar nominations.

But the tale of Jordan Belfort – who spent almost two years in prison for fraud and money laundering and whose schemes cheated investors out of millions of dollars – actually lends itself well to the theatrical stage.

From the wild parties and drug use to the intricate details of the stock market and the inner workings of his brokerage firm, Stratton Oakmont, there is plenty of material to explore.

One example of this is The Wolf of Wall Street musical, which premiered at London’s Stockwell Playhouse in September 2019. The production, which includes original songs and choreography, follows the rise and fall of Belfort as he builds his empire and ultimately finds himself facing legal troubles.

The show’s creator, Alexander S. Bermange, says the story has all the elements of a classic tragedy and that it was a natural fit for the stage.

“The arc of Jordan Belfort’s journey is extraordinary,” Bermange told Broadway World. “It’s this kind of Shakespearean tragedy where he starts off extremely likable, he’s very young and ambitious, and then … with every little misstep along the way, he just gets more and more corrupted.”

In addition to its dramatic potential, the story also provides opportunities for flashy sets and costumes and high-energy musical numbers – all characteristics that make for an entertaining night at the theater.

Of course, the subject matter is not without controversy. Some have criticized Scorsese’s film for glorifying Belfort’s criminal behavior or for centering the story around a white, male anti-hero.

But as with any adaptation, the play has the potential to offer a fresh take on the story and to challenge the audience’s preconceived notions about Belfort and his actions.

In many ways, The Wolf of Wall Street is a cautionary tale – a reminder that unchecked ambition and greed can lead to disastrous consequences. But it’s also an undeniably compelling story that has captured the public’s imagination.

As Bermange told The Stage, “I think [the story of Jordan Belfort] speaks to everyone because we’ve all wanted something in our lives and gone too far to reach it.”

Whether the play ultimately succeeds as a work of art will depend on its execution, but there’s no denying that Jordan Belfort’s story has the potential to make for a memorable night at the theater.