Michael Imperioli and Steve Schirripa will star in UnderGround Zero: 9/11 & The Mob, a drama recounting the untold story of how the New York Mafia made millions in the aftermath of the fall of the Twin Towers on 9/11. Two more alums from The Sopranos, Ray Abruzzo and Arthur Nascarella, also star.
The audio drama is the latest coming out of a partnership between iHeart Podcasts and Thoroughbred Studios, the outfit run by heavyweight media veterans Jeff Bewkes, Jeremy Fox and Howard Stringer. Goldhawk Productions is also producing.
The series recounts the untold story of how the New York Mafia made millions in the aftermath of the 9/11. Stephen Kronish (The Kennedys, 24) is the writer of the drama, which is based on real events. It bowed on iHeartPodcasts and audio platforms today.
Per the official synopsis: Less than two hours after the Twin Towers collapsed on 9/11, firefighters, police officers and rescue workers battled flames, explosions, choking dust – and a city in chaos – to save the living and remove the dead. Across the East River, in the shadow of the Brooklyn Bridge, an emergency meeting was underway. The men gathered saw a nefarious opportunity and turned catastrophe into an enormous windfall. Their scheme might have succeeded on an even greater scale were it not for one dedicated cop.
“As a New Yorker who lived through 9/11, this story resonated with me immediately,” said Imperioli, who produces as well as starring. “UnderGround Zero is rooted in crime and investigation, but ultimately, it’s a story about family, loyalty and survival. I’m excited to step into the role of Lt. Frank Sturiano.”
“Like Michael, it was a story I thought I knew, but I didn’t,” added Schirripa. “Working again with my former Soprano castmates Ray Abruzzo and Arthur Nascarella is always a pleasure, and being given the opportunity to help bring to light this horrific event was very worthwhile.”
Jeff Bewkes, Chairman of Thoroughbred Studios said: “One of the first things I did when I became Head of HBO was to greenlight The Sopranos. It’s a decision I’ve never regretted. Now, 25 years later to tell this important story, it was the perfect opportunity to bring back that amazing cast.”
