Hyperactive WWII Musical Comedy
- Two hours adn 30 minutes, with one intermission.At the Golden Theatre, 252 West 45th Street.
- Like any Broadway show, the musical “operation Mincemeat” offers the usual merchandise and refreshments during the break.
- but perhaps a different kind of boost might be in order: perhaps Adderall?
Theater review
OPERATION MINCEMEAT
Table of Contents
- OPERATION MINCEMEAT
- Operation Mincemeat: A Broadway Review Q&A
- What is “Operation Mincemeat” about?
- Where is ”Operation Mincemeat” playing, and how long is the show?
- Who are the main cast members of “Operation Mincemeat?”
- What is the musical style of “Operation Mincemeat?”
- What is the meaning of the song “Dear Bill” in the musical?
- What are some of the critical opinions about “Operation Mincemeat?”
- Is “Operation Mincemeat” too British for Broadway?
- What are the key elements of the “Operation Mincemeat” plot?
- What are some of the notable songs in “Operation Mincemeat?”
- How well does the cast handle the numerous roles in “Operation Mincemeat?”
Two hours adn 30 minutes, with one intermission.At the Golden Theatre, 252 West 45th Street.
Like any Broadway show, the musical “operation Mincemeat” offers the usual merchandise and refreshments during the break.
but perhaps a different kind of boost might be in order: perhaps Adderall?
This World War II comedy, imported from London and now playing at the Golden Theatre, can feel like an exhausting barrage of hyperactivity. While it boasts moments of cleverness and witty dialog, its relentless energy can become overwhelming.
The production features a cast of five, including David Cumming, Natasha Hodgson, Jak Malone, Claire-Marie Hall and Zoë Roberts, who collectively embody eighty-two different roles.
The performers are constantly in motion, shouting, jumping, and racing through complex lyrics at breakneck speed. They switch costumes frequently, with men playing women and vice versa. The only thing they don’t seem to do is pause for breath.
The musical, co-written by stars Hodgson, Cumming and Roberts alongside Felix Hagan, blends elements of various styles, including rap reminiscent of “Hamilton,” dance-pop akin to “Six,” and anthems evoking “Billy Elliot,” all combined with broad physical comedy.
While the underlying story proved absorbing,the humor felt somewhat excessive.
The musical is based on the true story of a British intelligence operation during World War II. In 1943, British forces successfully deceived the Nazis into diverting thier attention from Sicily by planting false invasion plans on a deceased body disguised as a military officer.
While this premise might not immediately suggest a musical, the show includes a techno dance number titled “Das Übermensch,” performed by dancing Nazis. Despite the historical context, ”Operation Mincemeat” transforms a serious event into a comedy, complete with a mega-mix and confetti finale.
The show’s popularity in the UK may stem from its underdog status,originating from a scrappy company with modest beginnings. On Broadway, however, it joins a growing list of unconventional musicals.
The core of the story revolves around MI5 officers operating from the safety of their desks within the British government. These characters, a mix of pompous figures and intellectuals, represent the British elite.
Ewen Montagu (Hodgson), a conceited character, proclaims, “Some were born to follow, but we were born to lead.” Simultaneously occurring, Charles Cholmondeley (Cumming), the mastermind behind Mincemeat, displays an unusual interest with insects and reptiles, even expressing, “I wish I was a maggot.”
In essence, the plot involves characters reminiscent of Michael Scott and Dwight from “The Office” being tasked with outsmarting the Germans.
Hester, played by Malone, introduces a touch of genuine emotion. As a secretary, she develops a connection to the deceased individual the team uses as a prop, referred to by some as a “Trojan corpse.”
Malone delivers a standout performance with the poignant song “Dear Bill,” where Hester tearfully composes a letter pretending to be the deceased man’s fiancée. This moment, while slightly extended, provides a refreshing contrast to the show’s overall tone.
Another group song, “Sail on, Boys,” is musically engaging but lacks narrative depth.
The score features several catchy melodies that become memorable due to frequent repetitions. The lyrics, though sometimes difficult to understand in the theater, are clearer on the album.
director Robert hastie, along with the cast, effectively distinguishes the numerous roles at a rapid pace. Despite the complex source material, the musical maintains clarity throughout.
However, the production could benefit from a more robust presentation. The Golden Theatre, with its larger seating capacity compared to the Fortune Theatre in the West End, feels less intimate. Some scenes, especially those reliant on dialogue, lose impact in the larger space. When the stage lights are fully illuminated on two characters conversing, it creates a casual atmosphere.
Prior to its Broadway debut, the production posed the question: “Is ‘Operation Mincemeat’ too British for Broadway?”
The answer is no. However, its unique style and relentless energy may not appeal to everyone.
Too the show’s overall tone.
Another group song,“Sail on,Boys,” is musically engaging but lacks narrative depth.
The score features several catchy melodies that become memorable due to frequent repetitions. The lyrics, though sometimes difficult to understand in the theater, are clearer on the album.
director Robert hastie, along with the cast, effectively distinguishes the numerous roles at a rapid pace. Despite the complex source material, the musical maintains clarity throughout.
Though, the production could benefit from a more robust presentation. The Golden Theater, with its larger seating capacity compared to the Fortune Theatre in the West End, feels less intimate. Some scenes,especially those reliant on dialog,lose impact in the larger space. When the stage lights are fully illuminated on two characters conversing, it creates a casual atmosphere.
Prior to its Broadway debut, the production posed the question: “Is ‘Operation Mincemeat’ too British for Broadway?”
The answer is no. However, its unique style and relentless energy may not appeal to everyone.
Operation Mincemeat: A Broadway Review Q&A
What is “Operation Mincemeat” about?
“Operation Mincemeat” is a musical based on a true story from World War II. In 1943, British forces tricked the Nazis by planting false invasion plans on a deceased body, disguised as a military officer. The musical transforms this serious past event into a comedy, featuring a cast of only five actors playing 82 roles.
Where is ”Operation Mincemeat” playing, and how long is the show?
“Operation Mincemeat” is playing at the Golden Theatre, located at 252 West 45th Street. The show runs for two hours and thirty minutes, including one intermission.
Who are the main cast members of “Operation Mincemeat?”
The cast includes:
David Cumming
Natasha Hodgson
Jak Malone
Claire-Marie Hall
Zoë Roberts
They collectively portray 82 different roles.
What is the musical style of “Operation Mincemeat?”
The musical blends several styles, including rap reminiscent of “Hamilton,” dance-pop similar to “Six,” and anthems like those in “Billy Elliot.” It incorporates broad physical comedy and has catchy melodies.
What is the meaning of the song “Dear Bill” in the musical?
“Dear Bill,” sung by Jak Malone as Hester, introduces a touch of genuine emotion into the show. Hester, a secretary, develops a connection to the deceased individual used as a prop by the team. In the song, she tearfully writes a letter, pretending to be the deceased man’s fiancée. This poignant moment offers a refreshing contrast to the show’s overall tone and is a standout performance.
What are some of the critical opinions about “Operation Mincemeat?”
Overwhelming Energy: The show’s relentless energy and hyperactivity can be exhausting.
Humor: While clever and witty, the humor can sometimes feel excessive.
Intimacy: The Golden Theatre’s larger space,compared to the show’s previous venue (the Fortune Theatre in the West End),can diminish the impact of some scenes.
Appeal: The show’s unique style and energy might not appeal to everyone,despite the answer being no to if this musical is too british for Broadway.
Is “Operation Mincemeat” too British for Broadway?
The review answers no to the question: “Is ‘Operation Mincemeat’ too British for broadway?”
What are the key elements of the “Operation Mincemeat” plot?
The musical centers around MI5 officers who must outsmart the Germans by using a dead body to deceive them. Key characters include:
Ewen Montagu (Hodgson): A conceited character who embodies the British elite.
Charles Cholmondeley (Cumming): The mastermind behind the operation, with an unusual interest in insects and reptiles.
Hester (malone): A secretary who adds an emotional depth to the story.
What are some of the notable songs in “Operation Mincemeat?”
“Dear Bill”
“Das Übermensch”
* “Sail on, Boys”
How well does the cast handle the numerous roles in “Operation Mincemeat?”
Director Robert Hastie, along with the cast, effectively distinguishes among the numerous roles at a rapid pace. the complex source material maintains clarity throughout the performance.