Operation Mincemeat: A Quirky Musical’s Journey from London to Broadway

In 1943, British intelligence service MI6 devised a cunning plan to deceive Adolf Hitler. The objective was to mislead the Nazis into believing that the Allies intended to invade Greece and Sardinia instead of Sicily, the actual target that Germany was staunchly defending. This operation involved finding the body of a homeless man who had died from rat poison in London. They attached a briefcase containing false invasion plans to the corpse and submerged it off the coast of Spain. Due to the presence of numerous Nazi spies in Spain, the briefcase eventually reached the right hands.

The operation was named “Operation Mincemeat,” and has recently been transformed into a musical that graced London’s West End and later Broadway. The musical’s quirky interpretation captivated audiences, including its successful run in New York, assisted by its small cast of five performers. The North American tour includes a stop at the CIBC Theatre, featuring a talented lineup: Mariah Copeland, Kate Kleiger, Luke Antony Neville, Erin Ramirez, and Jake Bentley Young, known for their dynamic performances.

Although the tour captures the essence of the Broadway production, the sound clarity on Wednesday night posed challenges. Lyrics play a vital role in the narrative, requiring precise audio delivery. Sound designers must adapt their profiles for different venues, and improvements at the CIBC Theatre are advisable.

“Operation Mincemeat” was crafted by the comedy troupe SpitLip, including David Cumming, Felix Hagan, Natasha Hodgson, and Zoë Roberts. The musical has gained fervent fans but doesn’t resonate with everyone. During a second viewing, the show’s offbeat sophistication and subversive elements are better appreciated, as it explores emotional landscapes within the musical realm.

The musical often draws comparisons to “Johnny English,” “Monty Python,” or “Austin Powers,” all within a World War II setting. It remains self-aware, often resulting in amusing meta moments. Additionally, it delves into the varied personalities within the intelligence agency, challenging gender norms and exploring the complex dynamics among those strategizing wartime efforts.

A key focus of the musical is the realization of the human stakes involved in their endeavors. It emphasizes consequences of failure and personal sacrifices asked of others. This theme is notably highlighted through a character named Hester Leggett, portrayed by the impressive Luke Antony Neville. The Act 1 song “Dear Bill” stands out, paying tribute to veterans while emotionally engaging audiences. Neville’s performance in this song encapsulates a range of emotions and storytelling depth, marking a memorable moment.

The musical score is a blend of diverse influences, notably referencing shows like “Hamilton,” “Billy Elliot,” and “Six.” These nods are evident in the notes and phrasing, contributing to the musical’s smart, clever nature. Despite some Act 2 lulls, it offers an array of laughs and appeals to fans of wartime stories, James Bond films, and lighthearted humor.

Chris Jones is a critic at the Tribune and provides insightful commentary. “Operation Mincemeat” is rated 3 stars and is playing at the CIBC Theatre until October 11. The musical runs for 2 hours and 35 minutes, with tickets available from $40 to $135.