The new musical comedy “Operation Mincemeat,” inspired by the real-life World War II operation that convinced Hitler of an Allied invasion in Sardinia, has opened on Broadway with mixed results. The show’s creators aim to poke fun at British public school elitism and men’s stupidity about women, but their approach falls flat.
The musical combines elements of Monty Python, Benny Hill, and “The Play That Goes Wrong” to create a self-canceling middlebrow snark. However, the jokes are tired and the satire is scattered, making it difficult to pinpoint what the show is satirizing.
The creators’ aim to mock public school toffs and brass, as well as men’s stupidity about women, comes across as shallow and heavy-handed. The show’s reliance on cheap gags and pop culture references detracts from its message.
On the other hand, there are moments of beauty and seriousness in the show. The drag tradition is used effectively in the portrayal of Hester Leggatt, an administrative assistant who emerges as a richer and more complex character. Her performance shines in songs like “Dear Bill,” where fabulation and true feeling mix to create something beautiful.
The real-life person behind the operation, Glyndwr Michael, receives a suitable send-off at the end of the show. However, it’s worth noting that everyone else in the story was also a real person, which makes their portrayal feel less authentic.
Overall, “Operation Mincemeat” has its moments, but its uneven tone and shallow approach to satire make it a disappointing watch.
Source: https://www.nytimes.com/2025/03/20/theater/operation-mincemeat-review-broadway.html