A scrappy British musical, Operation Mincemeat, has arrived on Broadway, but its comedy may not land as well with some audiences. Critics in the U.K. have praised it for being “a glorious spoof” and winning the 2024 Olivier Award for Best New Musical. The show’s irreverent look at English history features a small cast playing multiple roles and centers on the unusual use of a human corpse.
The production, devised by university chums, includes five actors who play against gender and take on various roles throughout the show. Natasha Hodgson, David Cumming, Zoë Roberts, Jak Malone, and Claire-Marie Hall star in the musical, which has been compared to Monty Python and The Producers. However, some critics find the show’s humor relies too heavily on high-effort physical comedy, making it exhausting.
The show’s material, such as its feminist parable and preoccupation with class, may not translate well to Broadway audiences. Some scenes, like the Nazi-themed “Das Übermensch” number, feel more like bad-taste comedy than clever satire. Despite this, Jak Malone shines in a dramatic moment where Hester imagines a letter from her fictitious sweetheart, bringing a sense of sincerity and heart to the show.
With its unique blend of physical comedy and historical context, Operation Mincemeat may appeal to some fans, but others may find it too trying or off-putting. Whether you’ll enjoy the show depends on your tolerance for high-effort humor and willingness to wade through its sometimes-challenging material.
Source: https://www.timeout.com/newyork/theater/operation-mincemeat-musical-broadway-review