OPERATION MINCEMEAT Previews- Page 6

[nycward]

Posted: 2/19/25 at 12:22pm

Having seen the 2022 film of Operation Mincemeat which is produced thru Netflix can anyone speak to the very different take that the show presents? The film is a drama with added theatrics to enhance the true story (a possible affair and Nazi threats to the lead female character etc.) I like the film quite a bit and curious if the show ignores the entire film's POV and goes for a fun British romp of sorts. I'm curious how they may intersect if at all.  Thanks.

[Sutton Ross]

Posted: 2/19/25 at 12:31pm

gibsons2 said: "Wow, this board certainly took 180 on this musical. When it was announced, I swear it was one of the most praised and hyped up shows discussed on here. Even infamous Lempicka didn't get such trashing immediately after its 2 first previews. What happened?"

This board does not represent the general public. Art is subjective. A few people didn't like it here and it will make zero difference in terms of ticket sales, trust. 

Not overly impressed by the sophistication of American audiences. Might explain the weird “I’d rather ram a stick up my butt”-level of responses. So much unnecessary anger, cruelty and snark, which is also becoming increasingly common in this country. Stick with Wicked or Back to the Future. Might be all you folks can handle. 

[MasterThespian 2]

Posted: 2/19/25 at 1:26pm

Yes, the same production based on a hit Hollywood movie that ran for almost two years on Broadway. 


Kad said: "MasterThespian 2 said: "Not overly impressed by the sophistication of American audiences. Might explain the weird “I’d rather ram a stick up my butt”-levelof responses. So muchunnecessary anger, crueltyand snark, which is also becoming increasingly common in this country. Stick with Wicked or Back to the Future. Might be all you folks can handle."

Back to the Future… which came from the UK and closed at a loss here?"

 

[binau]

Posted: 2/19/25 at 3:08pm

RE: Lempicka, I know I'm in the minority and I know there is a difference between how they staged it and book vs the score (and I know that Eden couldn't even really SING the score well live at points because it was so difficult), but I will die on a hill that the music of "Don't Bet Your Heart", "I Will Paint Her", "Perfection", "The Most Beautiful Bracelet", "Woman Is", "Stay", "Speed", and "In the Blasted California Sun" is a top tier, Tony-award worthy portfolio of material. There are some amazing novel melodies, interesting pop/electronic sounds that aren't often heard, an incredibly large amount of emotional charge packed in here. To not even be nominated to me is shocking. 

I don't really see any comparison with "Operation Mincemeat" - which while is a lot cleaner and smarter lyrically just doesn't have the same kind of ambition as Lempicka. 

Updated On: 2/19/25 at 03:08 PM

[Bobster159]

Posted: 2/19/25 at 3:17pm

nycward said: "Having seen the 2022 film of Operation Mincemeat which is produced thru Netflix can anyone speak to the very different take that the show presents? The film is a drama with added theatrics to enhance the true story (a possible affair and Nazi threats to the lead female character etc.) I like the film quite a bit and curious if the show ignores the entire film's POV and goes for a fun British romp of sorts. I'm curious how they may intersect if at all. Thanks."

It's very different from the movie, both tonally and in where they place the focus of the narrative. The musical predates the movie by several years, so there's no connection at all in terms of POV. Both are excellent but quite contrasting.

[ChairinMain]

Posted: 2/19/25 at 3:42pm

Look I dunno what people want from a show that very clearly advertises itself as a 39 Steps-style romp with a heart. I for one cannot wait for this. 

[Melissa25]

Posted: 2/19/25 at 7:34pm

binau: ...but I will die on a hill that the music of "Don't Bet Your Heart", "I Will Paint Her", "Perfection", "The Most Beautiful Bracelet", "Woman Is", "Stay", "Speed", and "In the Blasted California Sun" is a top tier, Tony-award worthy portfolio of material. There are some amazing novel melodies, interesting pop/electronic sounds that aren't often heard, an incredibly large amount of emotional charge packed in here. To not even be nominated to me is shocking.

This. I am on that hill with you.

[gibsons2]

Posted: 2/20/25 at 12:15am

Just came back home from seeing the show's 4th preview and already trying to figure out how to get another affordable ticket to see it again. I thought this musical is a little extraordinary gem, very clever, funny, super energetic and if it was opening tomorrow,  I'd say they're ready. I didn't take my eyes of the stage for a second and understood every word. 

It's my 4th show within a year that had to be paused due to technical issues. Today a prop didn't drop from the ceiling properly during The Glitzy Finale and we had to wait for good 15 minutes for the show to resume, only to end in basically 5 minutes. 

I think OM is a very strong contender for the best musical. Superb writing and direction.

Also, why is only Jak Malone getting all the buzz? David Cumming is a phenomenal comedic actor, a really rare natural talent. He stole the show for me.

 

Updated On: 2/20/25 at 12:15 AM

[bluetuna]

Posted: 2/20/25 at 12:22am

I saw tonight's preview.  The set malfunctioned in "A Glitzy Finale," and Natasha Hodgson had to call for the show to stop, as the staircase didn't fully descend, and what appeared to be a sign also did not come down all the way.  There was announcement that there would be a pause to resolve the issue, and we waited for about 20 minutes, during which time many audience members left.  They finally got it started up again at about 10:50 (and started with the cast at the bottom of the steps, skipping whatever action happened on the stairs), and I was out on the street by 10:58.

Jak Malone's "Dear Bill" was heart-wrenching, and his portrayals of his other characters were hilarious.  Definitely a Tony-worthy performance.

I really enjoyed this.  It struck the fine line of being stupid yet smart, touching, and educational.

[KevinKlawitter]

Posted: 2/20/25 at 11:24am

Featured on new episode of "Stagecraft" podcast by Variety

[EDSOSLO858]

Posted: 2/20/25 at 11:57pm

I LOVED this! 

Tonight's fifth Broadway preview went off without a hitch and the advertised runtime was spot-on (began at 8:08, curtain call at 10:43). 

All five performers are doing something special here, and with a very charming, hilarious piece to boot. From David Cumming's broad mugging to Natasha Hodgson's preening Montagu and the duality of Jak Malone's performance (which should put him squarely in the Tony convo), there doesn't seem to be a weak link in sight in the acting department.

The score is interesting and varied, with "Dear Bill" predictably getting the warmest reception of the night. It does call for a more expansive orchestration, though. When I first skimmed through last year's Olivier highlights a while back, hearing "Born to Lead" with a full orchestra gave me LIFE.

It was so nice to see a full house and I must think team MINCEMEAT will be playing to a whole lot more of them for years to come. I said a quick hi to one of the UK casting directors at intermission, and he was pleased to hear my kind thoughts.

This gives me great hope for the future of British theatre in New York. (An absolute steal for a $39 front mezz seat, too.)

"Does a newt have an anus?"

 

 

 

 

Updated On: 2/20/25 at 11:57 PM

[JT2030]

Posted: 2/21/25 at 12:55am

Echoing the posters who were also there, saw the Wednesday night performance going in with little knowledge beyond the buzz and was absolutely blown away.

It's such a gem of a show that's tough to describe but the entire production - direction, cast, set, orchestrations - are in harmony in a remarkable way for what is a "farce" in concept staging-wise that requires incredible precision from all.

If we need yet another reason for a "Best Ensemble" Tony Award, I don't know how to start nor how this doesn't demand one. Everyone is incredible but let me add my cheer (and tears) to Jak Malone. "Dear Bill" devastated me so unexpectedly. There's so much heart to this show from everyone but this moment in particular came out of nowhere and knocked me and my friend out. 

You would have no idea it was the 3rd preview, beyond the slight tech issue at the very end. I can't wait to see it again after opening when it gets even tighter.

Also --- what a season this is. Beyond this, Maybe Happy Ending, the reimagined Gypsy and Sunset, Oh Mary!, there's a remarkable amount of work that makes my heart happy that we're all back in the theater again.

[SFFrontRow]

Posted: 2/22/25 at 9:45pm

I like some but not all British humor  but this is not a zany British humor show. It is a improbably true story and this is standard musical fare and not specific to British humor.

It has funny silliness to start and adds depth as it goes along… I am glad I saw it now… even in previews it is playing to a full house.

[BroadwayFanatic454]

Posted: 2/24/25 at 10:10pm

I saw the first act this evening. I actually didn't particularly dislike the show, it just very much wasn't my style. About 20 other theatergoers I passed on the street on the way out felt similarly from what I overhead. I can certainly see how and why this appeals to people, and the show has clearly found its audience. Just wanted to add a different perspective amidst all the buzz. 

Updated On: 2/24/25 at 10:10 PM

[Jimbob2]

Posted: 2/25/25 at 2:45am

BroadwayFanatic454 said: "I saw the first act this evening. I actually didn't particularly dislike the show, it just very much wasn't my style. About 20 other theatergoers I passed on the street on the way out felt similarly from what I overhead. I can certainly see how and why this appeals to people, and the show has clearlyfound its audience. Just wanted to add a different perspective amidst all the buzz."

I love the diffident understated yet lethal style of this post.  You must be British!   Translation from English to American;

"I saw the first act"  Translation  'I left at the interval'

"Didn't particularly dislike the show"   Translation 'I hated it enough to leave and waste the money I'd paid.'

"About 20 other theatregoers I passed on the street on the way out felt similarly"  Translation  'I fled the scene, but slowly, making sure to earwig the conversations of a full 20 other people who were also running for their lives'.

"Just wanted to add a different perspective"  Translation 'Just wanted to put the boot in, while softening each line in a very casual British way in honor of the show's supposed humor''.   Translation of the Translation: 'humour' and 'honour'





 

 

 

 

 

 

Updated On: 2/25/25 at 02:45 AM

[FANtomFollies]

Posted: 2/25/25 at 8:10am

I saw this last night and have to say I was also on the side of underwhelmed. I found the cast charming, and the show was silly and sweet, but it was absolutely not as funny as I believe it intends to be. I think I could forgive anything else if it was really really funny. I also found the opening number to be incredibly weak, as well as 'Dead in the Water' which was such a bland cliche of an 'I want' song. I didn't think the show really found it's groove until 'All the Ladies', which was funny, though I almost felt wrong finding humor in the 'guy in a dress' gag.

For several reasons, I agreed with whoever said this really would be better as a 1 act. I don't think the plot is complicated enough to warrant the run time. I did think the 2nd act was much better overall and the 'Glitzy Finale' was indeed very glitzy and really impressed me. 

I know some have said the show might be 'too British' for American audiences but I really don't think that's the problem. I watch tons of British media and I understood the tone and all the 'British-isms'. I really think it's just not that funny and that is the show's biggest sin. Without laugh-out-loud hysterical humor, the songs are not strong enough and the plot not captivating enough to make this work, for me. 

Updated On: 2/25/25 at 08:10 AM

[EDSOSLO858]

Posted: 2/25/25 at 8:48am

FANtomFollies said: "I also found the opening number to be incredibly weak, as well as 'Dead in the Water' which was such a bland cliche of an 'I want' song."

On the contrary, I thought that "Dead in the Water" takes a good pointer from all the best Tim Minchin comedy songs, which are meant to subvert your expectations midway through. "I wish I were a maggot" is a great diversion from starting to explore Cholmondeley's deepest desires (and expresses the fact he doesn't think like everyone else).

Updated On: 2/25/25 at 08:48 AM

[FANtomFollies]

Posted: 2/25/25 at 9:03am

EDSOSLO858 said: "FANtomFollies said: "I also found the opening number to be incredibly weak, as well as 'Dead in the Water' which was such a bland cliche of an 'I want' song."

On the contrary, I thought that "Dead in the Water" takes a good pointerfrom all the best Tim Minchin comedy songs, which are meant to subvert your expectations midway through. "I wish I were a maggot" is a great diversion from starting to explore Cholmondeley's deepest desires (and expresses the fact he doesn'tthink like everyone else)."

I guess lyrically I somewhat agree with you, but how many 'I want' songs are about characters wanting to fly, either literally or metaphorically?  Musically it just sounded like such a mashup of other songs. It reminded me of 'Proud of your Boy' from Aladdin, and that is not a good thing.

[quizking101]

Posted: 2/25/25 at 9:11am

FANtomFollies said: "I saw this last night and have to say I was also on the side of underwhelmed. I found the cast charming, and the show was silly and sweet, but it was absolutely not as funny as I believe it intends to be. I think I could forgive anything else if it was really really funny. I also found the opening number to be incredibly weak, as well as 'Dead in the Water' which was such a bland cliche of an'I want' song.I didn't think the show really found it's groove until 'All the Ladies', which was funny, though I almost felt wrong finding humor in the 'guy in a dress' gag.

For several reasons, I agreed with whoever said this really would be better as a 1 act. I don't think the plot is complicated enough to warrant the run time. I did think the 2nd act was much better overall and the 'Glitzy Finale' was indeed very glitzy and really impressed me.

I know some have said the show might be 'too British' for American audiences but I really don't think that's the problem. I watch tons of British media and I understood the tone and all the 'British-isms'. I really think it's just not that funny and that is the show's biggest sin. Without laugh-out-loud hysterical humor, the songs are not strong enough and the plot not captivating enough to make this work, for me."

Let’s break this down a bit:

1) What exactly did you find weak about the opening number? It does exactly what it’s supposed to do, which is set up the entire premise and introduce the main players (Montagu and Chomondeley). I find it to be a very rousing and cheeky start for the show itself.

2) “Dead In The Water” is somewhat of an extension of “Born To Lead”, but focuses on Chomondeley’s very methodical and scientific approach to life. It gives him the self-awareness that he is not inherently “leader” material and feels invisible to his coworkers (a recurring gag) and that sets up his partnership with Montagu.

3) “Guy in a dress” gag? Really? The entire show bucks gender. It seems odd to focus on this one specific moment.

4) I’m curious to see what you think could be cut to tell the story fully. I’m sure it was shorter/one act at some point (this started as a Fringe show), but expanded in order to tell the full story and flesh out the main characters effectively. (Context: The film version of this story runs 2:10)

[FANtomFollies]

Posted: 2/25/25 at 9:34am

quizking101 said: "Let’s break this down a bit:
1) What exactly did you find weak about the opening number? It does exactly what it’s supposed to do, which is set up the entire premise and introduce the main players (Montagu and Chomondeley). I find it to be a very rousing and cheeky start for the show itself.

2) “Dead In The Water” is somewhat of an extension of “Born To Lead”, but focuses on Chomondeley’s very methodical and scientific approach to life. It gives him the self-awareness that he is not inherently “leader” material and feels invisible to his coworkers (a recurring gag) and that sets up his partnership with Montagu.

3) “Guy in a dress” gag? Really? The entire show bucks gender. It seems odd to focus on this one specific moment.

4) I’m curious to see what you think could be cut to tell the story fully. I’m sure it was shorter/one act at some point (this started as a Fringe show), but expanded in order to tell the full story and flesh out the main characters effectively. (Context: The film version of this story runs 2:10)"

1- Yes the number did what it needed to do story-wise. But for me it felt low energy and just started the show in such a bland way. I wanted more energy or even more volume. Or even just to be surprised i guess.

2- Same issue as the opening, it did what it was supposed to do but I just found it boring or lackluster. 

3-I think that with all of the gender-bending in the roles is exactly why this 'man in a dress' gag stood out to me. As is almost always the case in media, humor is never derived from a woman in a suit acting masculine, only when men are viewed as feminine. It just felt so cliched and tired to laugh at a man dancing in heels and a skirt. 

4-I honestly don't have the energy to go through the entire show and figure out what could be cut. I just know many songs were forgettable and some of the scenes dragged.

 I'm just stating all of this is my opinion. I'm not saying I'm right and you're wrong, and you don't have to agree :)

[seaweedjstubbs]

Posted: 2/25/25 at 10:14am

Saw it last night and had a pleasant time. I definitely think that what’s hurting people’s opinions is the hype that’s been built up around it. It’s rare for anything to live up to the hype, and this one didn’t for me. If I’d gone into this show completely blind, my response to it would probably be much more enthusiastic. To compare it to another show with a lot of hype this season, I was lucky enough to see OH, MARY! during its first weekend of previews Off-Broadway before word had spread and the hype train began. I don’t think I’ve ever laughed harder in a theatre before. Would I have had the same response if I’d seen the show later after hearing all the hype? Maybe not. Though I will say, I’ve gone back to see that show twice since my first time and I still found it to be hilarious. 
 

I thought all the comedy landed pretty well in MINCEMEAT, but I never found myself having those deep belly laughs that I always hope for when seeing a new comedy. I chuckled more than I laughed. I’d like to see the show again after becoming more familiar with the score, as a lot of it is very fast and wordy and there were multiple songs where I couldn’t understand the lyrics. Still, I enjoyed myself and I’m rooting for this show to succeed. The cast is absolutely delightful. Just maybe lower the incredibly high expectations that have been set for this show before you see it.

On the way out, I overheard a couple looking up the actual “Operation Mincemeat” on Wikipedia and being absolutely amazed that the show was based on a true story. Don’t know whether that’s a good thing or a bad thing, but at least the show is educating people!

[jkcohen626]

Posted: 2/25/25 at 4:20pm

I absolutely understand the hype challenges. Between this show and Oh Mary, I have the opposite experience to you.

I actually learned about the real Operation Mincemeat in a history of espionage class in 2022. Then I was in London in Spring, 2023 and heard there was musical about it. Ended up, pretty randomly, at their first West End preview and was totally blown away by it. 

I didn't get to see Oh Mary until December and, by the time I saw it, the hype was enormous. I laughed a lot, but my overall reaction was kinda "that's it?" It really grew on me afterwards as a grew to appreciate how deceptively smart the writing is and how much the silliness, simplicity, and dumbness of it is the point. But, my initial reaction was not as overwhelmingly positive as I expected. 

[DAME]

Posted: 2/25/25 at 11:31pm

seaweedjstubbs said: "Saw it last night and had a pleasanttime. I definitely think that what’s hurting people’s opinions is the hype that’s been built up around it. It’s rare for anything to live up to the hype, and this one didn’t for me. If I’d gone into this show completely blind, my response to it would probably be much more enthusiastic. To compare it to another show with a lot of hype this season, I was lucky enough to see OH, MARY! during its first weekend of previews Off-Broadway before word had spread and the hype train began. I don’t think I’ve ever laughed harder in a theatre before. Would I have had the same response if I’d seen the show later after hearing all the hype? Maybe not. Though I will say, I’ve gone back to see that show twice since my first time and I still found it to be hilarious.


I thought all the comedy landed pretty well in MINCEMEAT, but I never found myself having those deep belly laughs that I always hope for when seeing a new comedy. I chuckled more than I laughed. I’d like to see the show again after becoming more familiar with the score, as a lot of it is very fast and wordy and there were multiple songs where I couldn’t understand the lyrics. Still, I enjoyed myself and I’m rooting for this show to succeed. The cast is absolutely delightful. Just maybe lower the incredibly high expectations that have been set for this show before you see it.

On the way out, I overheard a couple looking up the actual “Operation Mincemeat” on Wikipedia and being absolutely amazed that the show was based on a true story. Don’t know whether that’s a good thing or a bad thing, but at least the show is educating people!"

See.  I don’t think it’s overhyped at all. 

[Falsettolands]

Posted: 2/25/25 at 11:44pm

This was my 9th show in the Golden but my first musical. Is the sound mixing usually this bad? I was in the third row and felt like the band was playing in another theatre two blocks away. I was hoping to be hit with an explosion of sound like the very well made cast recording, but this just felt so muted. Any similar feelings?

still working though my thoughts on the other parts of the show…very mixed right now. The cast is great.

[BoringBoredBoard40]

Posted: 2/25/25 at 11:52pm

concerning to hear the show is still having sound mix issues