OPERATION MINCEMEAT Previews- Page 6
OPERATION MINCEMEAT Previews
nycward
Stand-by Joined: 4/7/16
#125OPERATION MINCEMEAT Previews
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
Broadway Legend Joined: 7/20/13
#126OPERATION MINCEMEAT Previews
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
Understudy Joined: 3/22/22
#127OPERATION MINCEMEAT Previews
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?"
#128OPERATION MINCEMEAT Previews
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.
"You can't overrate Bernadette Peters. She is such a genius. There's a moment in "Too Many Mornings" and Bernadette doing 'I wore green the last time' - It's a voice that is just already given up - it is so sorrowful. Tragic. You can see from that moment the show is going to be headed into such dark territory and it hinges on this tiny throwaway moment of the voice." - Ben Brantley (2022)
"Bernadette's whole, stunning performance [as Rose in Gypsy] galvanized the actors capable of letting loose with her. Bernadette's Rose did take its rightful place, but too late, and unseen by too many who should have seen it" Arthur Laurents (2009)
"Sondheim's own favorite star performances? [Bernadette] Peters in ''Sunday in the Park,'' Lansbury in ''Sweeney Todd'' and ''obviously, Ethel was thrilling in 'Gypsy.'' Nytimes, 2000
Updated On: 2/19/25 at 03:08 PM
Bobster159
Understudy Joined: 12/13/10
#129OPERATION MINCEMEAT Previews
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.
#130OPERATION MINCEMEAT Previews
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.
#131OPERATION MINCEMEAT Previews
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
Broadway Legend Joined: 8/26/19
#132OPERATION MINCEMEAT Previews
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.
bluetuna
Leading Actor Joined: 11/15/07
#133OPERATION MINCEMEAT Previews
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
Broadway Legend Joined: 1/21/20
#135OPERATION MINCEMEAT Previews
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?"
Well, I’ll be. That bird really did it.
Updated On: 2/20/25 at 11:57 PM
#136OPERATION MINCEMEAT Previews
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.
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