OPERATION MINCEMEAT Reviews — Page 6

Brandon Contreras made his Cholmondeley debut this weekend.

Also, the company will perform on The Kelly Clarkson Show on Wednesday. 

In ‘Mincemeat,’ the Crack Timing of Being Up or Going Down Together

https://www.nytimes.com/2025/05/12/arts/dance/operation-mincemeat-movement.html?unlocked_article_code=1.Gk8.WG_p.23XmhPhw08ES&smid=nytcore-android-share

Jak Malone wins OCCC award for outstanding featured performer in a musical. 

How 'Operation Mincemeat' Became a Broadway Hit

 

https://variety.com/2025/legit/features/operation-mincemeat-broadway-tony-nominations-1236411878/

Extended again - until February 15, 2026. They did his in London too - announce limited runs then extension after extension. 

I saw Operation Mincemeat yesterday, and liked it very much, but I couldn't help noticing how much "Sail On, Boys" sounds like "The Stars Look Down" from Billy Elliot. Not only are the basic melodies, to my ears, quite similar, but they're both sung by groups of working men as a vow of solidarity. (Google reveals that I'm not the first person to make this connection; my apologies if this has already been discussed on these boards.)

Is it possible that there's some well-known British folk song that both of the show tunes are based on? That would explain the similarity without invoking pure coincidence.

I went with three other people to see this.  Two left at intermission and two loved it.  I was one of the two who left at intermission.  I guess that I just don't get British humor, although I did enjoy The 39 Steps a few years ago, and it was silly.

I thought the cast was very good, although I hated the character who came up with the concept.  He was portrayed as a socially inept goon, and I just didn't enjoy the humor.

What I saw of Jak Malone's performance in Act 1 led me to conclude that the possibility of his winning a Tony award was more than reasonable.  He was outstanding, as was the woman who was convinced that it was a brilliant idea.

Despite those performances, I did not laugh, I was not moved, and I now understand why this show did not turn into the hit that everyone was expected.  (To those who will say it is selling out, I will say that they lowered prices since it opened (my $99 seat was originally $199 when the tickets went on sale) and the average ticket price clearly demonstrates that a lot of seats are discounted, which would not have been the case if this was the hit that everyone originally expected it to be).

Bwaygurl2 said: "Jarethan said:

Despite those performances, I did not laugh, I was not moved, and I now understandwhy this show did not turn into the hit that everyone was expected. (To those who will say it is selling out, I will say that they lowered prices since it opened (my $99 seat was originally $199 when the tickets went on sale) and the average ticket price clearly demonstrates that a lot of seats are discounted, which would not have been the case if this was the hit that everyone originally expected it to be)."

There was always speculation that this wouldn't be successful in the States --it was never perceived as a sure fire hit."

That may be possible, but I do remember the early handicapping on likely Tony winners that regularly happens on this board.  I remember an awful lot of posters predicting that OM was the foregone conclusion, either based on seeing it in London or because it was so highly reviewed in London.

MasterThespian 2 said: "Jarethan said: "I went with three other people to see this. Two left at intermission and two loved it. I was one of the two who left at intermission. I guess that I just don't get British humor, although I did enjoy The 39 Steps a few years ago, and it was silly.

I thought the cast was very good, although I hated the character who came up with the concept. Hewas portrayed as a socially inept goon, and I just didn't enjoy the humor.

What I saw of Jak Malone's performance in Act 1 led me to conclude that the possibility of his winning a Tony award was more than reasonable. He was outstanding, as was the woman who was convinced that it was a brilliant idea.

Despite those performances, I did not laugh, I was not moved, and I now understandwhy this show did not turn into the hit that everyone was expected. (To those who will say it is selling out, I will say that they lowered prices since it opened (my $99 seat was originally $199 when the tickets went on sale) and the average ticket price clearly demonstrates that a lot of seats are discounted, which would not have been the case if this was the hit that everyone originally expected it to be)."

Gosh, hard to believe you didn’t enjoy it. You sound like so much fun."

It's.... okay when people like different things than you. 

Bwaygurl2 said: "MasterThespian 2 said: "Jarethan said: "I went with three other people to see this. Two left at intermission and two loved it. I was one of the two who left at intermission. I guess that I just don't get British humor, although I did enjoy The 39 Steps a few years ago, and it was silly.

I thought the cast was very good, although I hated the character who came up with the concept. Hewas portrayed as a socially inept goon, and I just didn't enjoy the humor.

What I saw of Jak Malone's performance in Act 1 led me to conclude that the possibility of his winning a Tony award was more than reasonable. He was outstanding, as was the woman who was convinced that it was a brilliant idea.

Despite those performances, I did not laugh, I was not moved, and I now understandwhy this show did not turn into the hit that everyone was expected. (To those who will say it is selling out, I will say that they lowered prices since it opened (my $99 seat was originally $199 when the tickets went on sale) and the average ticket price clearly demonstrates that a lot of seats are discounted, which would not have been the case if this was the hit that everyone originally expected it to be)."

Gosh, hard to believe you didn’t enjoy it. You sound like so much fun."

It's.... okay when people like different things than you."

Just saw this yesterday (I thought we’d get understudies but they were all there) - I have to admit there was part of me that thought I would leave at intermission. I had read up on the story beforehand, but I still had a bit of trouble understanding some of the jokes because of their accents. At times, I had trouble keeping my eyes open. BUT….I am so glad I stuck around. After the Dear Bill song (he deserved the Tony 100%), something clicked for me and I decided to stick it out. The second half landed different with me - I understood more, laughed more and simply enjoyed it. I think even if one doesn’t love the show, the acting and in-song quick changes are worth it. I also realized I needed to just go with it - it is manically a whirlwind and that is half the fun. I went with five people. We all stayed - only one person didn’t love it (but appreciated it), I really liked it, and three loved it so much that they want to go back so they can catch all the jokes that they missed. 

"Useful" is one of my go-to listens too. For as much of a comedy as the show is and how light most of the numbers are, I think that and "Dear Bill," the most sincere songs, are the most successful.

Natasha Hodgson is out tonight. Gerianne Perez on as Monty.

Just an FYI - Sam Hartley is on as Hester all week while Jak Malone is on vacation.

I haven’t seen him yet and I’m trying to go, but if he’s anything like the other covers, you’re in great hands. (I’ve been able to see all the female covers in their primary tracks so far)

yyys said: "Looks like 3 understudies will go on tomorrow Saturday at 730 pm. Do they give out refunds when Jak is out?"

No. None of the performers are above the title.