The Bonkers Broadway Show that *Should* Have Won the Tony for Best New Musical

I guess I should have known that Operation Mincemeat would be incredible. The show is a transfer from London’s West End where it won numerous accolades including the Olivier Award for Best Musical.

The five-person musical tells the true story of a group of British intelligence agents during World War II as they attempt to trick Hitler into moving his troops to the wrong island, allowing the Allies to invade Sicily. It sounds complicated. It sounds dry. It sounds…serious. This show is none of those things.

Operation Mincemeat is, for lack of a better word, bonkers. It brings the laughs from minute one, as the supremely talented cast members transform from character to character. The music and the book are clever and funny, the story is fascinating and the fast pace means the show’s two-and-a-half hour runtime flies by.

A standout performance among the ensemble? The fabulous Jak Malone, who won this year’s Tony for Best Featured Actor in a Musical. Among other characters, Malone plays Hester Leggatt, a secretary to the British intelligence agents. His portrayal is very funny and, at times, heartbreaking (a pleasant surprise in such a silly show). Hester’s song “Dear Bill” might be the musical’s only true serious moment, and Malone’s delivery of that song alone certainly earned him that Tony.

I can’t recommend seeing this show enough, even if you aren’t a history buff. Like Hamilton, the first few minutes are hard to follow, as the lyrics come flying at you at breakneck speed. But once your ear adjusts (and it will quickly), you’ll be enthralled by the songs and the storytelling. I found myself smiling through the entire thing.

And while Operation Mincemeat might not have the Best Musical Tony to its credit, the show can surely rest easy knowing that it was my personal favorite.

Operation Mincemeat is now playing at the Golden Theatre.

Want all the latest entertainment news sent right to your inbox? Click here.