Operation Mincemeat: An Entertaining Wartime Musical Comedy

In 1943, the British intelligence service, MI6, devised a clever strategy to deceive Adolf Hitler about the Allies’ invasion plans. They aimed to make him believe that Greece and Sardinia, rather than Sicily, were the targets. To achieve this, MI6 used the body of a deceased homeless man from London, planting false documents indicating plans to invade Sardinia. They then released the body off the coast of Spain, ensuring the documents reached Nazi spies in the region. This operation, known as Operation Mincemeat, has now become the subject of a unique musical.

Operation Mincemeat is one of the latest musicals to feature on London’s West End and subsequently Broadway. It performed well in New York, aided by its small cast of five people, which is cost-effective in times of increasing expenses. The tour, which includes a stop at the CIBC Theatre in the 2026-27 season, features talented Equity performers Mariah Copeland, Kate Kleiger, Luke Antony Neville, Erin Ramirez, and Jake Bentley Young. The show remains true to the quality seen on Broadway, though some sound issues were noted during a recent performance, affecting the clarity of the rapid-fire lyrics crucial to the narrative. Adjustments for the CIBC Theatre’s acoustics may be beneficial.

Created by comedy troupe SpitLip, comprising David Cumming, Felix Hagan, Natasha Hodgson, and Zoë Roberts, Operation Mincemeat boasts a dedicated fan base, even if it isn’t universally appealing. With a second viewing, one appreciates the show’s subversive humor and sophistication. It blends the comedic tones of Johnny English, Monty Python, and Austin Powers, all while acknowledging its musical format based on a true story.

The musical also delves into the diverse personalities within MI6, challenging gender stereotypes and highlighting the personal dynamics and sacrifices involved in wartime strategy. A poignant element is seen in Hester Leggett, portrayed by Neville, alongside a touching song in Act 1, Dear Bill, which resonates emotionally by honoring veterans and illuminating the human aspects of the story.

The score of Operation Mincemeat is a pastiche, with nods to shows like Hamilton, Billy Elliot, and Six. While not boundary-pushing, the musical offers a witty experience for audiences with an interest in wartime narratives, comedic flair, and intelligence agency stories. It’s a humorous and entertaining option, particularly for those fond of wartime settings or James Bond films.

Chris Jones, Tribune critic
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Review: Operation Mincemeat (3 stars)
When: Through Oct. 11
Where: CIBC Theatre, 18 W. Monroe St.
Running time: 2 hours, 35 minutes
Tickets: $40-$135 at 312-977-1700 and broadwayinchicago.com