Operation Mincemeat

This afternoon, I finally caught up with Operation Mincemeat, the long-running British import that tells the true story of how a group of British spies fooled the Nazis.

The musical was written David Cumming, Felix Hagan, Natasha Hodgson, and Zoe Roberts. Hagan composed much of the score, while the other three contributed to the writing and also appeared in the first production, originating key roles.

Cumming created the role of Charles Cholmondeley, an amateur biologist who came up with the outrageous plan of planting a corpse with fake plans for an Allied invasion of Sardinia in order to distract the Germans from an imminent invasion of Sicily. (The role is currently being played on Broadway by Brandon Contreras.)

Hodgeson originated the role of Ewen Montagu, an entitled male chauvinist who aided Cholmondeley's plan, and yes, it's gratifying to see a woman play the part. I actually saw an understudy in the role, Gerianne Perez, but she was magnificent. I couldn't have hoped for a better portrayal of a self-assured nepo baby who feels like it's his divine right to treat women as disposable tissues.

Roberts was the original Johnny Bevan, who oversaw the British government's deception campaigns during World War II. On Broadway, the role is now being played by Amanda Jill Robinson, who is sensational in the part.

If you haven't seen the show yet, it's quite fun, and currently scheduled to run through April.