Roaring this week into Toronto’s Royal Alexander Theatre is the brash and inventive ‘Operation Mincemeat.’
‘Catch-22’ meets ‘Monty Python’.
Some sound advice: secure tickets soon, because this striking ‘new musical’ is bound to be popular.
The book has depth, the story is compelling, and the songs range from whimsical to forceful, but the production’s true strength is five accomplished actors who astound us with range and talent: Mariah Copeland, Katie Kleiger, Luke Antony Neville, Erin Ramirez, and Jake Bentley Young.
With comic precision and wit, they play the five key roles and then seamlessly drift in and out of dozens of other parts. Probably one hundred costume changes, one hundred props, backstage callisthenics and entrances from everywhere, all done with seeming ease.
A true story of WW2, the war is on the brink in 1943, and British Intelligence is leaned on to fashion creative schemes to outwit Hitler. ‘Operation Mincemeat’ is the invention of Ewen Montagu (Katie Kleiger) and the withering Charles Cholmondeley (Jake Bentley Young). They pitch the brazen idea to their commander, Johnny Bevan (Mariah Copeland), who reluctantly accepts it, and Churchill ultimately approves it.
The idea is to drop a chosen corpse into the Mediterranean with fictionalized identification and documents suggesting an invasion into Sardinia. The Germans, finding the body, will be fooled into moving troops out of Sicily and into Sardinia, making Sicily an easy target for invasion. As they say, you can’t make this stuff up.
Part of the plan’s genius is Hester Leggat (Luke Antony Neville), an intelligence secretary who helps create the fictional soldier with detailed documents and even love letters. Jean Leslie (Erin Ramirez) is a rookie secretary who helps Hester and serves as the soldier’s fake fiancée.
The operation is in doubt – twists and turns fill act two, and the outcome is rousing.
Jake Bentley Young’s performance is a comic masterpiece. He is the ultimate cellophane man – he has worked at MI5 for six years, and no one notices him. A nerdy biologist with thick glasses, his movements are quirky, nervous and jittery. Young demonstrates range as he ultimately makes fun of himself.
Charles’ alter ego is the confident, dauntless Montagu, played with style by Katie Kleiger. Clearly an accomplished singer and dancer, her constant presence on stage is marked by precision – a head suddenly bent, fingers in perfect position, arms fully cast out. Some moments of intensity were poignant as she became the face of ethical questions about the operation.
Each actor is vital, but Luke Antony Neville stands out in many moments. He plays the ultimate head secretary – cool, fastidious and in charge. The beaded glasses string amped up the fun. His persona almost cracks with a moving solo, ‘Dear Bill.’ A mid-act ovation was deserved. His turn as a devilish coroner is brilliant.
Erin Ramirez, as the young eager rookie, sings in several duets with engaging harmony. Her comic turn as an embattled, hunched-over assistant was a crowd favourite. Her range also showed dignity as the voice of women who deserve roles beyond making ‘the tea.’
As the hard-headed Johnny Bevan, Mariah Copeland also stands out. Acting the no-nonsense boss, she made underlings quiver. But, like the others, she can pivot into exceptional comic moments even in the smallest parts. As a stereotyped Londoner with a bouncing brawly in hand, she is hilarious.
Director Robert Hastie and choreographer Jenny Arnold must have been thrilled to discover their cast. The dancing was, of course, precise, but creating comedic dance moves is a challenge they embraced. A hip-hoppish Nazi rap to open Act Two was a highlight. The playful phone cord routines were particularly delightful.
An eye-popping finale could have been over the top, but roguish self-deprecation brought it back in line with the production’s tone.
Moving and funny at the same time, these five performers will pull you into that magic called theatre – a final song with exceptional harmony was a punctuation point.
Is this show any good? – ‘Yes Mum.’
‘Operation Mincemeat’ by David Cummings, Felix Hagan, Natasha Hodgson, Zoe Roberts
Performers – Mariah Copeland, Katie Kleiger, Luke Antony Neville, Erin Ramirez, Jake Bentley Young
Directed by Robert Hastie
Choreography by Jenny Arnold
Set and costume design – Ben Stone
Production runs through Dec 13, 2026.
Tickets – mirvish.com
