Operation Mincemeat finally lit its marquee with the originally intended yellow bulbs March 13. The display outside the John Golden Theatre, where the Olivier-winning musical is making its Broadway debut, spent some time uncharacteristically dark leading up to the beginning of previews February 15, and was forced to use regular, white bulbs once performances began.
As was previously reported, tariffs on imports from China imposed by President Donald Trump delayed the arrival of the specialty yellow bulbs needed for the display.
But those specialty bulbs finally arrived March 13, allowing the show to unveil its marquee design in its full intended glory. See the display above. The show is set to open March 20 and is currently selling tickets through August 18.
Operation Mincemeat is written and composed by comedy group SpitLip, comprising David Cumming, Felix Hagan, Natasha Hodgson, and Zoë Roberts. Director Robert Hastie reprises his work for the Broadway bow, along with choreographer Jenny Arnold.
The original London cast, including Cumming, Claire-Marie Hall, Hodgson, Olivier winner Jak Malone, and Roberts, are making their respective Broadway debuts in the transfer. They are joined by understudies Brandon Contreras, Sam Hartley, Jessi Kirtley, Gerianne Pérez, and Amanda Jill Robinson.
The creative team includes set and costume designer Ben Stones, lighting designer Mark Henderson, sound designer Mike Walker, orchestrator Steve Sidwell, music director and supervisor Joe Bunker, production stage manager Karen Moore, and casting director Carrie Gardner.
Set in 1943, Operation Mincemeat explores the true story of a secret military operation meant to turn the tide of the war. With the Allies losing, the British military develop an idea: to use the well-dressed corpse of a homeless man to feed Hitler and his advisors incorrect information. The show opened in London's West End in 2023, going on to win two 2024 Olivier Awards, including Best New Musical and Best Actor in a Supporting Role, for Jak Malone.
The story has previously been adapted into three books, a TV episode, a play, and two films. The latest adaptation was the 2022 movie starring Colin Firth, Matthew Macfadyen, Kelly Macdonald, Penelope Wilton, and Mark Gatiss.
The Broadway run is being produced by Avalon in association with SpitLip.
Visit OperationBroadway.com.
