In 1943, the Allies hatched a plan to fool Adolf Hitler and Nazi Germany into believing they planned an invasion of Italy through the island of Sardinia - the real plan called for invading Sicily. Britain's MI-6 agency executed this ruse by concealing false papers on a dead body and washing that body ashore off the coast of Spain, where the papers would eventually make their way to Hitler. The plan was dubbed "Operation Mincemeat."

"Operation Mincemeat: The Musical" tells this story but enhances it with singing dancing, and general silliness. This musical began in London, moved to the West End and Broadway, and is currently touring the United States. I caught the Thursday evening performance at Chicago's CIBC Theatre.

Five actors played a multitude of roles, with no regard for matching the actor's gender to the character they play. They switch roles and costumes early and often, sometimes moving scenes quickly between countries. This movement often gives the show a frantic pace, creating delightful chaos. In Friday's show, Noah Berry replaced Jake Bentley Young as the nerdish Charles Cholmondeley and multiple other characters.

The dialogue is fun and witty, but the music, collectively written by David Cumming, Felix Hagan, Natasha Hodgson and Zoë Roberts, takes center stage. The show opens with a rousing self-congratulatory number, "Born to Lead." Later, a group of Nazis sings a similar message in the techno-inspired "Das Übermensch." Other musical highlights include the poignant "Dear Bill," in which an elderly woman mourns a lover lost to war, and "Sail On Boys," sung by a submarine crew.

"Operation Mincemeat" is part spy story; part history; part slapstick comedy; part musical; and all fun!