Broadway Time at Carmine’s with Tony Winner Jak Malone

In the newest episode of Broadway Time at Carmine’s, Tony and Olivier Award winner Jak Malone joins host Joel Crump for a lively conversation fueled by laughter, storytelling, and the signature oversized portions Carmine’s is known for. Malone, best known for his breakout performance in the international hit Operation Mincemeat, reflects on the whirlwind journey that took the show from an intimate 80-seat venue in London to a full-scale Broadway run.

Malone has been with the production for six years, originating multiple roles and helping shape the show into the rapid-fire theatrical event it has become. With just five actors portraying nearly eighty characters, Operation Mincemeat relies heavily on precision, physical stamina, and a kind of psychic teamwork. “We know the exact sound a prop makes when it hits the floor and who it belongs to,” Malone said, explaining how the cast silently solves mistakes in real time. Even so, chaos occasionally wins. He shared one recent mishap when muscle memory sent him sprinting offstage at the wrong moment, leaving stage management convinced he was experiencing a medical emergency while the cast tried not to break onstage. “There is always something,” he laughed.

One of the most meaningful topics of the conversation was Hester, one of Malone’s most beloved characters in the show. The character began with instinct, but over time Malone realized he was unknowingly channeling elements of his grandmother, who passed away in 2011. The audience may see comedy or sharp edges, but beneath that is a portrait of grief, resilience, and surprising softness. “It’s a little gift I give myself every night,” he shared.

The episode also touched on the intensity of Broadway award season, which Malone described as exhilarating and surreal. One standout memory came during a Tony press junket when someone grabbed his hand and introduced themselves as a fan. It took Malone a moment to realize the person shaking his hand was actor Bob Odenkirk. Shock took over, and his first response was simply “Shut up, Bob Odenkirk!”.

True to Carmine’s tradition, the episode ended with cannoli, laughter, and the sense that fans are only seeing the beginning of what Jak Malone has to offer. Operation Mincemeat continues its run on Broadway, and if Malone’s enthusiasm is any indication, he plans to stay in New York and continue building on this extraordinary chapter.

For more information on Operation Mincemeat visit operationbroadway.com