Theater Thursday - Two Strangers (Carry a Cake Across New York)

We received complimentary tickets to Two Strangers (Carry a Cake Across New York) for review purposes. Any and all opinions expressed here are our own.

What: Two Strangers (Carry a Cake Across New York)

Where: Longacre Theatre 

             220 W. 48th St.

             New York, New York

Who: Recommended for Ages 12 and Up Due to Subject Matter

Me - Two Strangers (Carry a Cake Across New York) is a show about two people who meet because their relatives are getting married. They spend the night traveling around New York, running errands for the wedding, and getting to know each other.  Although I don't usually enjoy two-character shows because it can be boring when there are only two people, and they have no one to interact with but each other, this one holds my attention. It is very fun.

 

The story is completely original and interesting.  It is unpredictable in a good way, and it keeps you wanting to know what will happen next throughout the show.  It mostly has an upbeat and happy vibe, although there are a few sad and more serious parts. It feels real and relatable in that way.

The songs were good. I especially liked the opening number "New York."  It's a real earworm that I immediately added to my playlist and still enjoy listening to.  Some of the other songs are good too, but I don't remember them as much

The singing voices were good. The songs sound better in person than on the recording because Christiani Pitts, who plays Robin on Broadway, has a better voice than the person who played the role in London, and the latter is on the cast recording. Sam Tutty, who plays Dougal, was in both versions, and he has a really nice voice too.  He also has a great personality, which really shines through in his character. 

In general, the characters were likable and had nice chemistry. Their chemistry makes the whole show even more enjoyable. All in all, it's a very entertaining show.

Mom - Two Strangers (Carry a Cake Across a New York) is a show about two characters who would never have met under any other circumstances except for the impending wedding of their relatives. He's an English native who never set foot on American soil, and she was born and bred in New York City.

 

On the surface, they don't have too much in common, but they are surprisingly alike in some ways.  They are both just trying to survive and keep their heads above water in a hard world that has thrown them for a few knocks. Robin is a tough cookie with a soft inner shell. Sam is the opposite.  He hides his sadness on the inside, while outwardly he has the personality of an overeager puppy.  It is sweet how Sam eventually grows on Robin, despite her initial relutance to warm up to him, and the bond that these characters develop is truly touching. 

The pair is sweetly played by Christiani Pitts and Sam Tutty, respectively. Pitts, no stranger to Broadway, has previously starred as Ann Darrow in King Kong the musical, among other roles. Tutty is an English native who is quite a welcome addition to the New York stage. He just oozes charm and personality. 

The original score has some delightfully enjoyable songs. The stirring opening song, an ode to the city called "New York," and the playful "Dearly Beloved" are quite fun. "Under the Mistletoe" is a new and unique addition to the Christmas music pantheon. There are also some quite heartwrenching ballads, including "Dad" and "He Doesn't Exist".  Pitts has a particularly melodious voice, although both actors are good singers.

If you love a real New York show, you should enjoy this one. Even with very little in the way of an actual set, the city is a very integral part of the show. It is quite like a third character. 

In fact, almost anyone can enjoy this show. It should easily appeal to even those who are normally immune to the attraction of a two-character show.  It's charming, sweet, and completely original. 

And that's our view. For more about Two Strangers (Carry a Cake Across New York) or to purchase tickets, visit twostrangersmusical.com

Tune in Saturday for Still More Theater Saturday.

Photo credits:

All Two Strangers (Carry a Cake Across New York) production photos by Matthew Murphy

Images used in this post were sent by publicists, artists, and/or  PR firms and are used by permission.  Address any concerns regarding image usage here.