The new musical Two Strangers (Carry a Cake Across New York) is a love letter to the city that never sleeps. Following a critically acclaimed run in London’s West End, the show has made its way to the Main Stem — bringing a story of chance encounters, second chances, and unexpected connection to the bright lights of Broadway.
In Two Strangers, we meet Dougal — a wide-eyed Brit who’s just landed in New York to attend the wedding of the father he’s never met — and Robin, a New Yorker who happens to be the bride’s sister. Over the course of this charming two-hander, an unlikely bond unfolds against the ever-humming backdrop of the Big Apple.
The musical stars Christiani Pitts as Robin and Sam Tutty, making his Broadway debut, as Dougal. Entertainment journalist Frank DiLella of Spectrum News NY1 caught up with the duo between performances to talk about this original new musical, their love for New York City — and, of course, cake.
Tell me about these two strangers – Robin and Dougal.
CHRISTIANI PITTS: Robin is this straightforward young lady from Brooklyn who’s recently moved to Manhattan. She’s struggling with some things, but she has to put those things aside to pick up Dougal from the airport – and a little bit of chaos ensues. Magic as well. [Laughs.]
SAM TUTTY: Dougal is impossibly optimistic and made of rubber – anything you say just bounces off of him. It becomes Robin’s impossible job to sort of see what he needs to start seeing.
It’s just the two of you on stage.
CP: It’s a thrill. Sam and I did this show together in Cambridge, Massachusetts. We developed such a sense of trust – now when we do it it feels fun and safe. Because when things go awry – we can check in with each other without saying anything and can keep our show afloat.
ST: There are some points in the show where I become aware there are only 2 people. This tennis game of dialogue – where if you trip up – and lose your footing – it can be scary. We can tell exactly what we’re thinking on stage – and that’s because there’s deep trust and admiration with the 2 of us.
Sam, you did this show in London… how does it feel to bring this show to New York City and to Broadway? This is your Broadway debut.
ST: I’ve been exposed to some lovely people here in New York. The massive change for me between New York and London is the audience. There’s a way audiences receive a show that’s specifically about this city that they’re in. The response is completely different. You can see the genuine reactions from the audience – how they feel for Robin and the struggles of living in New York. And the bright-eyed, naïve wonder about my character – and what he’s been shown. Christiani has been holding my hand the whole way.
Christiani, what is it about New York City-centric shows that keep bringing you back to Broadway? You were in A Bronx Tale, King Kong, and now Two Strangers.
CP: I didn’t make that connection until I was doing an interview a couple of weeks ago. It’s so strange. I’m from the South, and I used to come to New York to visit my father, and I would see Broadway shows, and I would feel like New York is the pinnacle. If I can make it to New York, I can do anything. So, I think maybe – by manifesting that I spent all my childhood dreaming about being in New York City – that’s why all of the shows I’ve done are all New York specific.[Laughs.] I love New York so much!
Sam, we first met in London when you were starring in Dear Evan Hansen — a performance that earned you the Olivier Award. You were stepping into a role created by Ben Platt. What was it like this time around — originating a role for the musical theater with Two Strangers?
Sam Tutty: For me, our writers [Jim Barne and Kit Buchan] are so open to ideas and interpretations – they listen so intently. The openness in which they accept opinions and ideas from the actors – that comes from who they are. It’s a privilege to put this character on stage and give him life. Our writers wrote this show with human beings in mind. People who have normal functioning bodies – and are not superhuman robots.
With “cake” in the title — and a Magnolia Bakery partnership — I have to ask… do you both have a sweet tooth?
ST: Magnolia Bakery Banana Pudding – I do now! I didn’t realize until I tried it!
CP: Yes – Magnolia’s Red Velvet for me. I’ve spent so much money on red velvet cake for years!
Christiani, New York City and sweets seem to be ongoing themes for you… you released a song and music video not too long ago titled “Buttercup.”
CP: Listen – I believe in manifestation. I also did not make THAT connection until you said that. I wrote that song years before I knew about this show. That’s so trippy! Maybe when I did the music video for “Buttercup” – when I asked my friends to turn an ice cream shop into a bakery was all to get me back to Broadway in “Two Strangers…”.
Being that this show is a love letter to New York City, favorite thing about New York City?
ST: I’m standing near Bethesda Fountain right now. New York feels like it’s for the people. There are so many fun things to do.
CP: I love the food of New York City. The fact that I can get quality food from any given culture at any time of day is unmatched. I’ve never experienced that anywhere else.
