Who doesn’t love a wedding, especially when you then have an excuse to jet off somewhere for it? And what better place than the hustle and bustle of New York City? But there’s always a lot to do before the big day begins, and that can often fall to the most unlikely of people.
Two Strangers (Carry a Cake Across New York) introduces us to Dougal, an excitable young man heading to New York for his father’s wedding, where he plans to meet the man for the first time in his life. He is collected at the airport by Robin, the over-worked sister of the bride. As Dougal’s awe for the Big Apple seems unmatched by Robin, we begin to learn about their personal lives, their hopes and dreams, and the issues they are each dealing with. As the two collect the wedding cake, this conflict comes to a head, and they go on an adventure across the city together to escape their realties, even for a little bit.
Since this musical was announced, I’ve heard a lot about it (mostly people swooning about Sam Tutty I’ll be honest!). And as a result I was very excited to go and experience this for myself. I came out and the first word that came to mind was different. It was different to what I had imagined from the admittedly very little I had seen. Firstly, I want to take a moment to discuss the title.
‘Two Strangers (Carry a Cake Across New York)’ is a funny title and definitely eye-catching, which I am certain is the draw of a large number of audience members and is a great piece of marketing in itself. But it’s kind of frustrating in that it’s unreflective of the show and its story. Two strangers do indeed pick up a cake and subsequently transport it across New York. But from the cake being collected to dropped off at its destination, there is about a ten-minute lapse and the journey is done via an Uber. Sure, the cake is returned to and plays a small role in a later scene, but it’s not about carrying a cake across New York, a more appropriate title would be ‘Two Strangers (Adventure Across New York)’. It’s not as catchy but at least it’s accurate!
That pet peeve aside, the plot of the musical is really sweet and enjoyable, and very heartbreaking. I wasn’t expecting so much pain to come out of this show which I was not ready for whatsoever, but this was married with an incredible amount of comedy, most of which originated from Dougal. There were side-splitting laughs throughout and several points where the cast had to take a second for themselves before trying to get their following lines out. The plot did have some pacing issues for me, there were sections that I would have liked to spend some more time on (such as Robin’s relationships with her family, particularly her sister, as well as the aforementioned and long promised carrying of the cake), and others which we spent a bit too much time on, mainly manifesting in the subway ride to Brooklyn. But it was fun, I broadly enjoyed it.
Onto the production quality itself, let’s begin with the set. Placed on a giant turntable with two piles of white luggage and suitcases (some much larger than in real-life), set in front of an entirely black background, the focus is always drawn to these bags. And considering this is all of the set they have, it was used exceptionally. As someone who enjoys making theatre herself, seeing sections of these bags open to reveal a bar or a Chinese restaurant or be the seats on the subway was very exciting, especially adding the splash of colour to an otherwise monochrome set. The transitions are seamless and seeing another section open up was disproportionately satisfying to me, the show’s set team have done a fantastic job. I wasn’t as taken by the placement of band members, who felt as if they’d been placed towards the back because that was the only place for them, however.
Next, I want to move onto the sound design. Before the show even begins, there is this continuous track of ‘airport noise’, with planes taking off and arriving all around which, I was surprised to say, was very good in helping to set the scene. As the set doesn’t particularly change besides rotating, it communicates its sense of location immediately and by the time the lights go down, you’re fully immersed in the location and ready for Dougal’s arrival. The rest of the sound design was unremarkable, but given the sense the show tries to give, I think is appropriate.
Costume is next, done well but unremarkable. The show pitches our two characters as regular people, and the costumes speak to this throughout. I enjoyed Dougal’s on-stage costume change into his tuxedo and Robin’s dress was beautiful, but aside from that there’s not much to be said on costumes. Finally, we come to lighting design. I loved the use of the LEDs hidden among the luggage piles, I think they add so much to the scenes in which they are used. The overall lighting of the stage is alright, not that much to say in that regard. But a negative on this actually comes from something not involved with the lighting designer at all. I spoke above about the placement of the band, and the lights used to illuminate their sheet music was very distracting at times, especially given the pitch-black behind the set. There needs to be some sort of blocker to prevent the light going anywhere besides the sheet music because several moments saw my eyes drawn to them rather than what was happening on stage.
And now, at long last, to our cast. I’m glad I get to talk about every single cast member because there’s only two to consider! Let’s begin with Dujonna Gift, playing Robin. Her voice is astonishing, she is the strongest of the two singers and gives an incredible stage presence throughout. Her emotion throughout this is touching and she has such an intimate understanding of Robin’s character that comes across so strongly, particularly when it matters. Her troubles are communicated so well to the audience that you cannot help but be drawn into them and connect with Robin in a unique way. We all know a Robin, if we’re not that person ourselves, and seeing that on stage executed so well is a joy to watch.
Next, to Sam Tutty as Dougal. I can’t place his voice. When he belts out those powerful notes, he is exceptional, but in my opinion this doesn’t hold up, at least alongside Gift, at lower and more emotional moments. But the thing which Tutty shone with was his comedy, comedic timing and his skills at holding the audience on his every word. Tutty understands comedy and had everyone crying with laughter several times, occasionally getting both himself and Gift to break character too. You love Dougal by the end of the show and I can’t imagine anyone else bringing this character to life.
Two Strangers (Carry a Cake Across New York) is different to what I had imagined. It has incredible strengths and a powerful story, even with some flaws and areas I’d like to see tightened up. I’d like to see some more work done on this show to improve certain elements following its run at the Criterion Theatre, but hope that this would pre-empt a new run or even U.K. tour, as it definitely has the strength to be a successful touring show.
Rating: ★★★☆☆
Two Strangers (Carry a Cake Across New York) is playing at the Criterion Theatre until August 31st
