If like me, your guilty pleasure is watching rom coms, then you’ll love ‘Two Strangers (Carry A Cake Across New York)’. It’s the cutest musical I’ve ever seen and probably one of my favourite musicals ever. From the storyline to the songs, it will keep you fully entertained from the beginning. I don’t usually enjoy watching shows multiple times, but I would happily watch this play on repeat! In fact, I will be re booking ASAP!
Set on a revolving stage filled with suitcases cleverly designed by Soutra Gilmour, the musical tells the story of two strangers who find themselves tasked with carrying a wedding cake across New York.
Written by Jim Barne and Kit Buchan, we meet Dougal (Sam Tutty) who has just arrived in New York from London to attend his dad’s wedding. Having never met his dad, he’s excited to finally see him. The only problem is his dad didn’t invite him and would rather keep his son a secret. The bride-to-be’s younger sister, Robin (Dujonna Gift), has been assigned the task of meeting Dougal at the airport and helping him get to his hotel safely. When Robin meets Dougal, she quickly realises that he knows nothing about her sister or his dad. Though she feels sorry for him, she’s hesitant to get involved in his family drama.
Ecstatic to be in New York, Dougal is eager to visit all the tourist spots featured in his favourite film, ‘Home Alone 2’ (it’s one of my favourites too), and repeatedly begs Robin to show him around. However, Robin would rather not babysit an adult stranger and decides to go to work.
Throughout the musical, we see Robin’s dedication to her older sister as she strives to make her wedding a success. During her shift, Robin’s sister insists that Robin pick up her wedding cake from a shop in Flatbush. Robin agrees and leaves work early to retrieve it. As she sets off, Dougal finds her at her workplace and insists on joining her.
During their journey, Robin and Dougal discuss careers, dating, and life. Though Dougal is nothing but annoying to Robin at the start, a special friendship begins to blossom.
The play takes an exciting turn when Robin becomes frustrated with her sister and gets her hands on Dougal’s dad’s platinum credit card. Robin and Dougal seize the opportunity to live out their wildest dreams, thanks to the credit card. They become high-flying tourists, and for 24 hours, they are free from worries about life, money, or responsibilities. For the first time, they both feel happy and carefree.
Of course, nothing in life is free, and everything comes crashing down the next morning when it’s time for the wedding.
‘Two Strangers’ reminds us that unexpected moments can bring excitement, and everyone deserves a day of adventure.
I first saw Two Strangers at The Kiln and was immediately captivated. The acting, songs, and storyline were so engaging that I couldn’t stop raving about it for days. It’s a truly unique musical; there are no elaborate set changes or fancy costumes, no chorus or intricate choreography. It proves that greatness stands on its own and doesn’t need embellishments to shine.
Seeing it again at the Criterion Theatre, I found it just as charming, if not more so, than the first time. Dujonna and Sam truly embody their characters, and their chemistry is visible on stage.
What I loved about ‘Two Strangers’ is seeing a love story with a Black female lead. It’s not something you often get to see, and we need to see it more because it’s beautiful. The songs fit Dujonna’s voice perfectly, and her character is so relatable. I’m grateful to see such amazing representation – Robin is an amazing character.
The set and costumes were perfectly designed, adding a touch of quirkiness to the play. The songs were chefs kiss, and the direction by Tim Jackson was brilliant. The entire creative team excelled, and I am impressed with how everything came together to create such a brilliant musical.
Both Dujonna and Sam blew me away with their performances. They both have beautiful voices and excellent stage presence. They own the stage and work their socks off, and you can really see how much they believe in their characters.
As the only two actors on stage, I was impressed by their energy, which remained high throughout. I could watch both of them again, and I will definitely be downloading the soundtrack.
I could rave about ‘Two Strangers’ all day. I loved Robin; she reminds me so much of myself at times, and I know many people will relate to her too. Dougal was so funny and extremely likable. I loved watching their relationship blossom into something special. I felt their frustrations, hopes, and joys. I experienced a wave of emotions throughout and left feeling full of happy endorphins.
If I were to recommend one play to watch this year, it would be Two Strangers. It’s the rom com we all want and will leave you feeling full of joy. All I need now is a sequel!
Need to know: Two Strangers (Carry A Cake Across New York) plays at the Criterion Theatre until 31 August 2024
