TWO STRANGERS (CARRY A CAKE ACROSS NEW YORK) Previews

[EDSOSLO858]

Posted: 10/31/25 at 12:00am

We’re already popping the cork!

The new musical Two Strangers (Carry a Cake Across New York) is coming home at last to its titular city, as previews begin tomorrow night (November 1) at the Longacre Theatre. With a contemporary score by Jim Barne and Kit Buchan and a book by Buchan, the charming, comedic two-hander stars Sam Tutty and Christiani Pitts. Two Strangers is choreographed and directed by Tim Jackson; an official opening is slated for November 20.

“Meet Dougal, an impossibly upbeat Brit who has just landed in New York City for the first time to attend the wedding of the father he’s never met. Meet Robin, the sister of the bride and a no-nonsense New Yorker with a lot of errands to do for the bride — including picking up the groom’s estranged son from the airport. These two strangers begin their journey together navigating New York City, secrets, and second chances.”

Who’s gonna be hitching a ride on the American Express?!

[inception]

Posted: 10/31/25 at 2:07am

I was really sleeping on this show. I'd read all the naysayers: "It's too small for Broadway." "It's too British." Yadda Yadda Yadda. 

Then last week I finally decided that I needed to drop Queen of Versailles from my upcoming annual visit.  I'm in NYC for only 6 days this year, so I can't waste my time on lousy shows. 

After securing a ticket for Two Strangers, I downloaded the UK cast album.  Wow! What a charming set of songs!

I so feel so sorry for people running auditions who are going to hear character Robin's second act ballad "This Year" basically forever from now on. Good Lord! What a song! 

Even without knowing what all might open in the Spring, I simply can't see anything else possibly beating this score come the Tonys.

And what a coup that they're bringing Sam Tutty over. He's going to charm the pants off of New York.

In fact the other day I started scrolling through his Insta and I had to take my pants right off.  And let me tell you, the little Chinese granny sitting next to me on the bus with her grocery cart was none too impressed by that.

There's a discount code out there right now, but I predict there won't be discounts for this for very long.

[EDSOSLO858]

Posted: 10/31/25 at 2:55pm

For what is already his third full-time gig at the Longacre, BACK TO THE FUTURE's Ted Arthur will lead a 5-piece band of all-new faces to the musical. (Local musicians were used for the North American premiere in Cambridge earlier this year.) Orchestrations for TWO STRANGERS are by London's own Lux Pyramid — his Broadway debut. 

• Keyboard
• Guitar
• Drums
• Percussion
• Bass

 

[uncageg]

Posted: 10/31/25 at 4:56pm

This is one I really wanted to see. Unfortunately I leave for home tomorrow night. 

[OuttaTowner]

Posted: 11/1/25 at 2:22pm

Was anyone on here at the invited dress?

[EDSOSLO858]

Posted: 11/1/25 at 2:28pm

Show’s website and Telecharge both list a 2:15 running time, including an intermission. 

Digital lottery is $48 and in-person rush is $42 for this. 

[BdwyFan]

Posted: 11/1/25 at 4:02pm

I wonder what their advance is? And weekly cost all in? 

[Sutton Ross]

Posted: 11/1/25 at 4:32pm

Merch

[Wick3]

Posted: 11/1/25 at 5:41pm

To those who attend the first preview tonight, let us know if there is an instagrammable photo area similar to what Boston had (cake props and a nyc skyline backdrop.)

[Ensemble1728379893]

Posted: 11/1/25 at 11:08pm

I did not see any instagrammable photo area.  Maybe downstairs? 

[EDSOSLO858]

Posted: 11/1/25 at 11:12pm

How was it???

[TexanAddams18]

Posted: 11/1/25 at 11:55pm

I'll do a full write up in the morning but this was pretty exceptional. Very few notes. Unless Lost Boys is amazing or Button transfers I don't really see anything topping this. 

[George in DC]

Posted: 11/2/25 at 12:16am

I truly love this show and  Sam Tutty  gives a truly exceptional performance.

 I hope this show succeeds. 

Updated On: 11/2/25 at 12:16 AM

[TexanAddams18]

Posted: 11/2/25 at 9:00am

This show is extremely balanced on every level. There's heart, comedy, spectacle. The score features an extremely wide array of song types from dramatic power ballads to comedic patter songs. There's really something for everyone. One of the main concerns I heard going into it was losing its charm in such a large space. I think they did an excellent job at framing the space and the set itself did not seem too small or out of place. 

I think both the book and the score are in excellent shape. There are some book scenes that go on for maybe just a tad too long but I certainly felt everything was earned and justified. This score has some serious Bangers. "New York" is one of the most electric opening numbers I've felt in a long time, and I was actually surprised the audience didn't go full standing ovation. 

Sam Tutty is absolute dynamite. His voice is powerful and effortless. His comedic timing was brilliant. I will say there were moments where his "schtick" began to feel overplayed but there were enough moments where the comedy/jokes went in a direction you weren't expecting that it wasn't a distraction. Audiences will fall in love with him nightly. 

Christiani Pitts was equally as great, although I feel like she has a tad less to work with in terms of strength of material. The song "This Year" is solid but I was hoping that the character was given a true WOW song (similar to the opener). Her acting was phenomenal, I fully expect a nom. 

The set is extremely deceiving at first glance, but it really is one of the most creative/clever designs I've seen on a broadway stage. I wont spoil anything but there is a climactic moment in Act 2 that rivaled the memory sequence from MHE for me. Really stunning design elements. 

My only note is that there were some wonky sound moments that I'm sure will get worked out over the coming days. In the big act 2 duet the band levels seemed out of control and kept bouncing from loud to extra loud lol. I heard from friends that it was worse in the mezz/balcony. 

Do not hesitate to see this. I certainly hope this can make it to tony season. 

[AC126748]

Posted: 11/2/25 at 9:38am

I feel like this has the potential to catch on and become this season's Maybe Happy Ending, especially if the reviews are strong. While I don't think it has quite the emotional depth of MHE, so many of the same ingredients are there: killer score, strong production values, extremely memorable performances (especially Tutty, who should be guaranteed a Tony nomination), and a lot of heart.

[Jordan Catalano]

Posted: 11/2/25 at 9:44am

I’m truly pulling for this one. Honestly with the lack of great new musicals this season, this could (and should) be a real surprise hit. I’m told they’ve made quite a few changes to it since London so I can’t wait to see what’s been done to a show I already felt was pretty wonderful. 

[Owen22]

Posted: 11/2/25 at 10:11am

I actually saw the show way back at the Kiln Theater off-West End and Sam Tutty blew me away! I was not as thrilled with the female lead. ...Who I think went to the West End with it, but the Broadway actress is different. Has anyone seen both actresses and can compare?

[yyys]

Posted: 11/2/25 at 11:19am

which is more obsructed, stage left or stage right? trying to get the cheaper tix.

Updated On: 11/2/25 at 11:19 AM

[TexanAddams18]

Posted: 11/2/25 at 11:21am

The whole show takes place on a turn table center stage. I can't imagine any seat is obstructive other that one scene in act 2 where there is essentially a wall that goes down the center of the turn table but it's just one song and you'd just miss the person on the other side. I truly wouldn't worry about any obstructions. 

[ACL2006]

Posted: 11/2/25 at 11:36am

It's weekly nut must be fairly low. Two person cast, two understudies, five piece band. Small crew and set. Currently, this is the only new musical I want to see. Nothing else seems appealing. Dolly and Purple Rain were supposed to be big musicals but both seem to be DOA at the moment.

[Wick3]

Posted: 11/2/25 at 12:21pm

was there a first preview gift?

[EDSOSLO858]

Posted: 11/2/25 at 3:09pm

ACL2006 said: "It's weekly nut must be fairly low. Two person cast, two understudies, five piece band. Small crew and set. Currently, this is the only new musical I want to see. Nothing else seems appealing. Dolly and Purple Rain were supposed to be big musicals but both seem to be DOA at the moment."

Last I heard, PURPLE RAIN had its Broadway house and dates all set, and tickets would be going on sale very soon. 

As for TWO STRANGERS, so glad to hear such great things about it so far. I might have to run to this one in case it closes early. 

[Sutton Ross]

Posted: 11/2/25 at 3:33pm

Considering it's selling well throughout the holidays, and if it catches on (which it will because it's adorable and there are few choices this Fall), you won't have any problems.

And yes, Purple Rain is all set, it simply has to come here and impress. Considering the talent involved, I think they can get there. 

Updated On: 11/2/25 at 03:33 PM

[Ensemble1728379893]

Posted: 11/2/25 at 6:02pm

There was no first performance gift. Even the most extreme seats should be perfectly okay, everything is front and center. 

Sam Tutty is a star. The first act is great, the second not so much. This is the kind of musical that would have been a long running success off Broadway (too bad it does not exist anymore). Very clever staging.