You may be a stranger to Two Strangers (Carry a Cake Across New York), but you won’t want to be for long. This completely original musical arrived at Broadway’s Longacre Theatre from the West End and represents a return to the Y2K rom-com, now on stage in an endearing two-and-a-half-hour musical adventure across Manhattan.
Upon entering the theatre, you’re greeted by two stacks of dramatically oversized suitcases and one normal suitcase spinning on a turntable. Shortly after, the sounds of a bustling airport and radio chatter from both sides of the pond fill the room. You’re then introduced to Dougal, a human golden retriever eager to have a cinematic experience while visiting New York City for his estranged father’s wedding, and Robin, a stereotypically jaded New Yorker on her way to the airport to pick up her sister’s fiancé’s son. The two physically bump into each other at the airport, and their 48-hour adventure together across Manhattan and Brooklyn begins, with visits to notable sites such as Flatbush, Chinatown, and The Plaza Hotel.
Dougal and Robin’s relationship feels akin to that of Marlin and Dory in Finding Nemo, but with noticeable romantic tension. Defined in the show as a human golden retriever, Dougal brings an innocent and wide-eyed energy to the obstacles the duo face, while Robin’s more grounded cynicism makes her attitude shift in “American Express” and the second act all the more exciting.
I was hesitant about the show’s pacing before seeing it; it’s rare for a cast of two to maintain high audience engagement throughout a full-length, two-act musical. However, Sam Tutty and Christiani Pitts absolutely bring their characters to life. Dougal and Robin feel real, and as a New Yorker, they reminded me of real people I’ve known. It’s a delight to watch the two change each other over the course of the show for the better.
The seemingly minimalist yet intelligently designed set by Soutra Gilmour becomes the perfect frame, transforming as each element shifts from a simple stack of suitcases to a cafe, a hotel room, and a bustling New York City street. The onstage band only elevates the experience, as Jim Barne and Kit Buchan’s songs are earworms on their own.
The storyline is perfect for rom-com readers; the spacing and frequency of the plot twists almost felt like an Abby Jimenez novel. While I was generally satisfied with the plot, I wish a few points had been expanded on. The biggest question I had was why Robin’s grandmother wasn’t invited to the wedding! Still, the show ends on a perfectly delightful note that leaves just the right amount up to the audience’s imagination.
Whether you love forced-proximity opposites-attract romance or heartfelt musicals, Two Strangers (Carry a Cake Across New York) is a highlight of the season that masters the delicate balance between sentiment and joy. I went with one of my closest friends, and it made for a delightful Saturday matinee outing; our stop at a local Chinese restaurant immediately after the curtain fell was the perfect extension of the adventure. It may not be as flashy as a night with lobster cappuccinos, but you certainly won’t regret seeing New York City through the eyes of Two Strangers.
