Podcast Summary: "Two Strangers (Carry A Cake Across New York)" – ★★★★★ Review

Podcast: MickeyJoTheatre
Host: Mickey Jo
Episode Release Date: December 16, 2025
Reviewed Show: Two Strangers (Carry A Cake Across New York) – Longacre Theatre, Broadway

Episode Overview

In this in-depth review, UK-based theatre critic and content creator Mickey Jo returns from his recent Broadway trip to discuss the newly-opened Two Strangers (Carry A Cake Across New York) at the Longacre Theatre. Drawing on his extensive experience seeing this musical's journey from off-West End and West End in London, through a regional US premiere, to its current Broadway production, Mickey Jo provides a passionate, nuanced appraisal of the show, its performances, cultural resonance, and creative choices. He explores the show's themes of modern romance, realistic depictions of New York, and the broader resurgence of stage rom-coms, ultimately delivering an enthusiastic endorsement.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

Personal Connection & Show Introduction

• [01:35] Mickey Jo humorously connects to the show's title: "I too have carried a cake across New York. And by New York, I mean the subway. And by carried a cake I do mean eaten a cheesecake."
• He describes seeing the show evolve across its major productions and sets the context for the review: analysis of the score, performances, New York setting, and its place as a stage rom-com.

Show History & Development

• [03:35] Originally titled The Season, the musical by Kit Buchan and Jim Barn tells the story of Robin (an American woman) and Dougal (a British man) who meet in New York for a wedding connecting their complicated families.
• The show’s development:
  • Debuted at the Kiln Theatre (London)
  • West End transfer (Criterion Theatre)
  • US premiere at American Repertory Theatre (Cambridge, MA)
  • Significant retooling and cast change (addition of Christiani Pitts) for Broadway
• Quote – "[The show] has never been better. Oh my God." (Mickey Jo, [01:35])

Structure, Tone, and Rom-Com Revival

• The show is a two-hander, focused narrowly on the relationship between Robin and Dougal during a whirlwind 36 hours in NYC.
• [06:40] The plot “does resemble something of a romantic comedy, a genre which ... has been absent for some time now,” notes Mickey Jo, drawing a parallel with the Broadway hit Maybe Happy Ending.
• He highlights how the show’s relatable, small-scale intimacy stands apart from "sweeping romantic musicals," celebrating “slight but vital shifts in perspective.”
• Quote – "What really is the difference between a boxed wedding cake and a jar full of fireflies? Beyond gluten." (Mickey Jo, [05:03])

New York as a Character

• New York City’s presence is central—both as setting and symbolic force:
  • The audience’s reaction differs notably between UK and US runs; American audiences, especially New Yorkers, pick up on location-specific humor and references.
  • Quote – "New York almost feels like its own character within the narrative." (Mickey Jo, [13:25])
  • Example: Dougal confuses local geography (“Hudson Yards ... at JFK, is that near here?”) and gets instant laughs in NYC.
• The unique resonance: Mickey Jo describes how the local audience’s familiarity with the city changes the dynamic and makes Robin’s perspective emotionally accessible in ways not possible in London.

Representation & Themes

• [14:00] Robin’s character provides a refreshing, realistic counterpoint to typical Broadway heroines: emotionally independent, struggling financially, grounded in everyday reality.
• The show is praised for representing contemporary, nuanced urban experiences:
  • Not just romance, but themes of survival, disconnection, and personal growth
  • “...A breath of fresh air, a woman who is struggling, but who is determinedly self-sufficient and whose identity is not defined by a relationship or desire... just trying to get by and remember how to be happy.” (Mickey Jo, [14:37])
• Notable moment: “There is a line that sums the whole thing up that Robin has. When Dougal asks what it’s really like living in New York and she asks him quite calmly and quickly how much money he has ... she says then it sucks.” (Mickey Jo, [15:09])
• The city is both “protagonist and antagonist” in the story (citing producer Kevin McCollum).

Performances & Musical Score

Sam Tutty as Dougal

• [16:49] Tutty is “so winningly charming in this role, it’s ridiculous,” and “gets so many laughs.” Emotional nuance deepens in Act 2.
• Quote – "His name should be on everybody's lips as they begin to have potential Tony Awards conversations this spring." (Mickey Jo, [19:45])
• Signature song: "New York" gets special mention for its comic and introspective beats.

Christiani Pitts as Robin

• Pitts evolves her character to “smile in the first act” and allows the audience in gradually, balancing closed-off pain and emerging vulnerability.
• Quote – “She like I said, is this wonderfully relatable character for young women to see on stage. Never more so than when she's singing the song Be Happy and talking about ... all of these different things that you're supposed to do and ... balance...” (Mickey Jo, [21:10])

On Structure

• The show has two acts, unusual for a contemporary two-hander.
• Mickey Jo pushes back on criticisms of length: “I always enjoy living in that dialogue and living in this encounter ... the goal doesn't have to be to leave as quickly as possible.” ([18:12])
• Songs sometimes serve to deepen character more than advance plot—e.g., duets parodying “Baby It’s Cold Outside” and Tinder coaching.

Direction, Staging, and Creative Team

Direction & Choreography

• Director Tim Jackson is lauded for “a fantastic feel for character and connecting to this really tender, honest, relatable, naturalistic, realistic, heartfelt place.” ([24:03])
• Associate director/choreographer Asmarit Gebra Michael brings crucial authenticity, helping bridge British writing and NYC specificity.
• Quote – “We don't give enough credit to creative authenticity ... that's happening in the rehearsal room, that's happening in the developmental process with the writing...” (Mickey Jo, [23:55])

Set & Visual Design

• Scenic/costume designer Sutra Gilmour creates an ingenious set:
  • Two towers of grey suitcases, doubling as cityscape, baggage carousel, snow globe, and practical set pieces (fridges, trash cans, etc.)
  • “The whole thing looks like this overflowing baggage carousel, basically, but it’s also kind of a snow globe ... it’s ingenious, really.” ([26:04])
• Staging supports both magical realism and down-to-earth grit, keeping the action constantly moving and morphing alongside the story.

Memorable, Funny, and Touching Moments

• Jokes about New York geography and Dougal’s (intentional) ignorance get huge crowd responses.
• Honest takes on romance, work, and happiness resonate with modern audiences.
• Mickey Jo expresses a strong desire to see what happens to the characters next: “How desperate you are to know what it is that happens next ... I am so deeply curious about what it is that these characters get up to subsequently and what the sequel to this musical might look like.” ([28:41])

Notable Quotes & Timestamps

• "I too have carried a cake across New York. And by New York I mean the subway. And by carried a cake I do mean eaten a cheesecake."
  — Mickey Jo, [01:35]

• "What really is the difference between a boxed wedding cake and a jar full of fireflies? Beyond gluten."
  — Mickey Jo, [05:03]

• "New York almost feels like its own character within the narrative."
  — Mickey Jo, [13:25]

• "She like I said, is this wonderfully relatable character for young women to see on stage. Never more so than when she's singing the song Be Happy..."
  — Mickey Jo, [21:10]

• "[Sam Tutty’s] name should be on everybody's lips as they begin to have potential Tony Awards conversations this spring."
  — Mickey Jo, [19:45]

• "We don't give enough credit to creative authenticity... that's happening in the rehearsal room, that's happening in the developmental process with the writing..."
  — Mickey Jo, [23:55]

• "[It] is ingenious, really. Not just because there are things that you pull out ... but because it looks like New York and feels like New York. But that's been created by the image of travel ... seeing it from his perspective while living in hers..."
  — Mickey Jo, [26:04]

Final Thoughts & Recommendation

• Mickey Jo gives Two Strangers (Carry A Cake Across New York) an unequivocal ★★★★★, calling it the best new musical of the Broadway season so far.
• He urges audiences to support the show:
  • “Perfect date night material. Oh my gosh. Go and check it out for yourselves ... If you live in New York and you're not on vacation, you're going to love it for even more reasons.”
• He notes the need for word-of-mouth and critical acclaim, given the show’s low-profile venue and cast, compared to higher-budget competitors.
• Quote – "This is an easy show for just about anybody to enjoy. ... This is a love letter to the exact vacation trip that you might be having. And if you live in New York, you're going to love it for even more reasons." ([30:45])

Summary Table of Key Segments

| Timestamp | Segment Description | |------------|-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 01:35 | Personal anecdote, show intro, promise of full review | | 03:35 | Show history: development, title changes, plot overview | | 06:40 | Discussion of rom-com resurgence, structure, tone | | 09:00 | New York as a character, audience reactions, significance to show | | 14:00 | Robin’s character, realistic representation of modern NYC life | | 16:49 | Performances: Sam Tutty as Dougal, structure debates, key songs | | 21:10 | Performances: Christiani Pitts as Robin, emotional journey, “Be Happy” song | | 23:29 | Creative team: Director Tim Jackson, authenticity, associate’s contribution | | 26:04 | Scenic design innovation, suitcase set, thematic resonance | | 28:41 | Emotional impact, desire for sequel, show’s lasting charm | | 30:45 | Rousing endorsement, call to action for audiences |

Overall Tone

Mickey Jo’s tone is witty, engaging, and heartfelt—balancing deep analysis with laugh-out-loud observations and genuine affection for both the art form and this particular show. His language is accessible, often playful, and always audience-focused.

For New Listeners

This rich and thoughtful episode is essential listening for theatre fans or anyone curious about new musicals, offering an in-depth, spoiler-light window into the production’s strengths, style, and spirit. Mickey Jo’s deep knowledge and infectious enthusiasm make it feel like the next best thing to seeing the show yourself.