Christiani Pitts brings warmth, clarity, and emotional honesty to Two Strangers (Carry a Cake Across New York), anchoring the intimate new Broadway musical with a performance that feels both grounded and deeply human. In a story built on timing, vulnerability, and unexpected connection, Pitts proves once again why she’s one of Broadway’s most compelling leading women.
Audiences may recognize Pitts from her standout work in King Kong and A Bronx Tale: The Musical, but Two Strangers feels like a natural evolution in her career. Stripped of spectacle and any ensemble support, the two-person musical places its emotional weight squarely on its two leads — and Pitts carries it with ease.
As Robin, a guarded New Yorker juggling family obligations and emotional self-preservation, Pitts delivers a performance rooted in restraint rather than dramatics. Her portrayal feels lived-in and intentional, allowing the character to soften organically over the course of one unpredictable day in the city.
Written by Jim Barne and Kit Buchan, the musical pairs Robin with Dougal, an endlessly optimistic visitor from the UK. What starts as a simple task — transporting a wedding cake across New York — turns into a journey through conversation, reflection, and quiet revelation. The show’s contemporary score supports the storytelling without overpowering it, letting moments breathe.
Directed by Tim Jackson, Two Strangers leans into intimacy, trusting its performers to carry the story. That trust pays off, especially in Pitts’ hands. Her performance offers something Broadway doesn’t always make space for: a Black woman at the center of a romantic story defined by choice, softness, and possibility.
Two Strangers (Carry a Cake Across New York) is currently playing at the Longacre Theatre. Tickets are available through major Broadway ticketing platforms and the box office.
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