Dujonna Gift stars in the new musical Two Strangers (Carry a Cake Across New York) which is coming to Kiln Theatre.
This new production, which will complete Kiln’s current season, is written by Jim Barne and Kit Buchan and directed by Tim Jackson, it stars Dujonna Gift (Hamilton) and Sam Tutty (Dear Evan Hansen – Olivier Award for Best Actor in a Musical).
The production opens at Kiln Theatre on 16 November, with previews from 9 November, and runs until 23 December.
You’re starring in Two Strangers (Carry a Cake Across New York) at Kiln Theatre, what can you tell us about this new musical?
Two Strangers (Carry a Cake Across New York) is about two people, Dougal & Robin who despite their differences in life, location and experiences are able to find out that they have far more in common than they would’ve ever guessed. We are taken through their journey over 36 hours, getting to know each other, but most importantly, getting to know themselves.
What was it about Jim Barne and Kit Buchan’s new musical that made you so keen to be a part of it?
When I first read the script for this show, I loved the honesty of Robin. I think she embodies the thoughts and feelings of many 20-something year olds living in a bustling city and trying find the balance between figuring things out and letting things go. She is flawed, as we all are, and that is what allows the audience to connect with and see her.
Tell us a little about the character and what you’re loving about the role?
Robin is an African-American Brooklyn-born woman in her 20s. I love how simple, yet complex she is. It allows me to really develop my own ideas as to what decisions she would make at times, and draw from my own personal experiences. This is the first role I have played which is so close to “me” in age and so it’s nice to discover things about myself through her.
The show has had some development runs, how does it feel to be part of this new version?
It feels great! Though there have been versions before, there is not an element of ‘painting by numbers’. The creative team have given us so much freedom to find, develop and explore for ourselves, which is such a rare, but wonderful experience.
How would you describe the music in Two Strangers (Carry a Cake Across New York)?
Nothing like what you would expect! The music in the show is so beautifully connected to the narrative and it really supports the audience’s journey of understanding the two characters. It’s really gorgeous!
This is a two-hander, and you star alongside Sam Tutty, what’s the best thing and the most challenging thing about working as part of a small cast?
The best thing is you are able to take so much more time to dissect and work through scenes with two people, have in-depth conversations to understand choices, thoughts, feelings, etc. of the other person in order to develop the understanding you can bring to your own character and the show.
Though constantly being up and on your feet in rehearsal is not for the faint-hearted! It can get tiring, but creating a bond with your opposite early on in the rehearsal process means you can find ways to support each other as the process goes along.
What would you say to anyone thinking of booking to see Two Strangers (Carry a Cake Across New York)?
Just do it! You won’t regret it.
