Two Stangers Carry a Cake Across New York

The song "New York" does double duty: It sets the scene and functions as an "I Want" solo. (In this way, it's a bit like "Skid Row" from "Little Shop of Horrors.")

Like many other moments in "Two Strangers," "New York" is a case of inadequate writing--the lyricist wants you to laugh at the European tourist's minimal knowledge, but by reaching for cheap jokes, the lyricist sacrifices a sense of realism. In a way, that doesn't matter--because of Sam Tutty's immense charm, and because of the bond linking Tutty and Christiani Pitts.

I especially like Pitts in this song; she has to be extremely dry while also conveying a sense that there is chemistry between the two main characters. Pitts is given terse sentences that contrast with Tutty's rambling--she puts a surprising amount of topspin on just two words. ("It's not.")

No one thinks that either one of these actors has a shot on Tony night--but I'm happy that both are nominated. Tutty has said that, after "Dear Evan Hansen," he was unemployed; he had not taken his career seriously, and he thought the Olivier Award would speak for itself. I hope he has a long run ahead of him.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=967wf6DIbTc

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