INTERVIEW | Dujonna Gift, Two Strangers (Carry a Cake Across New York)

New British musical Two Strangers (Carry a Cake Across New York) is heading to London’s Kiln Theatre starring Sam Tutty (Dear Evan Hansen) and Dujonna Gift (Hamilton). The new musical, penned by Jim Barne and Kit Buchan tells the story of Dougal and Robin, who meet for the first time in New York. Dougal is a naive Brit who has flown to the city to attend his father’s second wedding, who he barely knows. Robin however is the native New Yorker sister of the bride. They don’t fall for each other at once but in this story, anything can happen.

We chatted with Dujonna Gift to hear a little bit more about this new musical.

Dujonna Gift in rehearsals for Two Strangers (Carry a Cake Across New York)

To begin with Dujonna, can you tell us about your journey into the theatre industry?

I started singing, dancing and acting as a child, at 16 I went to The BRIT school which furthered my interest in a career in the industry. At 19 I booked my first West End role in MOTOWN the musical.

What were your biggest barriers (if any) when you were trying to get your feet into the door of this industry?

N/A

Before Two Strangers (Carry A Cake Across New York), you’ve performed in big shows like Hamilton, Dear Evan Hansen and Caroline, Or Change - what drew you to working on this show?

The fact it was only two people! A lot of people view musicals and spectacles and over the top. I loved the beauty of it being such an exposing piece, everything you do will be seen, and there aren’t 20 other people on the stage that the focus can be shifted between at any point. In addition to that, it’s a lot of material! I remember first seeing the amount of script and score and feeling intimidated, but my rule for myself is if it intimidates me, that’s the exact reason I need to do it!

This new musical only contains two performers, yourself and Sam Tutty - what is it like developing work in this format? 

It is very exposing! Every thought and choice you make will somewhat affect the other person. It requires us to be constantly present and listen to each other. There’s no moment to be selfish on the stage, we are both responsible for telling the story with as much honesty and dedication as each other. It’s an amazing experience that is try few musicals offer.

Does working on new musicals make you want to work on more in the future beyond this production? 

Yes! It’s always lovely to be able to tell stories and heighten your own and the audience’s understanding with the use of song. 

Dujonna Gift and Sam Tutty in rehearsals for Two Strangers (Carry a Cake Across New York)

Tell us a little bit about Two Strangers (Carry A Cake Across New York). In terms of other musicals out there, what will it remind people of?

This musical is very conversational. With only two performers on stage, it feels very intimate and honest, feeling far more like a play with music at times. It reminds me a lot of an A24 film called ‘Past Lives’ that I watched very recently. If you haven’t watched it, I highly recommend it!

You play the character of Robin, give us a quick overview of this character and how you have developed them?

Robin is an African-American, Brooklyn-raised woman, who is at a crossroads in her life. I have developed her through my own understanding of what it means to be a 20-something growing up, living and working in a city that feels like it never stops. Upon taking a trip to New York in September this year I was able to revisit the area where Robin grew up, works and lives and familiarise myself with what her day-to-day experience might be.

What has been your favourite part of working on this musical so far?

The level of collaboration, the team is so keen to hear and consider our thoughts, feelings and ideas from costume to direction. It makes it so easy to connect with the role you are playing when you feel seen and contributed in the creative process.

What can audiences expect from seeing this new musical?

An exciting story full of ups and downs, but also a beautiful tale of how sometimes what you need will appear to you in ways you never expected… Sometimes in other people who you may have thought couldn’t teach you very much at all! 

Finally, why should people come and see Two Strangers (Carry A Cake Across New York)?

Because Sam Tutty is in it… Duh! No, in all seriousness it’s such an honest and beautiful story with the most wonderful music. You won’t be disappointed!

Two Strangers (Carry A Cake Across New York) is performing at the Kiln Theatre from 09 - 23 Dec 2023.