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Theatres 'excited' by eight Tony award nominations

Alex Pope
Matthew Murphy Sam Tutty and Christiani Pitts, both holding cake boxes, in a theatre production. Sam has on a purple tracksuit and Christiani colourful tops and long hair. They are both looking at each other and smiling. Matthew Murphy
Two Strangers (Carry a Cake Across New York) stars Sam Tutty and Christiani Pitts

Two regional theatres that originated a new Broadway musical said they were "proud and excited" after it was nominated for eight Tony awards.

In November 2019, The Season was performed at the New Wolsey Theatre, Ipswich, and The Royal & Derngate, in Northampton.

It was later renamed Two Strangers (Carry a Cake Across New York) and opened in New York in November following a run in London's West End.

Douglas Rintoul, chief executive and artistic director at the New Wolsey, said its success was "a powerful reminder that risk-taking new work is being created in regional theatres".

The Tony awards celebrate the best of US theatre and is the equivalent of the UK's Olivier Awards.

Pamela Raith Photography Alex Cardal, in a theatre performance, with his arms outstretched, wearing a coat, red scarf and Tori Allen-Martin, to the left, looking at him wearing a white top and cream coat. There are signs behind them. Pamela Raith Photography
Alex Cardal played the role of Dougal in Two Strangers in 2019 - with Tori Allen-Martin as Robin

The original romantic comedy show was a Made In Northampton production, co-produced with New Wolsey Theatre, written by Jim Barne and Kit Buchan and directed by Tim Jackson.

The same team worked on the New York production at the Longacre Theatre.

Buchan, who has been nominated for Best Musical, Best Book of a Musical, and Best Original Score, said: "This is the proudest moment in mine and Jim's professional lives.

"Our show has been ten years in the making, and has grown from very humble beginnings.

"We are proud to be acknowledged."

Jackson, nominated for Best Direction of a Musical, said: "These nominations reflect the collective brilliance of so many kind, funny, big-hearted collaborators who have poured their magic and immense talent into this special show over the last eight years.

"Making this musical with Kit Buchan and Jim Barne has been a highlight of my career, and of my life."

Matthew Murphy Sam Tutty and Christiani Pitts, on a stage, with suitcases behind them. Sam is jumping in the air, wearing a black dinner suit, with trainers on and a bowtie, and Christiana is wearing a two-piece pink outfit, with a long skirt and cropped top. She has one arm up. Stage lights are behind them. Matthew Murphy
Sam Tutty (left) has been nominated as Best Lead Actor in a Musical and Christiani Pitts - Best Lead Actress in a Musical

Set during Christmas Eve, it followed Dougal as he travels from Northampton to New York for his father's wedding.

It currently stars Christiani Pitts and Sam Tutty.

Pamela Raith Photography Two actors on a stage, the man at the front is wearing a hat, jeans, boots, a red jumper and a coat. A woman is sat behind him, looking at him, wearing white trainers, a coat and dark trousers. There are signs all around them. Pamela Raith Photography
The Season was a co-production in association with Glass Half Full and Tim Johanson Productions

Rintoul said: "Seeing Two Strangers (Carry a Cake Across New York) recognised with multiple Tony Award nominations is hugely exciting for regional theatre across the UK.

"The show began its life in Ipswich and Northampton, and its journey to Broadway is a powerful reminder that risk-taking new work is being created in regional theatres and that work originally made for audiences in Ipswich can go on to connect with audiences in New York.

"For a production developed outside London to receive recognition at the Tony Awards speaks volumes about the creativity, ambition and talent that still exists across the UK theatre sector."

Matthew Murphy Christiani Pitts and Sam Tutty, standing on suitcases on a stage, with lights all around them. It looks like it is snowing on stage. Matthew Murphy
Producers have said Two Strangers (Carry a Cake Across New York) is an original musical about the joy of unexpected connection

Holly Gladwell, deputy chief executive for producing and programming, at the Royal & Derngate, said: "We're so proud and excited to see a production that started its life here in Northampton become such a success on Broadway. "

She said it was a "testimony to how vital regional theatres are in the nurturing of new work."

It has just been nominated for the following Tony Awards:

  • Best Musical
  • Best Book of a Musical
  • Best Original Score
  • Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role
  • Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role
  • Best Scenic Design
  • Best Director of a Musical
  • Best Orchestrations

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