In a remarkable demonstration of the importance of local theatres, a Broadway musical that began its journey at two regional venues and enjoyed a successful stint in the West End has captured the attention of theatre executives. They emphasize just how "essential" these grassroots productions are for nurturing talent and creativity in the arts.
Jo Gordon, the chief executive of the Royal & Derngate in Northampton, expressed her pride in the musical's transition to Broadway, noting that the journey of the show, initially titled Two Strangers (Carry A Cake Across New York), is a "remarkable accomplishment." This production first took shape at the New Wolsey Theatre in Ipswich before moving to the Royal & Derngate in November 2018, where it was later renamed.
Douglas Rintoul, representing the New Wolsey Theatre, highlighted the pivotal role that local theatres play in bringing new works to life. He stated, "Local theatres are crucial in developing innovative projects," underlining their significance in the larger theatrical landscape.
The roots of this show trace back six years ago when it featured talents like Alex Cardall and Tori Allen-Martin. The production was a collaborative effort between the Made In Northampton initiative and the New Wolsey Theatre, with the script crafted by writers Jim Barne and Kit Buchan, and directed by Tim Jackson. At the time of its premiere, Barne and Buchan expressed their delight in debuting the show at these two supportive venues, saying they were "proud and happy" to see their work come to life in Ipswich and Northampton.
Set against the festive backdrop of Christmas Eve, the romantic comedy follows Dougal as he travels from Northampton to New York for his father’s wedding. His journey takes an unexpected turn when he meets Robin at JFK Airport, leading them into a whirlwind weekend adventure in the "city that never sleeps."
The show made its way to The Kin Theatre in London in 2023 before transferring to the Criterion Theatre in the West End, where it enjoyed a run from April to August 2024. Currently, it stars Christiani Pitts and Sam Tutty at the Longacre Theatre in New York City.
Gordon remarked on the significance of reaching Broadway, stating, "This achievement highlights the vital role regional theatres serve as incubators for new work and talent, showcasing the national—and now international—impact of that commitment." She added that this transfer not only elevates the theatre's profile but also provides a modest yet appreciated benefit that aids in the ongoing pursuit of ambitious new projects within their Made in Northampton seasons.
Rintoul, who serves as both the chief executive and artistic director at the New Wolsey Theatre, echoed this sentiment, calling it a "powerful reminder" of how crucial regional subsidized theatres are in fostering new creations. He noted, "Being embedded in our communities allows new material to be tested with genuine, diverse local audiences, offering authentic insights into the accessibility and relevance of the work."
Furthermore, Rintoul asserted that when regional theatres receive adequate resources, they transform into essential launchpads for original, ambitious works, providing benefits not only to artists and audiences but also to the broader industry as a whole.
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