From Ipswich and Northampton to Broadway for Tony Award-nominated show

Theatres 'excited' by eight Tony award nominations8 hours agoShareSaveAdd as preferred on GoogleAlex PopeMatthew MurphyTwo Strangers (Carry a Cake Across New York) stars Sam Tutty and Christiani PittsTwo 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 PhotographyAlex Cardal played the role of Dougal in Two Strangers in 2019 - with Tori Allen-Martin as RobinThe 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 MurphySam...