When writer-composer Dylan MarcAurele hit play on the first episode of the popular Canadian TV show “Heated Rivalry,” he binge-watched the entire series in a single sitting. His favorite moments from the queer hockey romance, such as the bike scene where a gym workout turns into an intense moment between hockey players Shane Hollander and Ilya Rozanov, played by Hudson Williams and Connor Storrie, were noted down. After watching for twenty minutes, MarcAurele pondered the idea of turning the show into a musical.
The result was “Heated Rivalry: The Unauthorized Musical Parody,” a creation by MarcAurele, known for musical parodies like “M3gan” and episodes of “The Real Housewives.” The play, written swiftly in a matter of weeks, transitioned from two sold-out concert readings to an off-Broadway run with previews starting on May 12 in New York.
The musical parody adds to the global phenomenon of “Heated Rivalry,” stemming from a bestselling book by Canadian author Rachel Reid that was adapted into a successful TV series. With the second season of the show scheduled for April 2027, the musical parody’s opening on May 26 aims to satisfy the audience’s hunger for more of the show’s queer joy.
Described as a comedic mash-up rooted in queer pop-culture fandom, the musical parody features elements reminiscent of classic showtunes and incorporates ballet-inspired hockey choreography infused with the energy of “High School Musical.” The play’s director-producer, Alan Kliffer, views it as a “love letter” to the series, leveraging the cultural momentum to propel the production from readings to a full-scale performance.
The inclusion of a narrator, Susan, the “wine mom,” played by Ryann Redmond, serves as a nod to the show’s broad appeal beyond its core queer audience. The production’s swift progression, from casting twin choreographers Tiffany and Brook Engen to assembling a seasoned Broadway cast, including Jay Armstrong Johnson and Jimin Moon, underlines the commitment to authenticity and homage to the original material.
Anticipation surrounds the off-Broadway premiere, with optimistic reactions from early audiences suggesting widespread appeal. While the current focus is on the New York run, there are hopes to bring the production to Canada, as the home of the show’s origins. Kliffer’s vision includes inviting key figures from the original show to the opening night in a gesture of appreciation and acknowledgment of their work.
The musical parody seeks to maintain the essence and spirit of “Heated Rivalry” while offering a fresh perspective through the lens of musical theater, promising an engaging and entertaining experience for fans and newcomers alike.