An Off-Broadway ‘Heated Rivalry’ musical parody is taking over Toronto this summer, Canada Reviews

Heated Rivalry seems to be having a (continuous) moment, from its Canadian Screen Awards sweep to the upcoming soundtrack release parties. Now, the fan-fave hockey romance is setting its sights on something more theatrical.

Heated Rivalry: The Unauthorized Musical Parody is making its way to Toronto for a limited concert presentation at Soulpepper Theatre for just three days only in July, arriving just as the theatre company once again hosts the Toronto Fringe Festival.

The production is inspired by the landmark series, and follows golden boy Shane Hollander on a hilariously over-the-top journey through romance, rivalry and self-discovery. It’ll be packed with an original pop-inspired score, outrageous humour and tongue-in-cheek references to musical theatre and queer fandom. Seriously, look out for scene-stealing cameos by characters like “Rose Landry” and “Ilya’s Ass,” along with time jumps absolutely no one can keep track of.

The production has become a breakout hit since landing at New York City’s The Culture Club in May, and now, it’s bringing all that campy, chaotic energy to Toronto.

Soulpepper Artistic Director Paolo Santalucia says the musical perfectly aligns with the theatre company’s vision.

“Theatre is one of our great civic binders — and this piece has already galvanized a passionate global community, offering a thrilling reminder of what Canadian work can do: take up space with joy, humour, sensitivity, and subversiveness,” Santalucia said. “To bring that energy into our home, alongside the momentum of the Fringe and on the heels of Pride Month, feels like exactly the kind of cultural moment Soulpepper should be helping to amplify.”

Composer and writer Dylan MarcAurele was inspired to write the musical after binge-reading the original novel series in a single sitting. He later teamed up with New York-based Canadian director-producer Alan Kliffer to bring the project to the stage!

“With the great success of our show in New York, I am so thrilled to be bringing our love letter to Heated Rivalry home to Toronto this summer,” Kliffer said.

Now, what all loons are probably wondering: who’s in the Toronto cast? Well, the New York production stars Jay Armstrong Johnson as Ilya Rozanov and Jimin Moon as Shane Hollander, but casting for the Toronto presentation will be announced closer to the opening. Still, fans can expect a predominantly Canadian cast set to take the stage!

Performances take place Friday, July 10 at 1:30 p.m.; Saturday, July 11 at 7:00 p.m.; and Sunday, July 12 at 7:00 p.m.

Tickets are now on sale through Soulpepper Theatre.