The off-Broadway production “Heated Rivalry: The Unauthorized Musical Parody” is set to enjoy the advantage of performing on home ice as it arrives in Toronto for a three-night run at the Soulpepper Theatre starting on July 9. Director-producer Alan Kliffer emphasizes the significance of bringing the show to Canada at this time, citing both timing and momentum as key factors.
The concept for this queer hockey romance musical originated from writer-composer Dylan MarcAurele after immersing himself in the popular Canadian TV series “Heated Rivalry.” The question of transforming the on-screen romance between Shane Hollander and Ilya Rozanov into a musical sparked the project, which quickly gained traction and transitioned from songwriting sessions to sold-out concert readings before debuting off-Broadway on May 26.
Kliffer notes the swift success of the off-Broadway production, which has been extended due to high demand. With the show’s momentum evident in New York, the decision to bring it to Toronto’s Soulpepper Theatre was a natural choice. Collaborating with artistic director Paolo Santalucia, Kliffer expresses his excitement for this partnership, highlighting the significance of showcasing Canadian talent and narratives.
The Toronto staging of “Heated Rivalry” from July 9 to July 12 will be presented as a staged concert reading, maintaining the essence of the production despite logistical constraints. Following this, the Canadian cast is slated to perform at Montreal’s Just for Laughs comedy festival before embarking on a U.K. production later in the year.
Looking ahead, Kliffer envisions a full-stage production in Canada and hopes that the show’s stars and creative team, including Rachel Reid, Jacob Tierney, Brendan Brady, Hudson, Connor, and François Arnaud, will have the opportunity to witness the musical adaptation firsthand. The goal is to continue expanding the reach and impact of “Heated Rivalry” on both local and international stages.