By: Darryl Reilly
“This Fuck Felt Different from the Last Fuck” is an uproarious song from Off-Broadway’s Heated Rivalry: The Unauthorized Musical Parody. “He’s not a twink, he’s a twunk; there’s a difference!” is representative of this show’s knowing humor. Double entendres and outrageous sight gags are plentiful during the jaunty 80-minute running time. The renowned explicit gay male sex sequences between the two hunky hockey players are occasionally depicted by an actor ravaging a life-sized male doll in various positions.
“TV executives have neglected the desires of their female viewers” says one of three women named Susan (one played by a man in drag), during the show’s satirical opening number where they rhapsodize over their favorite streaming series. It’s a sly nod to televison’s Heated Rivalry’s substantial female fan base. One of the Susans serves as the narrator, wittily explaining that the six episodes have been cut down for this streamlined spoof and provides connective commentary.
Dylan MarcAurele is Heated Rivalry: The Unauthorized Musical Parody’s mastermind. Mr. MarcAurele’s smart book faithfully and antically distills the series’ key plot points. His score contains clever lyrics and springy music which are realized by his lively orchestrations.
Heated Rivalry: The Unauthorized Musical Parody truly succeeds due to its supreme casting. The magnetic duo of Jimin Moon and Jay Armstrong Johnson gloriously and cheekily replicate Hudson Williams and Connor Storrie’s indelible portrayals of Canadian Shane Hollander and Russian Ilya Rozanov. Mr. Moon and Mr. Johnson each visually, vocally, and temperamentally resemble their celebrated counterparts. Their playful and lusty rapport is joyous.
(Photo credit: Matthew Murphy)
Bubbly Ryann Redmond is ingratiating as the zany chief Susan who narrates and several other madcap characters. Cherry Torres as Shane’s mother and Ryan Duncan as Ilya’s father are riotous in those and other roles. Mr. Duncan is sidesplitting in a few female parts.
Director Alan Kliffer’s physical staging is of rapid pacing and presentational flourishes on the contained playing area. Scenic designer Sully Ross’ artfully basic mobile components allow for swift scene transitions and include a standup bed for comic effect. Devin Cameron’s lighting design is appropriately frenetic. Sound designer Germán Martínez vigorously renders the music and effects. Brendan McCann’s striking costume design has several lavish outfits, everyday attire, and colorful athletic wear.
Heated Rivalry is an installment from a series of gay-themed romance novels entitled Game Changers by Canadian author Rachel Reid. The plot centers on the tempestuous down low relationship between a Canadian and a Russian who are male hockey players and meet during a game in Montreal. The television adaptation began airing in November 2025 and became a worldwide sensation.
Heated Rivalry: The Unauthorized Musical Parody is a mirthful and pleasant diversion.
Heated Rivalry: The Unauthorized Musical Parody (through September 7, 2026)
The Culture Club, 530 West 27th Street, in Manhattan
For tickets, visit www.heatedrivalryparody.com
Running time: 80 minutes with no intermission