The off-Broadway production “Heated Rivalry: The Unauthorized Musical Parody” is now set to hit home ice in Toronto at the Soulpepper Theatre for a limited run of four nights starting on July 9. Canadian director-producer Alan Kliffer views this move as a well-timed decision influenced by the show’s growing momentum. The show’s inception occurred when writer-composer Dylan MarcAurele, inspired by the popular TV series “Heated Rivalry,” envisioned turning the romance between characters Shane Hollander and Ilya Rozanov into a musical.
The show quickly gained traction, transitioning from songwriting sessions to sold-out concert readings, culminating in a successful off-Broadway debut on May 26. Due to its immense popularity, the original eight-week run has been extended through September 7. Kliffer expressed excitement about bringing the show to Canada and specifically choosing Soulpepper Theatre in Toronto as its venue, citing his positive past experiences with artistic director Paolo Santalucia.
Santalucia echoed this sentiment, emphasizing that the “Heated Rivalry” musical parody aligns perfectly with Soulpepper’s ethos and values. The Canadian cast is gearing up for performances in Toronto from July 9 to 12, presented as staged concert readings due to logistical constraints. Following the Toronto run, the cast is scheduled to appear at Montreal’s Just for Laughs comedy festival from July 17 to 19. Kliffer hinted at expanding the production further, with plans for a U.K. show later this year.
The director hopes that the Toronto staging will serve as a stepping stone towards a full-scale production in Canada, expressing his dream of mounting a significant theatrical production in the country. Additionally, Kliffer is eager for the stars and creative team of the original TV series to witness the live production in Toronto.
