HEATED RIVALRY: THE UNAUTHORIZED MUSICAL PARODY announces London transfer and UK cast
Fresh from its acclaimed off-Broadway debut and ahead of an eagerly awaited run at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, Heated Rivalry: The Unauthorized Musical Parody - from the writer behind Fringe hit Pop Off, Michelangelo! Dylan MarcAurele - skates into London, landing at Underbelly Soho from 7 October - 1 November.
Leading the cast as ice-hockey’s favourite fictional power couple are Your Lie in April’s Zheng Xi Yong, most recently seen in American Psycho at the Almeida, and newcomer Joseph Dann who will make his onstage professional debut.
Inspired by the hit TV series about the secret relationship between Major League hockey stars Shane Hollander and Ilya Rozanov, a cast of five including ‘wine mom’ narrator Susan and a nightly scene-stealing cameo from characters like "Rose Landry" and “Ilya’s Ass” recreate the show’s main moments. Sporting a bop-infused score with songs such as 'Big Ass, Cold Heart’ set to ballet style hockey choreography, audiences will find themselves hot, bothered and transported back to the ice rink in a camp celebration of the passionate community the show has created.
Zheng Xi Yong will play Shane Hollander, with Joseph Dann as Ilya Rozanov in his onstage professional debut. Rounding out the cast as Ilya's Dad and Shane's Mom are Andrew Berlin (Natasha, Pierre and the Great Comet of 1812, Donmar Warehouse) and Sylvie Stenson (Hamilton, UK tour) respectively, and May Tether (Heathers the Musical, @sohoplace) as the show’s narrator, Susan.
Dylan MarcAurele and Alan Kliffer said: "We couldn't be more excited to bring Heated Rivalry: The Unauthorized Musical Parody to London this Autumn, and there's nowhere better than Soho for it to be playing in the city. The reaction to our New York run has been incredible, and it's been amazing to see how many people have connected with its heart and humour. We can't wait to bring that same energy to the Edinburgh Fringe next month, and then to share it with London audiences at Underbelly Boulevard in October.’’
Based on the Game Changers novel series by Rachel Reid, Heated Rivalry became a cultural phenomenon when it premiered on HBO Max and Crave in November last year. Averaging 10.6 million viewers per episode in the US alone, the finale delivered more than four times the audience of the premiere week making it the most-watched scripted title acquired from another platform in HBO Max history. The show has since aired across the world including in the UK. Season 2 is due to air in April 2027.
Heated Rivalry: The Unauthorized Musical Parody debuted Off Broadway at The Culture Club in March to great acclaim with its run already extended before opening night due to audience demand. It’s directed by Alan Kliffer, whose venue Asylum NYC debuted recent Olivier Award winner and Tony nominee Titanique.
For more info on Heated Rivalry: The Unauthorized Musical Parody, please click here.
