Heated Rivalry parody brings tongue-in-cheek show to Edinburgh Fringe
A comedic twist on the beloved show is hitting the stage this summer - bringing fire, comedy, and lots of music
The cult-hit gay hockey show has taken a comical turn - with the debut of "Heated Rivalry: The Musical Parody!" at this year's Edinburgh Fringe.
This musical parody, featuring catchy songs and playful innuendos aims to entertain audiences with its humorous take on the original show, based on the Game Changers book series by Rachel Reid.
Fans will be familiar with the rivalry of Shane Hollander and Ilya Rozanov on the ice and their passion off the rink, and this month, will be getting the chance to witness it all again with this new comedic twist.
Created by Quick & Funny Musicals, part of Los Angeles's Upright Citizens Brigade, the production is known for transforming pop culture phenomena into lively comedic musicals.
The musical is described as an outrageous send-up, packed with elements of passion, repression, and scandalous yearning.
'I tried to maintain the heart of the story'
Dylan MarcAurele, a New York-based writer and composer, is behind the book, music, lyrics, and orchestrations of the show, and has been catching up with Hits Radio Pride to tell us all about it.
He said: "When I write parodies, I'm drawing a lot from old musicals that I love, and then I add on ridiculous and vulgar humour on top of that!
"So what I'm hoping is that audiences go on that emotional journey, but also they watch something that has them laughing a lot!
"For this one, I've really tried to maintain the heart of the story, and of course, there's certain things that they show on the series that we can't on a stage - but we have very creative ways around that that can satisfy audiences' thirst.
"We've also decided not to have the characters skating around the stage, but anyone who watches the TV show will know it's pretty light on the hockey anyway!
"There's no 'Easter eggs', but I've put my own spin on their stories.
"The show has a lot of ups and downs, but a musical is so much different, which means we get to have huge power ballads about tuna melts...
"And I think my favourite part is the Scott Hunter and Kip Grady storyline - all I will say is there's a very exciting audience participation element involving bananas!"
'It's such a talented bunch of people'
The cast promises a dynamic storytelling experience, with a blend of seasoned Broadway professionals and bright newcomers - including Broadway veteran Jay Armstrong-Johnson.
Johnson, widely recognised for his roles in popular Broadway revivals such as PARADE, HAIR, and major productions like The Phantom of the Opera, will take on the role of Christian in the North American tour of Moulin Rouge!.
He has a rich history in theatre, from starring in award-winning musicals, to significant television appearances such as QUANTICO and Law & Order: SVU.
Joining Johnson in this Off-Broadway venture are several accomplished performers such as Jimin Moon, Ryann Redmond, Cherry Torres, Ryan Duncan, Shelby Acosta, and Daniel Brackett.
Jimin Moon, known for his performances in Broadway hits such as Sunset Blvd. and Disney’s Aladdin, takes on the role of Shane Hollander.
Dylan told Hits Radio Pride: "I'm really excited for this cast - and we've got a lot of heavy-hitters.
"It's such a talented bunch of people, and I know they're so ready to go.
"On my part, it's all original music, minus one little surprise towards the back, which fans of the show might have an educated guess about!
"We get to know Ilya's deepest insecurities and fears through an emotional, Russian, dark yearning ballad.
"We get a lot of hockey numbers, too, where we see Shane in his element.
"We have a smoothie sequence which features Latin music - and it really is anthemic.
"I've actually created a new character for the show, named Wanda, who is a 70-year-old woman who is at the gym when Shane and Ilya think they're alone.
"She gets in the mix, I'll say!"
'If you're a straight man - you'll learn a lot!'
The show's already received an avalanche of reviews, and there's one which sticks in the writer and composer's mind.
Dylan added: "Now, I try not to look at the reviews, but the ones I have seen have been very kind!
"The best one by far was Emily Nussbaum of The New Yorker who is a tough critic, and has a Pulitzer, and said that it was a flat-out musical with 'no caveats', so it's safe to say whatever happens, I can die happy now!
"And all of this was written in about three weeks - which was chaotic, but really fun.
"I'm at my best and funniest when I'm writing in a really uninhibited way.
"Talking of the show, I'd actually say our audiences are about 70 per cent women, and the frame device definitely acknowledges that.
"I think women will feel seen, and think everybody will enjoy it.
"And if you're a straight man - you'll learn a lot!"
Dylan's previous work includes musicals like "Pop Off," "Michelangelo!" and "The Real Housewives of NYC: The Musical", and he's achieved awards including the Jonathan Larson Grant and Richard Rodgers Award.
"Heated Rivalry: The Musical Parody!" promises to be an enjoyable prelude to an evening of fun, offering audiences a fresh and amusing perspective on the original series.
The production boasts dynamic performances and engaging storytelling, combining elements of romance and rivalry with comedic charm.
The show runs from 5th to 30th August at the Other Yin, at Gilded Balloon Patter House, featuring actors Scott Hunter and Kip Grady.