Inspired by the hit show about hockey, Heated Rivalry: The Unauthorized Musical Parody follows starry-eyed golden boy Shane Hollander on his journey from power centre to power bottom. Sporting a bop-infused score, scene-stealing cameos by characters like Rose Landry and Ilya’s Ass, and time jumps absolutely no one can keep track of, audiences will find themselves hot, bothered and probably saying, ‘….Girl!’ Because with love, sometimes it comes when you least expect it… and sometimes, it comes hands-free. So, grab a Canada Dry and join us for this hot and steamy romp!
Review by Richard Lambert.
Forget the original series — Heated Rivalry: The Unauthorized Musical Parody may just be better.
This is a Fringe musical that understands exactly what it is and, more importantly, knows how to make the most of it. Fast, filthy, funny and exceptionally well performed, it takes its source material and turns the dial up to eleven.
The production values are remarkably good for a Fringe show. The set is deceptively simple, using movable trucks and a collection of images that can be hung to instantly establish different locations. It is clever, practical and, like much of the production, never gets in the way of the performers. The scene changes are particularly well handled, flowing seamlessly into the action.
The lighting is superb — genuinely well above what you might expect at a Fringe venue — while the sound is equally impressive. The balance between the performers’ radio microphones and the backing tracks is spot on, allowing every word and every lyric to land.
And there are plenty of lyrics worth hearing. The musical compositions are excellent, with a strong sense of musical theatre craft behind the comedy. The choreography is equally impressive: energetic, interpretative and brilliantly timed to the material.
The multi-roling is a particular joy. Costume changes clearly establish who is who, while increasingly outrageous hair, wigs and props add another layer of visual comedy. Nothing feels thrown in simply for the sake of a laugh — although there are certainly plenty of laughs.
The cast is perfectly chosen. Vocally, they are outstanding, while their comic acting is consistently hilarious. The dancing is excellent and the overall performance level is superb. They clearly understand the tone of the piece and commit to every ridiculous moment.
But ultimately, it is the writing that makes this work. The script is clever, knowing and very funny, with a sharp interpretation of the original material. There are so many comic moments that the production barely gives the audience time to recover before delivering the next one.
This is not one for the children — the material is decidedly adult — but for the right audience, it is an absolute riot.
Could it be better? Probably not. Hugely talented performers, excellent musicality, imaginative staging and a script that knows exactly where the laughs are. A must-see Fringe musical — very funny, very accomplished and thoroughly entertaining.
Cast
Zheng Xi Yong — Shane Hollander
Joseph Dann — Ilya Rozanov
Andrew Berlin — Ilya’s Dad / multiple roles
Sylvie Stenson — Shane’s Mom / multiple roles
May Tether — Main Susan / Narrator / multiple roles
At the performance reviewed, Mateo Chavez Lewis stepping in, taking on Ilya’s Dad, one of the Susans and a barista.
Creatives
Dylan MarcAurele — Book, Music, Lyrics & Orchestrations
Alan Kliffer — Director
Brooke Engen & Tiffany Engen — Choreographers
Mateo Chavez Lewis — Music Director
Sully Ross — Scenic Design
Brendan McCann — Costume Design
Devin Cameron — Lighting Design
Germán Martinez — Sound Design
Harry Blumenau — Casting Director
Max Reynolds — Associate Director
Jack Goodwin — Associate Lighting Designer
Beth Qualter Buncall — Costume Supervisor
Anna Hunt — Props Supervisor
Jess Hrabowsky — Intimacy Coordinator
James Anderton — Production Manager