The off-Broadway production “Heated Rivalry: The Unauthorized Musical Parody” is finally hitting home ice as it skates into Toronto for a four-night run at Soulpepper Theatre starting on July 9. Director-producer Alan Kliffer emphasizes the timing and momentum behind bringing the show to Canada.
The concept of turning the queer hockey romance, inspired by the popular Canadian TV series “Heated Rivalry,” into a musical originated from writer-composer Dylan MarcAurele. The idea quickly gained traction, evolving from songwriting sessions to sold-out concert readings and eventually to a successful off-Broadway production that has been extended due to its growing fan base.
Toronto’s Soulpepper Theatre was chosen as the ideal venue for the Canadian debut of the show, with Kliffer expressing his admiration for artistic director Paolo Santalucia. The decision to present the Toronto shows as staged concert readings was made due to logistical reasons, but Kliffer assures that the experience will still be engaging.
Following the Toronto run, the Canadian cast is set to perform at Montreal’s Just for Laughs comedy festival before expanding the production to the UK later this year. Kliffer envisions a full-stage production coming to Canada in the future, hoping to create a significant theatrical production within the country. The opportunity for the original TV series’ cast and creative team to witness the musical production in Toronto adds another layer of excitement to the show’s Canadian journey.