The Off-Broadway premiere of Heated Rivalry: The Unauthorized Musical Parody has critics talking about its bold take on the hockey romance.
The production opened May 26 at the 6th Floor Theater at The Culture Club, located at 530 West 27th Street in New York. It marks the stage adaptation of the HBO Max series inspired by Rachel Reid's Game Changers books, following sold-out concert versions in March.
Jay Armstrong Johnson portrays Ilya Rozanov while Jimin Moon plays Shane Hollander in the 80-minute show. Dylan MarcAurele wrote the book, music and lyrics, with Alan Kliffer directing. Tickets range from $69 to $149 for the limited eight-week engagement.
Adam Feldman, chief theater critic at Time Out New York, observed that the show is very much aimed at fans of the real Heated Rivalry, and it arrives at just the right time for those of us who couldn’t get enough of the series.
Jonathan Mandell, a reviewer for New York Theater, wrote that the production exploits the popularity of the TV series. He added that the Ilya and Shane on stage are Broadway veterans Jay Armstrong Johnson and Jimin Moon, and they not only offer spot-on impersonations of the cocky Russian and the amiable Canadian. There are moments when their talent helps turn this lark into satisfying — even serious — musical theater.
David Rooney, chief theater critic for The Hollywood Reporter, praised the creative team's ability to blend parody with genuine emotion in the hockey love story. He highlighted director Alan Kliffer's sharp staging that captures the essence of the original drama while adding musical numbers.
Laura Collins-Hughes, theater critic at The New York Times, noted the clever shift in focus to Shane Hollander's journey from power center to power bottom. She said the score by MarcAurele delivers catchy tunes that land well with audiences familiar with the source material.
Alexis Soloski of The Guardian commented that the 80-minute runtime keeps the energy high without overstaying its welcome. She pointed out the strong chemistry between Johnson and Moon as a key reason the parody succeeds beyond simple imitation.
Chris Jones, writing for Variety, described the move from concert presentations to full staging as seamless and effective. He emphasized that the limited run at the former McKittrick Hotel venue adds an intimate atmosphere suited to the story's personal stakes.
