Heated Rivalry: The Unauthorized Musical Parody, Dylan MarcAurele’s buzzy Off Broadway show that began performances at the smallish The Culture Club venue last May, has recouped its initial half-million-dollar investment in its first 13 weeks, producers announced today, adding that the engagement will be extended for a third time.
Originally scheduled for an eight-week run at the 174-seat venue – which, prior to this show had been dark for more than a year – the musical is now set to play through Sunday, January 17, 2027. (A previous extension had put the closing date in November.)
Producer Alan Kliffer announced the recoupment and latest extension today.
In a statement, Kliffer and General Manager Christian Palomares said, “This is an extraordinary moment in today’s theatre landscape, especially so for a musical parody about gay hockey players from Canada. Focusing on strong word-of-mouth and moving with deliberate speed in all steps allowed us to grow the show from a fan phenomenon into a musical with its own credibility, and everything since has built on those initial strategies.
“This happy moment for our team,” they continued, “is another strong proof point for investing in Off Broadway and redefining what musical parodies can do.”
The musical, inspired by the hit TV show that streams on HBO Max, began previews at The Culture Club on Tuesday, May 12, opening on May 26. Prior to The Culture Club engagement, the show was unveiled in eight concert presentations in February and March at the Laurie Beechman Theater and The Bell House.
The parody’s approach to the original material is nicely captured in the official synopsis: “Heated Rivalry: The Unauthorized Musical Parody follows starry-eyed golden boy Shane Hollander on his journey from power center to power bottom. Relive all of the moments from the show that made you wet (with tears) up close on the small-stage by an incredible cast of Broadway actors who thought they were auditioning to be in Season 2. 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!'”
The current cast features Jay Armstrong Johnson as ‘Ilya Rozanov’ and Troy Iwata as ‘Shane Hollander’ (Jimin Moon originated that role), with Ryann Redmond, Cherry Torres and Ryan Duncan rounding out the ensemble. As previously announced, current company member Shelby Acosta will assume the role of ‘Shane’s Mom & Others’ from Torres beginning Thursday, September 10.
The creative team for Heated Rivalry: The Unauthorized Musical Parody includes MarcAurele (Book, Music, Lyrics and Orchestrations), Alan Kliffer (Direction), Brooke & Tiffany Engen (Choreography), Mateo Chavez Lewis (Music Direction), Sully Ross (Scenic Design), Brendan McCann (Costume Design), Devin Cameron (Lighting Design), Germán Martinez (Sound Design), and Ann James (Intimacy Coordinator/Sensitivity Specialist).
An original cast album will be released by Center Stage Records on September 18.
Heated Rivalry: The Unauthorized Musical Parody is produced by Klif Entertainment and Executive Producer Christian Palomares.
English (US) ·