Fresh from the Edinburgh Fringe and following an Off-Broadway run, Dylan MarcAurele’s musical Heated Rivalry – “the unauthorised musical parody” is a whole lot of fun with a happy ‘end’.
It’s based on the book and TV series of the same name about a pair of gay hockey players (one American, one Russian) whose rivalry on the field turns into intimacy in bed.
Gloriously filthy and impressively silly, Heated Rivalry is directed by Alan Kliffer, who understands just how far to go to keep the comedy sharp. There’s very little filter in the songs that manage to reference a whole raft of sexual practices and innuendos from the very first number.
The five-strong cast is led by Zheng Xi Yong (Shane) and Joseph Dann (Ilya), alongside Sylvie Stenson, Andrew Berlin and May Tether. They all revel in the cartoonish nature of this parody with its broad humour, crazy costumes, and wordplay (a cafe selling fruit smoothies called Strawdoggin’, for one).
Taking its cue from that original property, Heated Rivalry is as queer as it can be, and celebratory with it. Both Shane and Ilya see a need to deny love and remain closeted, but those around them see it differently, and their attempts to date straight are doomed to fail.
MarcAurele’s songs are on the nose and technically sharp. “Big Ass, Cold Heart” is a powerhouse number for the Russian Top; “This F*ck Was Different” is the American bottom’s wistful song of romance: Canadian flag-waving has never been so hot, wet or messy.
You don’t need to know the original – available on Sky/Now TV in the UK – to appreciate this vibrant, raunchy, raw, and camp parody. Whether you are a ‘Susan’ waiting for your next visual feast, or someone who cracks a smile at a Cold War reference – or just someone who guffaws at the mention of a dildo or douche – Heated Rivalry will be right up your street.
The performances are put together by Kliffer and his cast with ease. Yong proves, after This Lie In April, that he’s quite a versatile actor. Dann has a big voice and a big personality – I’ll be watching out for him in other shows.
Berlin’s shy smoothie barista is a joy, especially with someone plucked from the audience to flirt with. Stenson and Tether offer comment, reaction, and numerous characterisations that work well throughout, especially Tether’s Main Susan and Stenson’s clueless Shane’s Mum.
With a cottage, a couple of pucks, and a cheeky finale, Heated Rivalry is a cheeky piece of theatre that offers a wink and a thrust to liven up your evening.
4.5 stars.
Heated Rivalry continues at Underbelly Boulevard Soho until 1 Nov.
Photo credit: Matt Crockett