Issy Cory
Muscle-toned legs pump round and round on a makeshift exercise bike. There’s not just one jacked-up closeted hockey player working up a sweat, there’s two. Or three if you count Scott Hunter. You guessed it, it’s Heated Rivalry: The Unauthorized Musical Parody!
Hot off the skates of Pop Off Michelangelo!, Dylan MarcAurele scores again with this musical spectacular spoofing the all-too-well-known haters-to-lovers gay romance. Featuring top hits such as Kip Grady’s banana smoothie, Ilya’s world-dominating ass, and Rose Landry’s sad, sad situation, this production is a puck-ing good time.
MarcAurele’s lyricism and melodies have cemented him as a certifiable Fringe favourite, and Heated Rivalry: The Unauthorized Musical Parody is no different. It is a clever writer that does not value hilarious punchlines over good composition, or vice versa. MarcAurele knows how to hold these two elements in equal measure, resulting in a audial experience that really slaps.
As you would expect, the ensemble are a blizzard of pitch-perfect vocals and wicked characterisation. May Tether is a true ass-et to the troupe. Her enactment of a floral-adorned Rose Landry is so ridiculous it’s brilliant, and her frequent appearances as our narrator ensure that we come away in love with every bit of her performance.
Whilst the design feels a little too stripped back for what the production calls for, the simple yet effective set allows for a fluidity between the many scenes of Heated Rivalry: The Unauthorized Musical Parody. With a space as large as the big cow, the playing area calls for a little more.
No matter what your stance is on hockey players, gay or otherwise, this is a guaranteed hoot. Get ready to scream when Ilya says “I’m coming to the cottage.” It’s a classic for a reason!
Recommended Drink: Water drunk from the bottle of a secret lover, followed by an ‘accidental’ touch of the forearm.
You can catch Heated Rivalry: The Unauthorized Musical Parody at Underbelly, George Square from August 22-30 at 19:50 (70mins). Tickets are available through the EdFringe Online Box Office.
Isobel Jacob
Esme Davis
