Girl! Take a look at the cast in character for the eight-week engagement.

Heated Rivalry takes the stage: First look at Ilya and Shane in The Unauthorized Musical Parody (exclusive)

Girl! Take a look at the cast in character for the eight-week engagement.

By Nick Romano

Nick Romano

Nick Romano is a senior editor at ** with 15 years of journalism experience covering entertainment. His work previously appeared in Vanity Fair, Vulture, IGN, and more.

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April 14, 2026 9:00 a.m. ET

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Jay Armstrong Johnson and Jimin Moon as Ilya Rozanov and Shane Hollander in 'Heated Rivalry: The Unauthorized Musical Parody'. Credit:

Marc J. Franklin

- EW debuts the exclusive first-look photos at *Heated Rivalry: The Unauthorized Musical Parody*.

- Jay Armstrong Johnson and Jimin Moon debut as Off-Broadway's Ilya Rozanov and Shane Hollander, respectfully.

- The photos also reveal Ryan Duncan as Ilya's dad, Cherry Torres as Shane's mom, and Ryann Redmond as narrator Susan.

While Connor Storrie and Hudson Williams prepare to film *Heated Rivalry* season 2, a new Ilya Rozanov and Shane Hollander are about to puck off to Off-Broadway.

Jay Armstrong Johnson (Ilya) and Jimin Moon (Shane) debut as the star-crossed hockey lovers in **'s exclusive first-look photos from *Heated Rivalry: The Unauthorized Musical Parody*, which begins performances Tuesday, May 12 ahead of an official opening night on May 26.

The imagery pays homage to that original marketing photoshoot that set the internet ablaze, even before the Canadian-produced Crave series became a worldwide sensation.

Inspired by TV's *Heated Rivalry*, which in turn was inspired by author Rachel Reid's romance novels, the production also features Ryan Duncan as Ilya's dad, Cherry Torres as Shane's mom, and Ryann Redmond as Susan, a brand-new character. Susan is the somewhat unreliable narrator of the play who is described as lovable wine mom and avid fan.

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*Heated Rivalry: The Unauthorized Musical Parody* initially put on eight concert presentations earlier in March that all sold out. Now the team heads to the 6th Floor Theater at 530 West 27th Street (formerly The McKittrick Hotel) in New York City for an eight-week-only engagement.

Producer and director Alan Kliffer heads the musical, which features book, music, lyrics, and orchestrations by Dylan MarcAurele; choreography from Brooke and Tiffany Engen; scenic design from Sully Ross; costumes from Brendan McCann; lighting from Devin Cameron; and sound design from Germán Martinez.

"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," an official description reads. "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!'"

See the first-look photos below.

Cherry Torres, Jimin Moon, Ryann Redmond, Jay Armstrong Johnson, and Ryan Duncan

Cherry Torres, Jimin Moon, Ryann Redmond, Jay Armstrong Johnson, and Ryan Duncan for 'Heated Rivalry: The Unauthorized Musical Parody'.

Marc J. Franklin

Jimin Moon and Jay Armstrong Johnson

Jimin Moon and Jay Armstrong Johnson for 'Heated Rivalry: The Unauthorized Musical Parody'.

Marc J. Franklin

Jay Armstrong Johnson and Jimin Moon

Jay Armstrong Johnson and Jimin Moon for 'Heated Rivalry: The Unauthorized Musical Parody'.

Marc J. Franklin

Jay Armstrong Johnson and Jimin Moon

Jay Armstrong Johnson and Jimin Moon for 'Heated Rivalry: The Unauthorized Musical Parody'.

Marc J. Franklin

Jay Armstrong Johnson as Ilya Rozanov

Jay Armstrong Johnson as Ilya Rozanov for 'Heated Rivalry: The Unauthorized Musical Parody'.

Marc J. Franklin

Jimin Moon as Shane Hollander

Jimin Moon as Shane Hollander for 'Heated Rivalry: The Unauthorized Musical Parody'.

Marc J. Franklin

Jay Armstrong Johnson and Jimin Moon

Jay Armstrong Johnson and Jimin Moon for 'Heated Rivalry: The Unauthorized Musical Parody'.

Marc J. Franklin

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Source: “EW Musical”