5 out of 5 stars

Maybe it’s the fact its central character is French-Canadian. Or that it’s starting its run at an unconventional below-Midtown venue. But “Heated Rivalry: The Unauthorized Musical Parody” has enough parallels with “Titanique” that it seems primed for similar success. It skewers not only the hit HBO gay hockey romance and its fans, but also pokes fun at Broadway tropes, politics and YouTube deep cuts. The songs are as brilliant as the show’s book -- both by Dylan MarcAurele. But the singing and acting chops of this cast (Jimin Moon, Jay Armstrong Johnson, Ryann Redmond) demand this parody be taken seriously. — Justin McCallum

At the Culture Club, through Sep 7, 2026; heatedrivalryparody.com. (Review date: June 14, 2026) (Production photo: Matthew Murphy)