If you are going to parody the international phenomenon that is Heated Rivalry, drag is the best way to do it.
Writer/directors Kyra Brown and Christan Leonard have created a hysterical musical for fans of Heated Rivalry. Puck Bunnies reimagines every crucial moment of Shane Hollander and Ilya Rozanov’s (played by Hanna Barlow and Kyra Brown, respectively) steamy romance. Through the medium of drag, they make a story of queer love even gayer. Queer pride doesn’t begin to describe the exhilaration that Puck Bunnies will leave you with.
The show takes songs from classic musicals such as Hairspray, Grease and Dirty Dancing, changing the lyrics to suit much smuttier themes. Music director Tony Gonzalez masterfully curates a musical experience that you’d expect from any high-end production. Expect energetically choreographed numbers to essential musical ballads – I would listen to this soundtrack just like any other. My favourite song was one that made fun of Scott Hunter and Kip Grady, as their relationship embodies lesbian tropes rather than gay ones.
Every performer was phenomenal at portraying their satirised characters. An absolute standout for me was Zamboner played by Elyse Ruppert. She acts as a narrator throughout the show and makes some of the funniest jokes – confidence radiates from her.
Tastefully, this parody avoids referring to and making fun of the real actors behind the characters. There are many conversations around Heated Rivalry concerning the sexualisation of gay men and real actors facing the consequences. Puck Bunnies makes the show a celebration of queer culture and sexual desire, avoiding any problematic cheap shots.
The vibes of Puck Bunnies were immaculate. The actors were all very self-aware of the simplicity of the show (projections in place of set pieces, for example) and they know that this austerity is extremely effective in creating the hilariously camp environment. If they had taken themselves anymore seriously, I believe it would have been detriment to the production.
If you were a fan of Heated Rivalry for the queer joy and sexy encounters, then this musical parody will absolutely be the Fringe show for you.
Puck Bunnies: A Heated Rivalry Drag Musical Parody is running until 31 August (excluding 11th, 18th and 25th) at Other Yin at Gilded Balloon Patter House. Buy tickets here.
Image by Jordan Frame, provided as press material.
