If you’re one of the few people who somehow made it through the past year without hearing about Heated Rivalry, here’s the gist: it’s the TV show about two hockey players falling in love that took the world by storm when it premiered at the end of 2025. Now, it’s found its way to the stage in the hilarious Heated Rivalry: The Unauthorized Musical Parody!
Taking on the role of Russian hockey star Ilya Rozanov, the character played by Connor Storrie in the TV series, is Broadway veteran Jay Armstrong Johnson. Fresh off leading the tour of Moulin Rouge! The Musical, Johnson is back in New York City for the Off-Broadway musical and took a moment to answer 5 Questions with Broadway Direct.
Find out which dream role led to his career in theater, the entertainment icons who inspire him, and why audiences should be excited about the new character introduced in Heated Rivalry: The Unauthorized Musical Parody.
1. What inspired you to become an actor?
My initial inspiration was wanting to play Romeo in the much abridged version of Romeo & Juliet in Mr. Ingram’s 5th grade English class at Eagle Mountain Elementary. Little Jay was absolutely jazzed about the prospect of wearing white tights and reciting Shakespeare in front of the entire school body – a bold choice for Texas in the ‘90s.
2. Who in your field inspires you?
I’m inspired by the Tina Feys, Amy Poehlers, and Bradley Coopers of the world who create their own opportunities and seem equally energized by what’s happening behind the camera as what’s happening in front of it. That kind of creative authorship is deeply exciting to me.
3. What should audiences be most excited about seeing in Heated Rivalry: The Unauthorized Musical Parody?
Susan. They currently have no idea who the f––k Susan is… but trust me, by the end of the night, they absolutely will, and they will LOVE her.
4. If you didn’t need to sleep at night, what would you spend your time doing?
Probably oscillating between developing some ambitious creative project and hot-gluing rhinestones onto something. It’s a very even split between “producer” and “arts-and-crafts goblin.”
5. What is your favorite NYC spot?
My favorite NYC activity is What The Float, a site-specific roaming silent disco experience where the location changes every month. I love to dance.
You can catch Jay Armstrong Johnson in Heated Rivalry: The Unauthorized Musical Parody, now playing at The Culture Club.
