A crowdsourced musical based on the 2007 Disney-Pixar
animated film "Ratatouille" is now set to hit the virtual stage,
after thousands of TikTok creators posted original songs, dances, set designs,
playbills and puppets on the content-sharing app.
It all started when New York teacher Emily Jacobsen posted
an ode to Remy, the film's protaganist who charts an unlikely course as a rat
who becomes a chef.
The power of her viral kernel of an idea blossomed into an
organically grown, full-fledged show: "Ratatouille: The TikTok
Musical."
Seaview, a Tony award-winning theatrical production company,
is partnering with TikTok and TodayTix to stream the show online for three days
starting January 1, with proceeds going towards the Actors Fund.
Viewers can purchase a ticket by contributing betwen $5 and
$50.
"SOOOO wild!" tweeted Jacobsen. "We did it: A
"Ratatousical" is coming on January 1st, 2021!"
It's unclear who exactly who will be involved in the final
piece, though artists with actual Broadway credits are said to be taking part.
Which songs will make the cut for the final show will also
be a surprise, but the original "Ode to Remy" is sure to appear, with
other options including "Tango for Colette and Linguini," "Trash
is our Treasure" and "Anyone Can Cook."
"The love for the performing arts shines through in the
Ratatouille-inspired TikToks from theater lovers around the world," said
head of the Actors Fund Joseph Benincasa in a statement.
He said the show "is sure to bring joy to arts lovers
far and wide this holiday season, while at the same time will help raise
much-needed funds for those in need in our entertainment and performing arts
community."