As Chef Gusteau wisely said, “Anyone can cook,” and in the spirit of this sentiment, the creative community of TikTok has proven that “anyone can create a musical” too. Inspired by Pixar’s beloved movie “Ratatouille,” TikTok users collaboratively brought to life a vibrant musical adaptation, and here’s where you can watch this unique show.
Over the summer of 2020, TikTok became a breeding ground for theatrical innovation as users collectively wrote, composed, designed costumes, and choreographed a musical version of the heartwarming Disney film about a rat with culinary dreams. This grassroots movement culminated in “Ratatouille: The TikTok Musical,” which premiered with Broadway and TV star Tituss Burgess in the lead role.
The phenomenon began when TikTok creator Emily Jacobsen (@e_jaccs) shared an original song dedicated to Remy, the protagonist rat who dreams of becoming a chef in the acclaimed 2007 animated movie. This spark ignited a wave of creativity across the platform.
Following Jacobsen’s initial spark, countless TikTok users contributed their talents, envisioning and auditioning for roles, designing stage sets and programs, crafting costumes, and composing a variety of musical pieces. These included a humorous tango for Linguini, Remy’s human partner, and the stern chef Colette.
It’s important to note that Disney was not officially involved in this production. “Ratatouille: The TikTok Musical” was presented as a fundraising event for the Actors Fund, supporting artists facing hardship during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Finding “Ratatouille: The TikTok Musical” Online
Initially premiered on January 1, 2021, the virtual performance of “Ratatouille: The TikTok Musical” was available for streaming via TodayTix Presents. Tickets for the stream, ranging from $5 to $50, were available for purchase leading up to and during the streaming period. The show was available on demand for a limited time, specifically until January 4, 2021.
Unfortunately, as of now, the initial streaming window for “Ratatouille: The TikTok Musical” has concluded, and it is not currently available to watch online through official streaming platforms.
However, interest in “Ratatouille: The TikTok Musical” remains high, and there are a few avenues you might explore to potentially watch or learn more about it:
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Check TodayTix Presents: It’s always worth checking the TodayTix Presents website or their social media channels to see if there are any announcements about future streaming opportunities or encore presentations.
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Search for Fan Recordings and Clips: While official streams are unavailable, you might find clips or even fan recordings of the musical on platforms like YouTube or Vimeo. Keep in mind that these would be unofficial and potentially lower quality, and availability can vary due to copyright.
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Follow #RatatouilleMusical and #Ratatousical on Social Media: Tracking these hashtags on TikTok, Twitter, Instagram, and other social platforms can provide updates from the creators, cast members, or fans. You might discover news about potential future releases or ways to experience the musical.
The Star-Studded Cast of the TikTok Sensation
“Ratatouille: The TikTok Musical” boasted an impressive cast of established performers. Tituss Burgess, known for “Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt,” starred as the lead, Remy.
The cast also included Wayne Brady (Django), André De Shields (Ego), Adam Lambert (Emile), Andrew Barth Feldman (Linguini), Priscilla Lopez (Mabel), Mary Testa (Skinner), and Kevin Chamberlin (Gusteau). Chamberlin had previously engaged with the TikTok trend, sharing his rendition of Gusteau’s song, “Anyone Can Cook.”
Rounding out the cast were Ashley Park (Colette), Owen Tabaka (Young Ego), and ensemble members Cori Jaskier, Talia Suskauer, Nikisha Williams, JJ Niemann, John-Michael Lyles, Raymond J. Lee, and Joy Woods.
The TikTok Masterminds Behind the Magic
Crucially, the TikTok creators who sparked this phenomenon received recognition and compensation for their contributions.
Among the credited TikTok users are Emily Jacobsen, Danny Bernstein (@dannykbernstein), Gabbi Bolt (@fettuccinefettuqueen), Kevin Chamberlin (@chamberlin_kevin), RJ Christian (@rjthecomposer), Nathan Fosbinder (@fozzyforman108), Sophia James (@sophiajamesmusic), Katie Johantgen (@katiejoyofosho), Daniel Mertzlufft (@danieljmertzlufft), Alec Powell (@phisherpryce), and Blake Rouse (@blakeyrouse).
Their inventive creations were elevated by a professional cast and the 20-piece Broadway Sinfonietta orchestra, showcasing the power of online collaboration and creativity.
More About “Ratatouille: The TikTok Musical”
“Ratatouille: The TikTok Musical,” affectionately nicknamed “Ratatousical” online, was a true collaborative effort. TikTok users, alongside Michael Breslin and Patrick Foley, adapted the musical content for this benefit production. Lucy Moss directed, and Ellenore Scott handled choreography, bringing professional expertise to the TikTok-born project.
While the initial streaming event has passed, the story of “Ratatouille: The TikTok Musical” exemplifies the boundless creativity found on platforms like TikTok and the potential for digital communities to create and share art in innovative ways. Keep an eye out for any future developments regarding where to watch this unique and heartwarming musical!
