Could Ratatouille: The Tik Tok Musical be the start of a new musical trend?

With the huge response to Ratatouille: The Tik Tok Musical, could a new musical trend be here?

Although the year of the rat might be coming to a close, the start of 2021 is all about Ratatouille: The Tik Tok Musical. What started as a fan-based idea transformed into a star-studded fundraiser for the Actor’s Fund. Based on the huge success, could this idea become a new musical trend?

For many people, a musical is more than just 90 plus minutes of singing and dancing on a stage. Although most people do not burst into song and break into a dance in the middle of an everyday conversation, musical theater tends to capture a sentiment that connects people. When simple words cannot convey a feeling, the lyrics capture that emotion.

While many people long for the ability to sit in a darkened theater and share a collective experience, that time is not yet upon us. As the Great White Way remains dark, people have become creative with adapting theater to new experiences. From outdoor festivals, like Dr. Phillips Center’s Frontyard Festival to pop up events around the country, the melodies of favorite songs are playing in the wind.

The special online event, Ratatouille: The Tik Tok Musical, presents a curious scenario for theater fans as well as movie and Disney fans. While this special event was fast-tracked in the most expeditious way, it is a curious way to bring a new piece of theater from idea to fruition.

Although there might not be a collective experience like a traditional theater setting, the idea of seeing a favorite character and story told in a new way has much appeal. Similar to adaptions of The Lion King, Beauty and the Beast, or even The Little Mermaid, Disney films translate well to musical theater.

Disney properties translate well to the stage because the stories and the characters connect with people. The story has an arc that leaves ends on a high note. The characters have depth, overcome difficulties, and strive for better. In some ways, there is an aspect to the story and to the character that is relatable.

Each of the Disney stories and characters offers a sense of familiarity and, in some cases, comfort. It begs the question, could more of these special adaptions quench theater fans’ thirst for new musicals

Looking at some popular Disney films, many other properties could be translated into a musical format. Even though The Incredibles might be a stretch, other properties like Up, Inside Out, Coco, or even Brave could make for sweeping musical experiences. Just think of the different musical numbers that Coco could offer.

As theater lovers wait for the curtain to rise again, many people could be letting their creative interpretations come to life. Just like Ratatouille: The Tik Tok Musical was envisioned by a fan, many other people could be humming a tune and writing a lyric that could connect with others. It doesn’t mean that every idea will be brought to life, but the creative process is one that needs to be celebrated.

After a year of solitude, many people have the urge to make their voices heard. Whether it is a simple social media share or a more elaborate production, that expression needs to be celebrated.

As the curtain closes on Ratatouille: The Tik Tok Musical, the hope is that another chord will linger in the air. Another note might be waiting to be played because musical theater fans long for another night of theater.