This past week, a TikTok musical won a Grammy. Now, riding on the wave of this success, the social platform has commissioned its first musical.
TikTok’s first officially commissioned musical, entitled For You, Paige, is being led creatively by Daniel Mertzlufft, who was also behind the phenomenon that was Ratatouille: The TikTok Musical. Mertzlufft is a composer and self-proclaimed “musical theatre fanatic,” who has been sharing behind-the-scenes bits from his upcoming musical on TikTok, including a cast reveal and recording sessions.
For You, Paige is a musical “written by TikTok, for TikTok,” as the company’s announcement deems, so it’s only natural that its story finds roots in TikTok itself. In the musical, Landon, a teenage “music nerd” (played by Roman Banks) joins forces with his best friend Paige (played by Sri Ramesh), on a TikTok song that goes viral. What ensues is a TikTok community production, teeming with references to TikTok trends, subcultures, and other viral moments (think: a nod to #BookTok).
The production will star other TikTok stars, including James Henry, Krystina Alabado, and JJ Niemann. All songs are written by Mertzlufft, Julia Riew, Katherine Lynn-Rose, RJ Christian, Blake Rouse, Morgan Reilly, Alex Engleberg, Kate Leonard and Gosz & Fotos.
For You, Paige will be performed live at a theatre in New York, but will be available to watch globally on @TikTok on April 14 at 7 p.m. ET/4 p.m. PT.
