American Theatre: This Month in Theatre History
# On This Day in Theatre History: August 25th
## A Look Back at Significant Moments in Theatre History
August 25th has seen its share of theatrical milestones, from the dazzling premiere of a Broadway classic to the surprising birth of a TikTok musical.Let’s take a journey through time and celebrate these moments!
### 1980 (45 years ago)
The hit musical *42nd Street* burst onto the Broadway scene on August 25th. This dazzling, meta-theatrical show, based on the 1933 film of the same name, offered audiences a peek behind the curtain, following the chaotic and exhilarating production process of a Broadway musical set during the Great Depression.
The show was an instant sensation, captivating audiences wiht its energetic choreography and heartwarming story. However, the opening night was bittersweet. Tragically, its director and choreographer, the legendary Gower Champion, passed away that very morning.Producer David Merrick, with remarkable grace, announced Champion’s death at the curtain call, dedicating the performance to his memory.
*42nd Street* went on to achieve phenomenal success, winning the 1981 Tony Awards for Best Musical and Best Choreography (posthumously awarded to Champion). It was also nominated for six other Tonys.The production enjoyed an unbelievable run of almost nine years, finally closing on January 8, 1989, after a remarkable 3,486 performances. It remains a beloved example of classic Broadway spectacle.
### 2020 (5 years ago)
While theatres were dark and the world was grappling with the COVID-19 pandemic, creativity found a new home online. On August 10th,a schoolteacher named Emily Jacobsen posted a 10-second clip on TikTok called “Ode to Remy,” a playful and satirical song celebrating Remy, the culinary rat from the 2007 Pixar film *Ratatouille*.
The video quickly went viral, sparking a wave of creativity. daniel Mertzlufft added a full orchestral composition, elevating the song to a new level. Soon, TikTok users were contributing thier own songs, scenes, and ideas, collaboratively building an entire musical – affectionately dubbed *Ratatousical* or *Ratatouille: The TikTok Musical*.
This unprecedented online collaboration culminated in a remarkable event in January 2021. Seaview productions presented *Ratatouille: The TikTok Musical* as a charity benefit concert on New Year’s Day. The production, guided by the original TikTok creators, was directed by lucy Moss and featured a star-studded cast including Titus Burgess, Wayne Brady, and Adam Lambert. The event