ratatouille: the tiktok musical
”Remember My Name” — music by Daniel J. Mertzlufft and lyrics by Kate Leonard, based on “Ode to Remy” by Emily Jacobsen
Additional Lyrics — Kate Leonard
Ratatouille: The TikTok Musical is a musical adaptation of Disney and Pixar’s Ratatouille presented as a one-time streaming concert to benefit The Actors Fund. Seaview Productions brought together top Broadway talents and the TikTokers behind the original trend for an unforgettable limited-time event. (Kate was not a TikToker, but they were kind enough to let this slide.)
People’s Voice Webby Award Winner, Social Film & Television
Drama League Award nominee, Outstanding Digital Concert Production
aches from breathe
Book by Timothy Allen McDonald and Jodi Picoult, music by Daniel J. Mertzlufft, lyrics by Kate Leonard
Aches tells the story of Max and Theo, a couple whose relationship is tested by constant togetherness in quarantine. This is one of five interconnected suites featured in Breathe, a new musical exploring love and loss during the COVID-19 pandemic. Each story features songs by a different team: Fever (music, lyrics, and additional book: Rob Rokicki and Rebecca Murillo), Aches (music: Daniel J. Mertzlufft; lyrics: Kate Leonard), Swelling and Irritation (music: Doug Besterman; lyrics: Sharon Vaughn), Fatigue (music, lyrics, and book: Douglas Lyons; music: Ethan D. Pakchar), and Shortness of Breath (music: Zina Goldrich; lyrics: Marcy Heisler).
The streaming production of Aches was directed by Joe Barros and features Matt Doyle as Max and Max Clayton as Theo. The all-star cast for BREATHE also includes Kelli O’Hara, Brian Stokes Mitchell, Denée Benton, Rubén J. Carbajal, Josh Davis, Colin Donnell, Patti Murin, T. Oliver Reid, and Daniel Yearwood.
Breathe is now available for licensing through MTI
dot and the kangaroo
Book by Daniel Stoddart, music by Daniel J. Mertzlufft, lyrics by Kate Leonard
Commissioned by MTI Australasia and iTheatrics. Based on Ethel Pedley’s beloved Australian classic, this forthcoming musical for young audiences tells the story of Dot, a little girl longing for adventure in 1815 Australia who forges an unexpected friendship after a tumble into the bush.
Developed through OzTheatrics Pilot Workshops (Adelaide), iTheatrics Summer Academy (NYC), Inspiration Stage (Sugar Land, Texas), and Roar Academy (Brisbane).
Dot and the Kangaroo JR is now available for licensing through MTI
Cori Jaskier performs “See the Country” from Dot and the Kangaroo at Junior Theater Festival 2022 in Atlanta. Orchestrations by Conor Keelan
fashion show
Book and lyrics by Kate Leonard, music by Daniel J. Mertzlufft
Small-town Ohio can’t get enough of Botanecchi, the mysterious new designer crafting custom couture for every teen with a trust fund. As profits roll in and the spotlight brightens, Botanecchi must contend with one major hurdle: he doesn’t actually exist. Fashion Show is a new musical comedy about three high school students and the one little lie that takes over their lives.
Rhinebeck Writers Retreat, 2021
FOR YOU, PAIGE: THE TIKTOK MUSICAL
Book by Daniel Mertzlufft and Kate Leonard. Music and lyrics by Daniel Mertzlufft and Kate Leonard (more below). Additional lyrics by Kate Leonard.
Sri Ramesh in rehearsal. Photo by Katie Spelman.
For You, Paige, the first musical commissioned by TikTok, tells the story of a teenager whose musical tribute to a popular book series goes viral on TikTok. The musical was performed live on stage in New York City and livestreamed in vertical to TikTok on April 14, 2022.
Krystina Alabado and company in rehearsal. Photo by Katie Spelman.
Roman Banks and Sri Ramesh lead a cast including Krystina Alabado, JJ Niemann, and James Henry. The show features original songs by Julia Riew, Morgan Reilly, Blake Rouse. Katherine Lynn-Rose, RJ Christian and Alex Engelberg, and Fosz & Gotos. The score is orchestrated by Macy Schmidt and performed by the Broadway Sinfonietta. Emily Maltby and Maria Goulamhoussen direct with choreography by Katie Spelman and Emily Maltby and music direction by Patrick Sulken.
Telly Awards:
Gold Winner for Craft — Social Video — Vertical Format
Silver Winner for Craft — Social Video — Use of Livestream
Bronze Winner for General Achievement — Social Video — Influencer/Celebrity
house rules
Music by Daniel J. Mertzlufft, lyrics by Kate Leonard
A forensics-obsessed teenager on the autism spectrum finds his life turning upside down when he is accused of murder. Adapted from the bestselling novel of the same name by Jodi Picoult, this musical explores a family’s fight for justice in a court system that fails to meet their needs.