History danced its way onto the stage at the Belasco Theatre on December 10 when How To Dance in Ohio opened on Broadway!
The heart-warming and feel-good musical is based on the Alexandra Shiv’s Peabody-winning HBO documentary of the same name (which is based on true events) and tells the story of seven autistic young adults navigating – or should we say dancing through – milestone moments of young adulthood. The plot is primarily centered around a group of teenagers in Ohio, who work their way up to attending a formal dance hosted by their counseling center.
Here are our top 5 reasons to dance your way to the Belasco!
1.) How To Curtain Up!
Most shows kick off production with a traditional “Please silence your cell phones and unwrap your candies” announcement. How To Dance in Ohio opens with a unique, personable, and charming intro speech from the young adult cast, who welcome us with warmth and security (and they noted that there are cool-down spaces and kits for the audience, if needed) and inform us that the audience is meeting seven autistic people as of that moment. This was a sweet and endearing version of breaking the fourth wall, which built a fast trust between the audience and actors – one that made sure these stories were going to be told in the most authentic way possible.
2.) How To Showcase Authenticity:
A key theme throughout the show was authenticity through the lens of “if you’re going to talk about us, talk to us.” Though this concept is elementary, it’s also so essential to not only the piece but to how we relate to each other and share our own experiences. It’s that simple – you don’t know someone else’s experiences unless you talk and learn from them. The creative team (book and lyrics by Rebeka Greer Melocik, music by Jacob Yandura, directed by Sammi Cannold – see the full creative team linked here) behind How To Dance In Ohio was clear with their messaging and the moral that is explored several times throughout the musical – by autistic characters and non-autistic characters alike, showcasing its universality. Of course, they embellished certain elements of the show for dramatic effect. However, the authenticity shines through, which was largely driven by casting seven extremely talented autistic actors (the entire cast – led by Caesar Samayoa of Come From Away, was phenomenal) – this elevated the piece to new heights.
3.) How To Make Broadway Debuts! (But You’d Never Know It):
What’s better than a Broadway debut? SEVEN! It’s rare to see a show that has an ensemble of lead actors – and all of them shine brightly in their own unique ways. The cast transferred over to the production following its world premiere at Syracuse Stage in 2022. This note is a shout-out to them! Please join me in celebrating Desmond Luis Edwards (he/they), Amelia Fei (she/her), Madison Kopec (she/they), Liam Pearce (he/him), Conor Tague (he/him), Ashley Wool (she/her), and Imani Russell (they/them)!
4.) How To Feel All The Feels And Leave Smiling:
How To Dance In Ohio felt like a hug. One that you receive when you’re crying and feeling loved at the same time and you just want to be held and told it’s going to be okay, but need to feel it out.
While the writing felt a bit on the nose the heartfelt dialogue and story arcs between characters explored relatable topics and the emotions associated with those scenarios – be that personal growth, friendship, love, grief, family dynamics – just to name a few. The stories told explored the full lives and sides of the characters, as we all have different sides to us. There is something for everyone in this show, no matter what your life situation is – and that’s part of the beauty of this story. Everyone can come from an extremely different background and still relate. Musically, the pop score is catchy and is successful at moving the story along seamlessly. The revolutionary performances by actors who built up the momentum (if you know, you know) to tell these stories properly (extra shout out to Liam Pearce for this showstopper) will ensure you leave the theatre with a tear in your eye and then a smile on your face. After all, with everything going on in the world, we can all use an escape for a few hours that will just make us feel and smile.
5.) How To Break Down Barriers:
How To Dance In Ohio tells the stories and experiences of autistic people at varied levels and highlights the strengths of these individuals, while acknowledging the challenges that they may face. While centered on the experiences of autistic teenagers and focusing on the ensemble cast, the show explores the peripheral relationships potentially impacted by an autism diagnosis. Be that family members, teachers, counselors, bystanders – all perspectives are thought about and discussed. By the conclusion of the show, the audience empathizes with any struggle and revels in every win – no matter how big or small. One thing that is guaranteed – there was a communal better understanding of some experiences of autistic people. Everyone dances to their beat – and that’s more than okay! It’s celebrated!
Grab your corsage and your finest dancing shows and shuffle on down to The Belasco Theatre! Visit https://howtodanceinohiomusical.com/ for more information.