How to Dance in Ohio to End Broadway Run in February

How to Dance in Ohio, the new Broadway musical about a group of autistic teenagers preparing to attend a dance, will play its final performance at the Belasco Theatre on Sunday, February 11. It will have played 27 previews at 72 post-opening performances.

Based on Alexandra Shiva’s 2015 HBO documentary, How to Dance in Ohio in centered on Dr. Emilio Amigo’s therapy group for autistic teens. When Dr. Amigo decides to organize a dance as a way for his patients to practice their social skills, new opportunities and risks abound.

The musical features a book and lyrics by Rebekah Greer Melocik, music by Jacob Yandura, choreography by Mayte Natalio, and direction by Sammi Cannold. All are making their Broadway debuts.

Also making their Broadway debuts are the seven autistic actors who appeared in the show’s world premiere at Syracuse Stage: Desmond Edwards plays Remy, Amelia Fei [Yi-Hsuan Fei] plays Caroline, Madison Kopec plays Marideth, Liam Pearce plays Drew, Imani Russell plays Mel, Conor Tague plays Tommy, and Ashley Wool plays as Jessica.

Caesar Samayoa stars as Dr. Amigo and Cristina Sastre plays his daughter Ashley Amigo. Also featured in the cast are  Haven Burton as Terry, Darlesia Cearcy as Johanna, Carlos L Encinias, Nick Gaswirth, and Melina Kalomas. Completing the cast are Jean Christian Barry, Collin Hancock, Hunter Hollingsworth, Marina Jansen, Martín Solá. Ayanna Nicole Thomas, and Marina Pires.

Despite its struggle to find an audience, How to Dance in Ohio has been called “a vital step in the right direction” by TheaterMania critic Christian Lewis. You can read that full review here.

A cast album is available now.