How to Dance in Ohio on Broadway Tickets

By: Rebekah Greer Melocik, based on the documentary by Alexandra Shiva
Songs by: Jacob Yandura (music) and Rebekah Greer Melocik (lyrics)
Director: Sammi Cannold
Choreography: Mayte Natalio
Cast list: Desmond Edwards (as Remy), Amelia Fei (as Caroline), Madison Kopec (as Marideth), Liam Pearce (as Drew), Imani Russell (as Mel), Conor Tague (as Tommy), Ashley Wool (as Jessica), Haven Burton (as Terry), Darlesia Cearcy (as Johanna), Caesar Samayoa (as Dr. Emilio Amigo), Cristina Sastre (as Ashley Amigo), Carlos L Encinias, Nick Gaswirth, Melina Kalomas, Martín Solá, Jean Christian Barry, Collin Hancock, Hunter Hollingsworth, Marina Jansen, Ayanna Thomas, Marina Pires
Design: Robert Brill
Costumes: Sarafina Bush
Lighting: Bradley King
Sound: Connor Wang
Other info: Orchestrations by Bruce Coughlin, music consultation by Mary-Mitchell Campbell

How to Dance in Ohio based on Alexandra Shiva's Peabody Award-winning documentary, which uplifted viewers with the story of seven autistic young adults preparing for a formal dance, providing a moving and thoughtful look into what coming of age with autism looks like. Now, this joyful story of personal growth, family, and inclusion is a groundbreaking Broadway event: the first musical with an openly autistic cast playing autistic characters. As one of those actors, Conor Tague, told TodayTix: "This is the kind of representation we all need."

The How to Dance in Ohio musical takes place at a counseling center in the capital city of Columbus, where the young adults prepare for a spring dance as part of a social skills workshop for people with autism. In the process, not only do they learn new skills and make progress, but they experience the hallmarks of coming of age — love, stress, confidence, self-discovery — in surprising and extra-meaningful ways.

Bookwriter/lyricist Rebekah Greer Melocik and composer Jacob Yandura had the idea to adapt Shiva's film for the stage. A 2022 world premiere in Syracuse preceded the How to Dance in Ohio Broadway premiere. Sammi Cannold — known for her New York City Center production of Evita — directs, and Mayte Natalio choreographs.

What to watch for

• Legendary director/producer Harold Prince helped edit the script of How to Dance in Ohio and was originally set to direct. Though he died in 2019, his research and artistic contributions remain.
• The entire lead creative team — both writers, director, and choreographer — and the seven lead actors of How to Dance in Ohio are all making their Broadway debuts.
• All seven actors who play autistic characters are autistic.
• How to Dance in Ohio has an autistic creative consultant, Ava Xiao-Lin Rigelhaupt, and a director of community engagement, Becky Leifman, on its production team to ensure the show is accessible to and engaging with audiences, and to tell the stories of its autistic subjects authentically and respectfully.

Please Note

Theatrical smoke/haze is used in this production. The use of cameras, cell phones, and other recording devices during the show is strictly prohibited by law, except when used for accessibility services. No weapons permitted on the premesis. No outside food or beverages, electric scooters, e-bikes, or battery-powered transportation devices, except when medically necessary. All items are subject to inspection & must fit on your lap or completely under your seat without blocking any aisles.