Broadway is taking inclusion to an astronomically beautiful level with the new musical “How To Dance In Ohio” at the Belasco Theatre on West 44th Street in Manhattan. This musical is about and features a cast of seven young autistic actors: Desmond Luis Edwards who plays Remy; Imani Russell who plays Mel; Madison Kopec who portrays Marideth; Liam Pearce who plays Drew; Amelia Fei who plays Caroline; Ashley Wool who plays Jessica; and Conor Tague who plays Tommy. All are making their Broadway debuts. Each character is distinctly different when it comes to their autism hammerming how the dangers of assumptions and generalizations; each person is very different. “How To Dance In Ohio” tells the story of a therapy group of autistic youth who are in high school and struggling to deal with the challenges of everyday life, love, friendship and acceptance. These are young people who are not used to socializing and along with Dr. Amigo, who runs the group, decide that a rite of passage is to have a dance.
This musical not only tells the story of the autistic youth from their perspective, it allows audiences to also see the lives of the parents of autistic youth and realize how much patience, love and understanding they have to maintain. Autistic people are intelligent, loving, caring, and need to be able to deal with the world on their own terms, as we all need to do. They are not here to be judged or pitied, but just want to be accepted for who they are. They understand their weak points, but also their strengths. This musical is absolutely beautiful to experience! This sensitive, lovely production is based on the documentary movie by the same name done by Alexandra Shiva. So, it is based on a true story. It has a splendid book and lyrics by Rebekah Greer Melocik, music by Jacob Yandura, choreography by Mayte Natalio and direction by Sammi Cannold.
When the group members decide to have a dance, that’s when the anxiety comes in and Dr. Amigo helps them work through it. These students and their parents have very delicate and touching relationships that warm your heart to witness. The outside world though does not understand how to react to these youth coming together for a dance and is cruel with regards to the idea. This musical shouts out: stop judging what you don’t understand!
The seven starring actors do a fantastic job on stage, whether acting, singing or dancing have a great deal to be proud of! “How To Dance In Ohio” is daring, dynamic and delightful! The seven autistic actors are joined by Caesar Samayoa who thoughtfully plays Dr. Amigo; Cristina Sastre, who beautifully portrays his daughter Ashley; Darlesia Cearcy who plays Johanna; and Melina Kalomas and Carlos L. Encinias, who both play multiple roles.
This is a musical that the entire family should see together. Also the show is geared to accommodate people with autism who may be in the audience; there are special functioning stations available during the show. For tickets go to www.howtodanceinohiothemusical.com.