The impact of How to Dance in Ohio is continuing to grow, this time thanks to ABC News. Deborah Roberts went behind the scenes of Broadway's new coming-of-age musical to explore how the show is making Broadway history.
Playing the Belasco Theatre, the musical is directed by Sammi Cannold, with music by composer Jacob Yandura and a book and lyrics by Rebekah Greer Melocik. The new show follows the challenges faced by a group of autistic young adults at an Ohio counseling center.
The story particularly hits home for Roberts: She and her husband, Today Show anchor Al Roker, have an autistic son named Nick. To learn more about the groundbreaking new musical, and how its pieces fit together backstage, watch the video below.
How to Dance in Ohio previously enjoyed a world premiere at Syracuse Stage in 2022. Much of that production's cast, which includes autistic actors in the seven principal roles, are reprising their performances for the Broadway run, including Desmond Edwards as Remy, Amelia Fei as Caroline, Madison Kopec as Marideth, Liam Pearce as Drew, Imani Russell as Mel, Conor Tague as Tommy, and Ashley Wool as Jessica. All seven make their Broadway debuts with the musical.
The cast also includes Caesar Samayoa (Come From Away) as Dr. Emilio Amigo, Cristina Sastre as Ashley Amigo, Haven Burton (Shrek) as Terry, Darlesia Cearcy (Shuffle Along...) as Johanna, Carlos L Encinias (Les Misérables), Nick Gaswirth (The Great Comet), Melina Kalomas, Martín Solá, Jean Christian Barry (Stranger Sings), Collin Hancock, Hunter Hollingsworth, Marina Jansen, Ayanna Thomas, and Marina Pires.
WATCH: See Madison Kopec Sing 'Unlikely Animals' From How to Dance in Ohio
The creative team from the world premiere continued with the show to the Main Stem, including choreographer Mayte Natalio, music director Lily Ling, scenic designer Robert Brill, costume designer Sarafina Bush, lighting designer Bradley King, and sound designer Connor Wang. Orchestrations are by Bruce Coughlin, and Scott Rowen serves as production stage manager. Casting is by Benton Whitley and Micah Johnson-Levy of Whitley Theatrical. ShowTown Theatricals serves as general manager, and Mary-Mitchell Campbell is a music consultant.
To ensure authentic autistic representation on stage, the production also works with an accessibility team, including Autistic Creative Consultant Ava Xiao-Lin Rigelhaupt, Director of Community Engagement Becky Leifman, associate producer Jeremy Wein, and script consultant Nicole D'Angelo.
READ: How To Dance in Ohio Is Making Sure the Show Is Sensory Friendly Onstage and Off
Producers are P3 Production's Ben Holtzman, Sammy Lopez, and Fiona Howe Rudin; and Level Forward. The musical was originally developed with the late Harold Prince and is dedicated to his work on the project.
Visit HowtoDanceinOhioMusical.com.
Company of How To Dance In Ohio
Company of How To Dance In Ohio
Company of How To Dance In Ohio
Liam Pearce and cast ofin How To Dance In Ohio
Company of How To Dance In Ohio
Company of How To Dance In Ohio
Ashley Wool and cast of How To Dance In Ohio
Caesar Samayoa and cast of How To Dance In Ohio
Liam Pearce and cast of How To Dance In Ohio
Darlesia Cearcy and Haven Burton in How To Dance In Ohio
Desmond Luis Edwards and cast of How To Dance In Ohio
Madison Kopec and cast of How To Dance In Ohio
Company of How To Dance In Ohio
Company of How To Dance In Ohio
Madison Kopec, Liam Pearce, and cast of How To Dance In Ohio
Company of How To Dance In Ohio
