How to Dance in Ohio is heading to Broadway this fall, beginning performances at the Belasco Theatre on November 15, 2023. Take a first listen to the song “Building Momentum” performed by Liam Pearce and look at the beginning of the new musical’s Broadway journey.
Alexandra Shiva’s Peabody Award-winning documentary of the same name, the musical – which features book and lyrics by Rebekah Greer Melocik (she/her), music by Jacob Yandura (he/him), music direction by Lily Ling (she/her), choreography by Mayte Natalio (she/her), and direction by Sammi Cannold (she/her), all making their Broadway debuts – begins previews on November 15, 2023, and celebrates its Opening Night on December 10, 2023. Tickets are now on sale.
In the parts of the real-life autistic young adults featured in the HBO documentary, are a cast of seven autistic actors, reprising their performances from the world premiere engagement and all making their Broadway debuts: Desmond Edwards (he/they) as Remy, Amelia Fei [Yi-Hsuan Fei] (she/her) as Caroline, Madison Kopec (they/she) as Marideth, Liam Pearce (he/him) as Drew, Imani Russell (they/them) as Mel, Conor Tague (he/him) as Tommy, and Ashley Wool (she/her) as Jessica. Also featured in the cast are Broadway veterans Haven Burton (she/her; Shrek the Musical, Violet) as Terry, Darlesia Cearcy (she/her; Shuffle Along, Once On This Island) as Johanna, Carlos L Encinias (he/him; Les Miserables), Nick Gaswirth (he/him; …The Great Comet of 1812), Melina Kalomas (she/her; Young Frankenstein), and Martín Solá (he/him; On Your Feet!) Additional cast will be announced shortly.
Based on the award-winning HBO documentary, How to Dance in Ohio is a heartfelt new musical about the desire to connect and the courage it takes to put yourself out into the world. At a group counseling center in Columbus, Ohio, seven autistic young adults prepare for a spring formal dance—a challenge that breaks open their routines as they experience love, stress, excitement, and independence. How to Dance in Ohio is a story about people on the cusp of the next phase of their lives, facing down hopes and fears, ready to take a momentous first step…and dance.