Interludes

THE HANGOVER REPORT – Emphatically appealing to mainstream Broadway, HOW TO DANCE IN OHIO introduces autistism to wider audiences

• By drediman
• December 11, 2023
• No Comments

Last night, the new musical How to Dance in Ohio opened on Broadway at the Belasco Theatre. Based on Alexandra Shiva’s award-winning HBO series of the same name, the production arrives on the Great White Way having been previously seen regionally at Syracuse Stage last year. The new musical – which features book and lyrics by Rebekah Greer Melocik and music by Jacob Yandura – tells the story of a real life autism counseling center in Columbus, OH, specifically chronicling seven young adults on their continuing journey towards self-realization.

Having just recently seen the tremendously moving musical adaptation of Henry Fraser’s memoir The Little Big Things in the West End on a recent trip to London, I approached How to Dance in Ohio with high expectations. Happily, the feel-good, big-hearted show largely succeeds in its overarching goal to shed light on alternative human experiences that have historically received limited exposure. In its emphatic desire to remain accessible to mainstream culture, the creative team has taken a noticeably safe route – incorporating elements from such familiar shows as Dear Evan Hansen, The Prom, Come from Away, and In the Heights – in its pursuit to appeal to the broadest possible audience. As a result, its depictions of the obstacles faced by the musical’s characters (e.g., mustering the courage to find connection and navigate tricky social interactions) have the slight cadence of an after school special – arguably to the point of underestimating audiences and limiting the performers. Nevertheless, there’s considerable craft in Yandura and Melocik’s pleasant Broadway pop score, which drives the communal A Chorus Line-like narrative forward at a good clip.

Despite my reservations, there’s tremendous heart to it all, particularly as it relates to the performances by the extraordinary cast, many of whom have autism. Especially affecting in supporting roles were Madison Kopec and Imani Russell, whose authentic performances provide audiences keen insight into the complexities of their respective coming-of-age stories. The production has been efficiently directed by Sammi Cannold, who does well to both stay out of the performers’ way, as well as deftly handle the musical’s montage-heavy storytelling.

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HOW TO DANCE IN OHIO
Broadway, Musical
Belasco Theatre
2 hours, 30 minutes (including one intermission)
Open run