HOW TO DANCE IN OHIO Boogies Onto Broadway — Review

“Trust what they say, trust that they know”

For the teens and young adults at the heart of How to Dance in Ohio, a touching new musical which opened Sunday at the Belasco Theatre, depending on kindness is not just a tricky leap of faith with the odd stranger—trust in others often determines their livelihood. Based on Alexandra Shiva’s 2015 documentary of the same name, it follows the weeks of preparation undertaken by a group of autistic individuals ahead of a dance their counselor (Caesar Samayoa) has set up for them as a sort of ultimate social challenge.

Its premise (Rebekah Greer Melocik wrote its book & lyrics) and music (Jacob Yandura) are standard feel-good pop, as the doctor’s methods are called into question as his clients’ paths towards progress hit their requisite bumps before a jubilant finale. But the production’s execution — via Sammi Cannold’s soft, considered direction and its earnest, largely excellent performances – is clear, tender, and triumphant.

And, by casting actual autistic actors to play the roles which call for it, it is also groundbreaking. It’s easy, if dispiriting, to feel cynical about this, in the mire of recent works scrambling for the vainglory of representation at the cost of skill and artistry. But Ohio is direct in its aims and ambitions; lovingly put together for its community’s sake in a way that impacts the larger public’s social change without pandering through righteousness.

So to follow its ensemble’s quest for personal growth is an effortless ask. The focus is on the clients: Drew (Liam Pearce), a charming high school senior considering a STEM degree; Marideth (Madison Kopec), a deeply shy girl coping with the loss of her mother; Remy (Desmond Luis Edwards), who encounters bullies on his cosplay YouTube channel; Caroline (Amelia Fei) and Jessica (Ashley Wool), best friends facing outside romantic challenges; Tommy (Conor Tague), a fedora-wearing goof practicing for his driver’s license; and Mel (Imani Russell), whose tenuous job at a local pet store brings a bevy of social challenges.

The people in their orbit are also on a path towards self-actualization, including the doctor’s daughter (Cristina Sastre), a Juillard dancer benched by a recent injury, and Marideth’s dad (Nick Gaswirth), who mourns how his outgoing wife might have helped their reclusive daughter. Melina Kalomas and Carlos L. Encinias doubles as both reporters dueling to cover the event and Drew’s protective parents, and Haven Burton and Darlesia Cearcy are poignant in their desire for Caroline and Jessica to enjoy their big night out.

The production is charming and its story is compelling, even with a second act which veers (not unenjoyably) into full-throttle soap territory. But, even if one whose ability to be recreated will provide its own set of problems, the honesty this cast brings makes for an unforgettable piece of theatre. 

How to Dance in Ohio is in performance at the Belasco Theatre on West 44th Street in New York City.