‘How to Dance in Ohio’ to close on Broadway

The musical, inspired by a Peabody Award-winning documentary, made history by spotlighting autistic experiences and marking numerous Broadway debuts.

How to Dance in Ohio will close on Broadway, playing its final performance at the Belasco Theatre on February 11.

At the time of closing, the musical will have played 99 total performances.

How to Dance in Ohio is based on Alexandra Shiva’s Peabody Award-winning documentary, dramatizing the story of autistic young adults reaching social milestones while preparing for a formal dance at their counseling center. How to Dance in Ohio’s authentic casting and disability inclusion measures, such as the staffing of an autistic creative consultant and various accessibility resources for audiences, made the show historic for Broadway.

"Developing new work is always a risk, but producing this show was an endeavor we eagerly accepted,” the show's producers said in a statement. “We're incredibly proud that this original, joyful, and life-affirming musical has deeply moved countless audience members at the Belasco Theatre and beyond. Broadway has been changed forever because of How to Dance in Ohio and all the artists involved. We look forward to seeing its legacy continue in new and exciting ways."

The musical marked the Broadway debuts of director Sammi Cannold (who took over from Harold Prince following his death during the show's development), writers Rebekah Greer Melocik (book and lyrics) and Jacob Yandura (music), and choreographer Mayte Natalio.

Also making their debuts were the seven autistic actors playing the young adults: Desmond Luis Edwards as Remy, Amelia Fei (Yi-Hsuan Fei) as Caroline, Madison Kopec as Marideth, Liam Pearce as Drew, Imani Russell as Mel, Conor Tague as Tommy, and Ashley Wool as Jessica. They originated their roles in the show’s 2022 pre-Broadway run in Syracuse, New York.

The cast also includes Caesar Samayoa as psychologist Dr. Emilio Amigo, Cristina Sastre as Ashley Amigo, Haven Burton as Terry, and Darlesia Cearcy as Johanna.

Photo credit: The cast of How to Dance in Ohio on Broadway. (Photo by Curtis Brown)