Ahead of its upcoming Broadway bow, How to Dance in Ohio is giving audiences a first listen to its score with a new four-track EP. The tracks "Under Control," "Getting Ready for the Dance," "So Much in Common," and "Building Momentum" are now available on streaming services, including Spotify, Apple Music, and iTunes. Previews begin November 15 at the Belasco Theatre with opening night set for December 10.
Listen to the EP below.
Based on Alexandra Shiva's Peabody Award-winning HBO documentary of the same name, the work follows seven autistic young adults preparing for their spring formal dance. Seven autistic actors are making their Broadway debuts in the show, plus a Broadway directorial debut for Sammi Cannold, all continuing from the musical's 2022 world premiere at Syracuse Stage. The work features music by Jacob Yandura and a book and lyrics by Rebekah Greer Melocik, each making their Broadway debuts.
Starring will be Desmond Edwards as Remy, Amelia Fei as Caroline, Madison Kopec as Marideth, Liam Pearce as Drew, Imani Russell as Mel, Conor Tague as Tommy, Ashley Wool as Jessica. Joining them in the cast are Haven Burton (Shrek) as Terry, Darlesia Cearcy (Shuffle Along...) as Johanna, Carlos L Encinias (Les Misérables), Nick Gaswirth (The Great Comet), Melina Kalomas, and Martín Solá, with additional casting to be announced.
The creative team includes 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 will be by Bruce Coughlin, and Scott Rowen will serve as production stage manager. Casting is by Benton Whitley and Micah Johnson-Levy of Whitley Theatrical.
To ensure authentic autistic representation on stage, the production will also be working with an accessibility team, including Autistic Creative Consultant Ava Xiao-Lin Rigelhaupt, Director of Community Engagement Becky Leifman, associate producer Jeremy Wein, and assistant music director Nicole D'Angelo.
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.
