This November, a new Broadway show hit the market in the midtown streets of NYC. Directed by Sammi Cannold, the musical How to Dance in Ohio made its way onto the Broadway train and opened its doors for people to attend. Taking place in Columbus, Ohio at a counseling center, a group of autistic young adults decide to prepare for the dance of a lifetime. With the help of their counselor, Dr. Amigo, an annual spring formal is planned for the seven of them. How to Dance in Ohio is a laughter filled, heartwarming story that will be sure to flip your emotions up, down, left, right, and any other kind of way with its many joyful and laugh out loud scenes, as well as its twists and heart-breaking encounters. 

The show blasts off to a quick start with a vibrant and lively opening song, “Today Is.” This was an incredible way to open up the show as the stage is filled with colors of all sorts, a variety of stunning objects and props, and beautiful singing voices. There, the audience is first introduced to the spectacular seven: Drew, who just sent his admission letter to the University of Michigan; Tommy, who wants to get his license to drive his brother’s truck; Caroline, who’s excited about her new boyfriend Jay; Mel, who wants to get a higher job position at the pet store she works at; Remy, who makes YouTube videos and blogs about her clothing designs; Jessica, who can’t wait to finally get out of her mother’s house; and Marideth, who recently joined the other six in group counseling. The first act is then followed by solo songs from Ashley, Marideth, Caroline, and Drew.

The play features autistic actors playing the main characters, which adds a big sense of realism, making it easier for the audience to connect to the show. Remy’s character, played by Desmond Luis Edwards, had a vibrant and electric personality all throughout the show. Her character helps light up the show with her humor and overall relatability, seeing as she tries to blog and make YouTube videos–something that is very popular today. Furthermore the use of they/them pronouns with Imani Russel’s character Mel adds a relatable aspect to the story. Each of the characters had their own different personalities, which is what helped make the show so enjoyable, keeping it from becoming bland or boring to watch. The first act concludes with style, as the dance is right around the corner: everyone is buying their dresses and suits, doing their makeup, and asking their crushes to go with them. It’s a great way to end the first half of the show, leaving the audience at the edge of their seats and waiting patiently for the second act. 

After the great first act, the second act kicks off just as electrifying with Madison Kopec, who played Marideth’s song “Drift.” Liam Pearce’s character, Drew, also began to shine in the second act, with his vivacious character enlivening the audience. The bonds between the characters become more developed as well, as some of the characters, like Dr. Amigo and Ashley, Drew and Marideth, Jessica, and Caroline, go through many ups and downs with their relationships that ultimately make the show more engaging. In this act, the plot of the story expanded a substantial amount, from a tragedy happening with the dance and everyone thinking that it’s over, to it all working out in the end and the dance being successful. The second act wrapped up perfectly with all the characters coming together in “The Second Chance Dance.”

After the curtains closed and the lights were turned back on, it was safe to say that this show exceeded expectations. The emotions were high and constantly changing: from happy to sad to confused, this show made viewers laugh, cry and wonder. The show was very realistic with its inclusion of elements such as nonbinary identities, blogging, defiance of stereotypes, and more. Each character and their development was unique in their very own way, including the in-depth relationships between the characters. Additionally, its challenging of stereotypes helped it resonate with the audience more and made the show seem more realistic; it presented the idea that regardless of a person’s disability, they can still do things like anyone else could. The show is set to leave previews on December 10th, 2023–a ticket will definitely be worth the purchase. This show will keep you on the edge of your seat and will fill you with all sorts of emotions. It is a spring formal that everyone should be able to attend.