Photos: Real-Life Counterparts of How to Dance in Ohio Characters Walk the Carpet on Opening Night

The Broadway production of How To Dance in Ohio opened at the Belasco Theatre on Sunday, December 10.

Based on the HBO documentary by Alexandra Shiva, How to Dance in Ohio is about a group of autistic young adults preparing for their spring formal. It features music by Jacob Yandura, book and lyrics by Rebekah Greer Melocik, choreography by Mayte Natalio, musical direction by Lily Ling, and direction by Sammi Cannold. Originally developed with Harold Prince, it had its world premiere in the fall of 2022 at Syracuse Stage.

In the parts of the real-life autistic young adults featured in the HBO documentary, are a cast of seven autistic actors, all reprising the roles they played at Syracuse Stages, and making their Broadway debuts: Desmond Luis Edwards as Remy, Amelia Fei as Caroline, Madison Kopec as Marideth, Liam Pearce as Drew, Imani Russell as Mel, Conor Tague as Tommy, and Ashley Wool as Jessica. Caesar Samayoa costars as psychologist Dr. Emilio Amigo and Cristina Sastre plays his daughter Ashley Amigo. Completing the cast are Haven Burton as Terry, Darlesia Cearcy as Johanna, Jean Christian Barry, Collin Hancock, Hunter Hollingsworth, Marina Jansen, Ayanna Thomas, Marina Pires, Carlos L. Encinias, Nick Gaswirth, Melina Kalomas, and Martín Solá.

The creative team includes scenic designer Robert Brill, costume designer Sarafina Bush, lighting designer Bradley King, and sound designer Connor Wang. Orchestrations are by Bruce Coughlin.